Genesis 43:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the steadfastness he demonstrates, yet he veils his understanding, allowing what ensues to reveal their true feelings regarding Benjamin.

And you shall inquire of them, “Are you well?” They responded with encouragement. He then sought information about their father, asking, “Is he still alive?” They offered him reassurance. However, when Joseph beheld his brother Benjamin standing before him in fear and trepidation, his heart was deeply distressed; he longed to embrace and kiss his brother, asking, “Is our father still alive?” The brother replied with trepidation, “Your servant, our father, lives.” Joseph continued with his inquiry, asking, “Does Joseph still occupy your thoughts?” Benjamin responded, “Yes, he is ever-present in my thoughts; his love burns brightly within me.”

How profound the reverence surrounding the feast! There lies a powerful moral example in their display of thoughtfulness and respect. The brothers still harbored doubts about the unfounded allegations they believed Joseph had crafted against them (See Genesis 42:7-20). Nevertheless, he extended an invitation for them to dine with him. Their emotions were unsettled, yet his grace remained steadfast. He was the first to speak, the first to inquire: how are you? And then, he asked: is your father, the elder, in good health? It is typical for someone in a position of authority to engage those of lesser rank in conversation, providing reassurance and showing concern not only for them but also for their family.

"Is your father in good health, who is your father?" When Joseph's brothers first encountered him, they claimed to be honest men, the sons of one father from the land of Canaan, seeking to absolve themselves from Joseph's suspicions regarding their intentions, whether they had come merely to procure food (Genesis 42:11). Joseph feigns ignorance of their previous statements about his father and inquires after his well-being, concealing the significance of this news to him. "Blessed be this man before God," he remarks, signifying a desire for divine favor upon him. Consequently, they bowed down before him, an act of reverence symbolizing their absent father, expressing gratitude for Joseph's regard for him—representing the father’s presence. In this manner, Joseph's dream regarding the adoration of the sun and the moon, signifying his father and mother, came to fruition. Though his mother was not alive, his father effectively assumed her role.