Genesis 43:31

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

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 Then Joseph looked at his brother Benjamin, the son of his own mother. “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Joseph asked. “May God be gracious to you, my son.”

30 Then Joseph hurried from the room because he was overcome with emotion for his brother. He went into his private room, where he broke down and wept.

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

32 The waiters served Joseph at his own table, and his brothers were served at a separate table. The Egyptians who ate with Joseph sat at their own table, because Egyptians despise Hebrews and refuse to eat with them.

33 Joseph told each of his brothers where to sit, and to their amazement, he seated them according to age, from oldest to youngest.