27 He asked them how they were, and then he said, "How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?"
27 And he asked them of their welfare,
27 And he inquired about their welfare and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"
27 Joseph welcomed them and said, "And your old father whom you mentioned to me, how is he? Is he still alive?"
27 Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?"
27 After greeting them, he asked, "How is your father, the old man you spoke about? Is he still alive?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 43:27
Commentary on Genesis 43:26-34
(Read Genesis 43:26-34)
Observe the great respect Joseph's brethren paid to him. Thus were Joseph's dreams more and more fulfilled. Joseph showed great kindness to them. He treated them nobly; but see here the early distance between Jews and gentiles. In a day of famine, it is enough to be fed; but they were feasted. Their cares and fears were now over, and they ate their bread with joy, reckoning they were upon good terms with the lord of the land. If God accept our works, our present, we have reason to be cheerful. Joseph showed special regard for Benjamin, that he might try whether his brethren would envy him. It must be our rule, to be content with what we have, and not to grieve at what others have. Thus Jesus shows those whom he loves, more and more of their need. He makes them see that he is their only refuge from destruction. He overcomes their unwillingness, and brings them to himself. Then, as he sees good, he gives them some taste of his love, and welcomes them to the provisions of his house, as an earnest of what he further intends for them.