Genesis 43:31

31 He washed his face, came back, pulled himself together, and said, "Set out the dinner."

Genesis 43:31 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:31

And he washed his face
From the tears on it, that it might not be discerned that he had been weeping: and went out;
of his chamber into the room again, where his brethren were: and refrained himself;
from weeping, or showing any excess of passion, love, joy and said, set on bread;
gave orders to his servants to bring in dinner, and set it upon the table; bread, as before, being put for all kind of food.

Genesis 43:31 In-Context

29 Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother's son, and he said, "Is this your youngest brother whom you told me about? God be gracious to you, my son."

30 Joseph's feelings for his brother were so strong he was about to weep, so he rushed to another room and wept there.

31 He washed his face, came back, pulled himself together, and said, "Set out the dinner."

32 So they set out his food by himself, their food by themselves, and the Egyptians' who ate with him by themselves because Egyptians don't allow themselves to eat with Hebrews; the Egyptians think it beneath their dignity.

33 They were seated in front of him from the oldest to the youngest in their exact birth order, and the men looked at each other with amazement.