Genesis 43:31

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

Genesis 43:31 in Other Translations

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

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

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

31 Then he washed his face, got a grip on himself, and said, "Let's eat."

31 Then he washed his face and came out. Regaining his composure, he said, "Serve the meal."

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 As he looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.”

30 Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.

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

32 They served him by himself, the brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, for that is detestable to Egyptians.

33 The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 45:1; Isaiah 30:18; Isaiah 42:14; Isaiah 63:15; Isaiah 64:12
• 2. S ver 16