Genesis 43:30

30 Then Joseph {hurried away}, {being overcome with emotion} toward his brother, and sought for [a place] to cry. Then he went into a room and wept there.

Genesis 43:30 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 43:30

And Joseph made haste
To get out of the room where he was with his brethren as fast as he could: for his bowels did yearn upon his brother;
his passions grew strong, his affections were raised, his heart was full of tenderness, and there was such a flow of love and joy at the sight of his brother, and the little conversation he had with him, that he was ready to burst out, and must have discovered himself if he had not immediately turned and got out of the room: and he sought [where] to weep;
a proper place to vent his passion in tears of joy, and relieve himself and he entered into [his] chamber, and wept there;
where he could be the most retired, and not likely to be overheard.

Genesis 43:30 In-Context

28 And they said, "Your servant our father [is] well; he is still alive." And they knelt and bowed down.

29 Then he lifted up his eyes and saw Benjamin his brother, the son of his mother, and said, "Is this your youngest brother of whom you told me?" And he continued, "God be gracious to you, my son."

30 Then Joseph {hurried away}, {being overcome with emotion} toward his brother, and sought for [a place] to cry. Then he went into a room and wept there.

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

32 And they served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who were eating with him by themselves, for Egyptians {could not dine} with Hebrews, because that [was] a detestable thing to Egyptians.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "made haste"
• [b]. Literally "his compassion boiled up"