Genesis 43:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the additional steadfastness he demonstrates, while still cloaking himself in unawareness, so that through the ensuing events he may evaluate their intentions regarding their attitude toward Benjamin.

He proclaimed, "Blessed is this man from God." These phrases are currently found exclusively in Samaritan and Greek manuscripts, as they do not appear in the Hebrew text. However, the legitimacy of the Samaritan and Greek versions is supported by the Hebrew text in Joseph's words to Benjamin (Gen. 43:29). The Egyptians would not dine with the Jews. In fact, not only the Jews but also the Greeks, as noted by Herodotus, faced similar exclusion from the Egyptians. The Egyptians were so concerned about defilement that they avoided eating meat sliced with a Greek knife, apprehensive that it might have been contaminated by cutting a cow, which was considered a holy creature.

"How is your father? Is he in good health?" Joseph's brothers, during their initial encounter, assured him of their integrity, claiming to be the sons of one father from the land of Canaan. They sought to alleviate the doubts Joseph had regarding their intentions, clarifying that they were not spies but rather had come to seek sustenance (Genesis 42:11). Joseph feigned recall of their statements concerning his father and inquired about his wellbeing, all the while concealing how deeply the news of his father's state affected him. - "Blessed be this man unto God," signifying a hope for divine favor upon him.