Genesis 43:31

31 After he had washed his face, he came out, and controlling himself, he ordered the meal to be served.

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 When Joseph saw his brother Benjamin, he said, "So this is your youngest brother, the one you told me about. God bless you, my son."
30 Then Joseph left suddenly, because his heart was full of tender feelings for his brother. He was about to break down, so he went to his room and cried.
31 After he had washed his face, he came out, and controlling himself, he ordered the meal to be served.
32 Joseph was served at one table and his brothers at another. The Egyptians who were eating there were served separately, because they considered it beneath their dignity to eat with Hebrews.
33 The brothers had been seated at the table, facing Joseph, in the order of their age from the oldest to the youngest. When they saw how they had been seated, they looked at one another in amazement.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.