And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

GENESIS 43:32KJV
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Genesis 43:32 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:32 mean?

Genesis 43:32 describes how Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians all ate separately because Egyptians considered it offensive to eat with Hebrews. The verse highlights a strong cultural boundary: Egyptians would not share a meal with Hebrews, seeing it as something detestable.

In this scene, Joseph is hosting his brothers in Egypt during their second trip to buy grain, but he keeps his identity hidden. The meal arrangement—Joseph by himself, his brothers together, and the Egyptians apart—shows the social divisions and customs of the time. This detail sets the stage for the tension and eventual revelation in the story.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:32

  • אֹכְלִים (okhlim, "eat"): This word is used to describe the act of eating, which in this context is more than just consuming food—it represents social connection and acceptance. The fact that Egyptians refuse to eat with Hebrews underlines the depth of their cultural separation.
  • לֶחֶם (lechem, "bread"): While "bread" often means food in general, here it emphasizes the basic act of sharing a meal, which the Egyptians refuse to do with Hebrews.
  • תּוֹעֵבָה (to‘evah, "abomination"): This word means something detestable or ritually unclean. The Egyptians saw eating with Hebrews as a to‘evah, showing that this was not just a personal preference but a deeply held cultural or religious taboo.

Why Genesis 43:32 matters

  • This verse clears up why Joseph, though a powerful Egyptian official, does not eat with either his brothers or the other Egyptians, highlighting his unique position and the secrecy of his true identity.
  • The mention of Egyptian customs helps readers understand the social and religious barriers that existed between Egyptians and Hebrews, which will later play a role in the story of Israel’s time in Egypt.
  • The detail about eating separately adds tension to the narrative, showing that Joseph’s brothers are outsiders in Egypt and setting up the dramatic events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Egyptians” Hebrew H4713 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 12:12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
  • Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

“Hebrews” Hebrew H5680 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Exodus 2:11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
  • 1 Samuel 4:6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

“abomination” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 46:34 That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.