In the context of the Bible, the term "messes" refers to portions of food, particularly in a communal or ceremonial setting. The concept of sharing meals and the distribution of food is significant in biblical narratives, symbolizing fellowship, provision, and sometimes favoritism or special honor.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable references to "messes" is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 43:34 , during a meal in Egypt, Joseph, who was then a powerful official, provided portions for his brothers: "When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with him." This act of giving Benjamin a larger portion was a sign of special favor and affection, reflecting Joseph's deep bond with his only full brother.

The distribution of food portions also appears in the context of sacrificial meals. In 1 Samuel 1:4-5 , Elkanah, the husband of Hannah, is described as giving portions to his family during a sacrificial feast: "Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb." Here, the "double portion" signifies Elkanah's love and compassion for Hannah, despite her barrenness.

Symbolism and Significance

The act of distributing messes or portions in the Bible often carries deeper symbolic meanings. It can represent God's provision and blessing, as seen in the miraculous feeding narratives, such as the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16) or the feeding of the multitudes by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14).

In a broader sense, the sharing of meals and the allocation of portions can also reflect social and familial dynamics. It can highlight themes of favoritism, as seen in the account of Joseph, or themes of love and care, as demonstrated by Elkanah's actions toward Hannah.

New Testament Context

While the specific term "messes" is not commonly used in the New Testament, the concept of sharing meals and the significance of food portions continue to play a vital role. The Last Supper, for instance, is a profound example of a shared meal with deep spiritual significance, where Jesus breaks bread and shares wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood (Luke 22:19-20).

The early Christian community is also depicted as sharing meals and resources, emphasizing unity and fellowship among believers. Acts 2:46 describes the early church: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart."

Conclusion

In summary, the concept of "messes" in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of provision, favor, love, and community. Whether in the context of familial relationships, sacrificial feasts, or communal gatherings, the distribution of food portions serves as a powerful symbol of God's care and the bonds that unite His people.

But Here Stupidity Has Proceeded to Such a Length as to Give a ...
... [11] French, "Mais encore qu'ils taschent de laver leur mains d'un si vilain sacrilege,
d'autant qu'il ne se commet point en leurs messes ni en leurs vespres ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 22 but here stupidity.htm

Antiquity of Moses.
... And after him his son Armais, 30 years 1 month. After him Messes, son of Miammus,
6 years, 2 months. After him Rameses, 1 year 4 months. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xx antiquity of moses.htm

Chapter twenty-six
... purpose almost bewildered him. "Martha can help at the Settlement with her
violin and I will help with my messes. You see, I thought ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-six.htm

"Pan, Pan is Dead"
... So we press through the crowd, diving under mat sheds and among unspeakable messes,
heaps of skins on either side, and one hardly knows what under every foot ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxiii pan pan is.htm

The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and ...
... hands.' (Psa.23:5) I bless thee that these bounties of thy providence do not serve,
as it were, to upbraid a disabled appetite, and are not like messes of meat ...
/.../chapter xxvii the advanced christian.htm

Loving Advice for Anxious Seekers
... you have helped him many times, and will again, but still you upbraid him and tell
him he is very imprudent; he ought not to get into these messes; he ought to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/loving advice for anxious seekers.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five
times so much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And from his table Joseph sent them messes; But in a larger manner he expresses
To Benjamin his kindness, which was such, That he appointed him five times as ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Messes (1 Occurrence)
...Messes (1 Occurrence). Genesis 43:34 And he took and sent messes unto them from
before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. ...
/m/messes.htm - 6k

Mess (3 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Genesis 43:34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him:
but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. ...
/m/mess.htm - 8k

Cummin (3 Occurrences)
... while they omitted the weightier matters of the law." "It is used as a spice, both
bruised, to mix with bread, and also boiled, in the various messes and stews ...
/c/cummin.htm - 9k

Steward (23 Occurrences)
... vessels, the captain's steward, wardroom steward, steerage steward, warrant officers
steward, etc., are petty officers who provide for the messes under their ...
/s/steward.htm - 21k

Meal-time (1 Occurrence)
... may be sure, were in such matters in no way behind their modern kinswomen of the
desert, of whom Doughty tells: "The Arab housewives make savory messes of any ...
/m/meal-time.htm - 24k

Mealtime (1 Occurrence)
... may be sure, were in such matters in no way behind their modern kinswomen of the
desert, of whom Doughty tells: "The Arab housewives make savory messes of any ...
/m/mealtime.htm - 24k

Meals (8 Occurrences)
... may be sure, were in such matters in no way behind their modern kinswomen of the
desert, of whom Doughty tells: "The Arab housewives make savory messes of any ...
/m/meals.htm - 27k

Messengers (182 Occurrences)

/m/messengers.htm - 36k

Messiah (9 Occurrences)

/m/messiah.htm - 43k

Why are Christians so mean? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to bear one another's burdens? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus