And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.

GENESIS 43:24KJV
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Genesis 43:24 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:24 mean?

Genesis 43:24 describes how Joseph’s steward welcomed Joseph’s brothers into his house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys. This verse shows that the brothers were treated with hospitality and care, not as prisoners or enemies.

In this scene, Joseph’s brothers have returned to Egypt during a famine and are brought to Joseph’s house by his steward. The steward’s actions—giving water for washing and food for their animals—reflect the customs of hospitality in the ancient Near East, where welcoming travelers included caring for both people and their animals. This sets the stage for the brothers’ upcoming meal with Joseph and signals that they are being treated with respect.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:24

  • The word for “man” is אִישׁ (ish), which here refers to Joseph’s steward, the servant in charge of the house. The steward acts on Joseph’s behalf, showing the brothers kindness.
  • The word for “provender” is מִסְפּוֹא (mispo), meaning fodder or feed for animals. Including this detail highlights that the brothers’ animals were also cared for, a sign of thorough hospitality.
  • The word for “washed” is רָחַץ (rachats), which means to wash or bathe. Washing feet was a common act of refreshment and welcome for travelers in a dusty land.

Why Genesis 43:24 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Joseph’s brothers were being brought to his house as captives or for punishment; instead, they are treated as honored guests.
  • The attention to both the brothers and their animals emphasizes the completeness of the hospitality, showing respect and care for all their needs.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by building suspense—after their earlier fears, the brothers are surprised by this generous treatment, which prepares for the dramatic events that follow at Joseph’s table.

Where else these words appear

“provender” Hebrew H4554 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 24:25 She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.
  • Genesis 24:32 And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.
  • Genesis 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth.

“washed” Hebrew H7364 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • Leviticus 15:6 And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • Judges 19:21 So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

“asses” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.