Why Was Eating with the Hebrews an Abomination to the Egyptians?

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Genesis 43:32 states: “So they served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who were eating with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, for that is detestable to the Egyptians.” This verse highlights the deep cultural and social divisions that existed between the Egyptians and the Hebrews. The Egyptians’ refusal to dine with foreigners, particularly Hebrews, was not a matter of mere preference but stemmed from religious prejudice, social hierarchy, and the Egyptian view of shepherding as an undesirable occupation.

What Cultural and Religious Factors Contributed to This Prejudice?

The Egyptians maintained strict social divisions, and their religious beliefs reinforced these distinctions. The term “abomination” (toʿevah in Hebrew) signifies something loathsome or detestable, often in a religious or ritual sense. The Egyptians likely viewed foreign customs, including Hebrew dietary practices, as impure.

Religious Exclusivity – Egyptian religious practices were deeply ingrained in their daily lives, and their priests adhered to strict purity laws. Foreigners, including the Hebrews, did not observe these customs, leading to the belief that eating with them could cause ritual defilement. The Egyptians had an elaborate system of dietary restrictions and temple purity, and anything outside their accepted religious framework was seen as unclean.
Animal Sacrifices and Egyptian Worship – The Hebrews, like other Semitic peoples, practiced animal sacrifice, which was offensive to the Egyptians. Many Egyptian deities, such as Apis (the sacred bull) and Khnum (a ram-headed god), were represented as livestock. The slaughter of these animals for consumption may have been considered sacrilegious. This is why later, in Genesis 46:34, Joseph advised his brothers to emphasize their occupation as shepherds, knowing that the Egyptians would want to keep them separate.

Why Did the Egyptians Detest Shepherds?

Genesis 46:34 states: “You must say, ‘Your servants have been men of livestock from our youth until now, both we and our ancestors,’ so that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is detestable to the Egyptians.” The Egyptians’ disdain for shepherds had multiple layers of cultural, economic, and social reasoning:

Social Class Prejudice – The Egyptian society was highly stratified. Agriculturalists and landowners occupied a higher status than nomadic or semi-nomadic herdsmen. Shepherds were associated with lower-class laborers, and their lifestyle was perceived as primitive compared to the settled farming communities of Egypt.
Land Ownership and Agricultural Priorities – Egypt was heavily dependent on agriculture, which thrived due to the annual flooding of the Nile. The limited fertile land was carefully managed for crops, and the presence of nomadic shepherds seeking pasture for their flocks was seen as a threat to land use. Egyptians likely viewed shepherds as a nuisance or even as economic competitors.
Foreign Invasions by Shepherd Kings – Some scholars suggest that Egyptian disdain for shepherds may have been influenced by historical conflicts. The Hyksos, a Semitic people who once ruled Egypt (ca. 1720–1570 B.C.E.), were often associated with herding and nomadic lifestyles. Their rule left a negative legacy in Egyptian memory, possibly contributing to the Egyptians’ general aversion to shepherding peoples.

How Did Joseph Navigate This Cultural Barrier?

Joseph, being fully aware of Egyptian customs, strategically maintained separation between his Hebrew family and the Egyptian elite. His decision to have his brothers settle in Goshen (Genesis 47:6) ensured that they could continue their pastoral way of life without interference. Furthermore, Joseph dined separately from both the Egyptians and his brothers, respecting their customs while maintaining his authority as Pharaoh’s second-in-command.

The Egyptians’ view of Hebrews as unclean foreigners reveals the broader theme of separation between God’s people and the pagan nations surrounding them. This concept appears repeatedly in Scripture, particularly in the Mosaic Law, where Israel was instructed to remain distinct from the idolatrous customs of the nations (Leviticus 20:26).

Conclusion

The Egyptians’ refusal to eat with Hebrews in Genesis 43:32 was deeply rooted in religious and social prejudices. Their dietary laws, disdain for shepherds, and historical experiences shaped this aversion. Joseph, understanding these cultural dynamics, used them to the advantage of his family, securing for them a separate land in Goshen. This account foreshadows the broader biblical theme of God’s people being distinct from the surrounding nations, a principle later emphasized in the laws given to Israel.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).