Genesis 43:29 Meaning and Explanation
“And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Joseph recognizes Benjamin, his full brother, and blesses him with tenderness.
The Context of Genesis 43:29
Joseph identifies Benjamin as his full brother and blesses him warmly.
What Does Genesis 43:29 Mean?
Joseph's gaze turns to Benjamin, and recognition strikes him. 'His brother Benjamin, his mother's son'—the narrative emphasizes the shared parentage. Benjamin is Joseph's only full brother; Simeon and the others are his half-brothers through Leah. Joseph asks if this is the younger brother they mentioned in earlier interrogation, then pronounces a tender blessing: 'God be gracious unto thee, my son.'
Joseph's use of 'my son' is striking—he speaks with familial affection and authority at once. The emotion Joseph has been controlling—his concern for his family, his feelings about being separated from them for years—begins to surface in this encounter with his full brother. Benjamin represents a living connection to Rachel, Joseph's mother, and the family he lost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 43:29
What does Genesis 43:29 mean?
Joseph recognizes Benjamin, his full brother, and blesses him with tenderness.
What is the context of Genesis 43:29?
Joseph identifies Benjamin as his full brother and blesses him warmly.