Dinner

In the older biblical idiom, the "dinner" is the principal meal eaten near the middle of the day rather than the evening meal. The single explicit notice fixes its time at noon and presents it as a host's act of welcome.

A Noon Meal

When Joseph recognizes Benjamin among his brothers in Egypt, he gives orders for hospitality on the spot: "Bring the men into the house, and slay, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon" (Gen 43:16). The verse anchors the meal at midday and locates it inside the host's house, with slaughter and preparation in advance of the guests' arrival.

The Wider Meal Framework

For the structured meal-occasions of Israel — the appointed festivals, sacrificial banquets, and ceremonial feasts that surround Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, and the marriage feast — see Feasts.