Genesis 43:25
New International Version
They prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon, because they had heard that they were to eat there.

New Living Translation
They were told they would be eating there, so they prepared their gifts for Joseph’s arrival at noon.

English Standard Version
they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

Berean Standard Bible
Since the brothers had been told that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon.

King James Bible
And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

New King James Version
Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there.

New American Standard Bible
So they prepared the gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there.

NASB 1995
So they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there.

NASB 1977
So they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there.

Legacy Standard Bible
So they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there.

Amplified Bible
So they prepared the present [of tribute] for Joseph before his arrival at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there.

Christian Standard Bible
Since the men had heard that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Since the men had heard that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon.

American Standard Version
And they made ready the present against Joseph's coming at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

Contemporary English Version
The brothers got their gifts ready to give to Joseph at noon, since they had heard they were going to eat there.

English Revised Version
And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They got their gifts ready for Joseph's return at noon, because they had heard they were going to eat there.

Good News Translation
They got their gifts ready to present to Joseph when he arrived at noon, because they had been told that they were to eat with him.

International Standard Version
Then off he went to prepare the honorary meal that was to be made ready for Joseph's arrival at noon, since they had been informed that they were going to be eating there.

Majority Standard Bible
Since the brothers had been told that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon.

NET Bible
They got their gifts ready for Joseph's arrival at noon, for they had heard that they were to have a meal there.

New Heart English Bible
They prepared the gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon, for they heard that they would eat a meal there.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they made ready the present against Joseph should come at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

World English Bible
They prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they prepare the present until the coming of Joseph at noon, for they have heard that there they eat bread.

Young's Literal Translation
and they prepare the present until the coming of Joseph at noon, for they have heard that there they do eat bread.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will make ready the gift at the coming of Joseph at noon: for they heard that they shall eat bread there.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But they made ready the presents, against Joseph came at noon: for they had heard that they should eat bread there.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But they also prepared the gifts, until Joseph entered at midday. For they had heard that they would eat bread there.

New American Bible
Then they set out their gifts to await Joseph’s arrival at noon, for they had heard that they were to dine there.

New Revised Standard Version
they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they had heard that they would dine there.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the men made ready the present before Joseph came at noon; for they heard that they should eat bread there.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they prepared the gift until Yoseph entered at noonday, because they heard that they were eating bread there.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they made ready the present against Joseph's coming at noon; for they heard that they should eat bread there.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they prepared their gifts, until Joseph came at noon, for they heard that he was going to dine there.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph's Hospitality to His Brothers
24And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys. 25Since the brothers had been told that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon. 26When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought, and they bowed to the ground before him.…

Cross References
Genesis 18:1-8
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ...

Genesis 24:31-33
“Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.” / So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions. / Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”

Genesis 19:1-3
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

Genesis 18:6-8
So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.” / Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. / Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.

Genesis 24:32
So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions.

Genesis 43:16-17
When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they shall dine with me at noon.” / The man did as Joseph had commanded and took the brothers to Joseph’s house.

Genesis 45:1-3
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it. / Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence.

Genesis 42:6-7
Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. / And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.”

Genesis 44:1-2
Then Joseph instructed his steward: “Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each one’s silver in the mouth of his sack. / Put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.” So the steward did as Joseph had instructed.

Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. ...

Luke 15:22-24
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. / Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. / For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.

Matthew 22:2-4
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

John 2:1-10
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. / When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” ...

Luke 10:38-42
As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ...

John 12:1-3
Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. / So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. / Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.


Treasury of Scripture

And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

Genesis 43:11,16
And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: …

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Arrival Bread Eat Gifts Heard Joseph Joseph's Meal Middle Noon Prepared Present Ready Word
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Arrival Bread Eat Gifts Heard Joseph Joseph's Meal Middle Noon Prepared Present Ready Word
Genesis 43
1. Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin.
15. Joseph entertains his brothers.
19. They discover their fears to the steward.
26. Joseph makes them a feast.














Since the brothers had been told
This phrase indicates a prior communication or instruction given to Joseph's brothers. In the Hebrew context, the word for "told" (נֶאֱמַר, ne'emar) implies a message that carries authority and expectation. Historically, this reflects the structured communication within ancient Egyptian society, where messages were often delivered with precision and purpose. The brothers' awareness of the plan underscores their obedience and the unfolding of God's providential plan.

that they were going to eat a meal there
The act of sharing a meal in ancient Near Eastern culture was significant, symbolizing fellowship, peace, and reconciliation. The Hebrew word for "meal" (לֶחֶם, lechem) often denotes bread but can represent sustenance in general. This meal foreshadows the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, a pivotal moment in the narrative of Genesis. It is a reminder of the importance of hospitality and the breaking of bread as a means of restoring relationships.

they prepared their gift
The preparation of a gift (מִנְחָה, minchah) reflects the cultural practice of offering presents to show respect or seek favor. In the ancient world, gifts were often used to appease or honor someone of higher status. The brothers' preparation of a gift for Joseph, whom they do not yet recognize as their brother, signifies their attempt to find favor and ensure their safety. This act of giving is a precursor to the ultimate revelation and reconciliation that will occur.

for Joseph’s arrival
Joseph's arrival is anticipated with a sense of importance and expectation. The Hebrew name "Joseph" (יוֹסֵף, Yosef) means "he will add," which is prophetic of Joseph's role in adding to the survival and prosperity of his family. His arrival signifies a turning point in the narrative, where the brothers will unknowingly encounter the brother they sold into slavery. This moment is laden with divine orchestration, as God uses Joseph to fulfill His covenant promises.

at noon
The specific mention of "noon" (צָהֳרַיִם, tsohorayim) highlights the timing of the event. In the ancient world, noon was often the time for the main meal of the day, a time of rest and refreshment. The timing underscores the normalcy and routine of life, even amidst the extraordinary unfolding of God's plan. It serves as a reminder that God works through the ordinary moments of life to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

(25) For they heard . . . --As Joseph in Genesis 43:16 gives his orders in the Egyptian language, his brethren would not understand why they were taken to the governor's palace; but probably the steward now tells them that they were to feast with the governor, in order to allay their fears, as the rights of hospitality were too sacred to permit of perfidy to a guest.

Verse 25. - And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat breadPGBR> there. This must have been communicated to them after they had entered Joseph's palace, since they had obviously not learnt it upon the way thither (vide supra, ver. 18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Since
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

[the brothers] had been told
שָֽׁמְע֔וּ (šā·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they were going to eat
יֹ֥אכְלוּ (yō·ḵə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 398: To eat

a meal
לָֽחֶם׃ (lā·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

there,
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

they prepared
וַיָּכִ֙ינוּ֙ (way·yā·ḵî·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3559: To be erect

their gift
הַמִּנְחָ֔ה (ham·min·ḥāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering

for
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Joseph’s
יוֹסֵ֖ף (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

arrival
בּ֥וֹא (bō·w)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

at noon.
בַּֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִם (baṣ·ṣā·ho·rā·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6672: A light, double light, noon


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OT Law: Genesis 43:25 They made ready the present for Joseph's (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 43:24
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