Genesis 43:31

31 Then he washed his face and came out. He was in control of his emotions when he said, "Serve 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 As Joseph looked around, he saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son. "Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?" he asked. "God be gracious to you, my son," he said.

30 Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, he hurried away, looking for a place to cry. He went into his private room and cried there.

31 Then he washed his face and came out. He was in control of his emotions when he said, "Serve the food."

32 He was served separately from his brothers. The Egyptians who were there with him were also served separately, because they found it offensive to eat with Hebrews.

33 The brothers were seated facing him according to their ages--from the oldest to the youngest. They looked at each other in amazement.