Genesis 43:31 kjv

And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.

Genesis 43:31 nkjv

Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, "Serve the bread."

Genesis 43:31 niv

After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, "Serve the food."

Genesis 43:31 esv

Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, "Serve the food."

Genesis 43:31 nlt

After washing his face, he came back out, keeping himself under control. Then he ordered, "Bring out the food!"

Genesis 43 verses

Genesis 43 31 Meaning

Genesis 43:31 portrays Joseph's intense emotional struggle and his remarkable self-control upon seeing his younger, full brother Benjamin. Having privately wept due to overwhelming affection, he returns, composes himself, and immediately resumes his role as a high official, commanding his servants to prepare the meal. This action underscores his deeply affectionate nature, his disciplined character, and his ongoing strategic plan to test his brothers and prepare for a full revelation.

Genesis 43 31 Context

Genesis 43:31 occurs during the second visit of Joseph’s brothers to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph has specifically insisted on Benjamin being brought to him, testing his brothers’ changed character and care for their youngest brother, particularly after they sold Joseph. When Joseph sees Benjamin, his emotional floodgates open, overwhelmed by affection for his full brother after so many years. The preceding verse describes him rushing to his private chamber to weep unseen. This verse shows his quick return to composure, preparing for a shared meal which would further reveal his testing methods and foreshadow his impending revelation, though not yet. It sets the scene for the dramatic events of the next chapter.

Genesis 43 31 Word analysis

• Then he washed his face (וַיִּרְחַץ פָּנָיו, vayyirḥaṣ panayw):
  • "washed" (רָחַץ, rāḥaṣ): A common Hebrew verb meaning to cleanse. Here, it signifies more than just physical cleaning. It is a physical act that accompanies a psychological and emotional adjustment. Joseph washes away the visible signs of his tears to maintain his disguise and authority before his brothers and household.
  • "his face" (פָּנָיו, panayw): "Face" is often representative of one's presence or identity. Washing it means preparing to present himself anew, composed and authoritative.
• and came out (וַיֵּצֵא, vayyēṣē'):
  • "came out" (יָצָא, yāṣā'): Simply means to exit. He left his private, weeping space and re-entered the public setting where his brothers and servants awaited. It signifies his re-engagement with the present situation.
• and controlling himself (וַיִּתְאַפַּק, vayyiṯ’appaq):
  • "controlling himself" (אַפַּק, ’āpaq): This Hithpael imperfect verb is crucial. It means to restrain oneself, to hold back with considerable effort, to master one's emotions. It indicates a strong act of the will against profound internal desire (to reveal himself or continue weeping). This highlights Joseph’s exceptional self-discipline and his commitment to God’s plan and his strategic test. It suggests the emotional force was significant, requiring a strong counter-force.
• he said (וַיֹּאמֶר, vayyō’mer):
  • "he said" (אָמַר, ’āmar): Standard verb for speaking. His words are now decisive and direct, indicative of someone who has regained full composure and authority.
• 'Serve the bread.' (שִׂימוּ לֶחֶם, śîmū leḥem):
  • "Serve" (שִׂים, śîm): Means to place, set, or prepare. It's a command given to his servants, showing his immediate return to his high administrative duties.
  • "the bread" (לֶחֶם, leḥem): In ancient Near Eastern context and the Hebrew Bible, lehem often means "food" or "a meal" in general, not just a specific loaf of bread. Here, it refers to the entire feast they are about to share. The command signifies the beginning of the meal and return to formal procedures.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then he washed his face and came out": This phrase encapsulates Joseph's private emotional release followed by his calculated decision to resume his public role. The physical act of washing signals a transition from personal grief to public composure, a conscious effort to conceal his turmoil.
• "and controlling himself he said": This sequence emphasizes Joseph’s remarkable inner strength and strategic purpose. The act of "controlling himself" immediately precedes his instruction, demonstrating that his subsequent actions are not impulsive but deliberate and disciplined, despite immense internal pressure. It speaks volumes about his character as a wise ruler.
• "'Serve the bread.'": This final, abrupt command signals his full return to command and the social order of the moment. It brings the narrative back to the mundane reality of the meal, deliberately masking the intensity of the prior emotional event and keeping his brothers unaware of his true identity.

Genesis 43 31 Bonus section

Joseph's self-restraint in this verse can be seen as a facet of wisdom and strategic leadership. He understands that immediate emotional gratification (revealing himself) might derail the deeper, God-ordained purpose of truly testing his brothers and fostering their complete repentance and unity. This control is not just personal discipline but part of his stewardship in God's plan, echoing the biblical principle that there is "a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" (Eccl 3:4), and Joseph chose the proper timing for each. His journey from betrayal to power cultivated not only administrative skill but profound spiritual maturity, enabling such mastery over his own heart.

Genesis 43 31 Commentary

Genesis 43:31 reveals the immense inner struggle and self-mastery of Joseph, a figure molded by God through hardship. After nearly succumbing to emotion at the sight of his long-lost full brother, Benjamin, Joseph's quick withdrawal to weep privately is a testament to his profound love and tenderness. His immediate return, coupled with the potent verb "controlling himself" (וַיִּתְאַפַּק, vayyiṯ’appaq), demonstrates his exceptional discipline and clear-headed commitment to God’s intricate plan for reconciliation. This act is not heartless; rather, it is a calculated measure of a wise ruler who, though deeply moved, knows the opportune time for revelation has not yet come. By immediately commanding the serving of the meal, he skillfully shifts focus, maintaining his authoritative persona and preventing any premature discovery of his identity, essential for testing his brothers’ sincerity and allowing divine providence to unfold naturally. It serves as a profound lesson in self-governance, showing how even intense emotions can be submitted to a higher purpose and divine timing.