CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 43:31 Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, "Serve the meal."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/43-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/01_Gen_43_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 43:31 - Joseph's Hospitality to His Brothers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, Serve the meal." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/43-31.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/43-31.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/43.htm">Chapter 43</a> > Verse 31</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/43-30.htm" title="Genesis 43:30">◄</a> Genesis 43:31 <a href="/genesis/43-32.htm" title="Genesis 43:32">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/43.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/43.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />After he had washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, &#8220Serve the food.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/43.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />After washing his face, he came back out, keeping himself under control. Then he ordered, “Bring out the food!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/43.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/43.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/43.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/43.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve the bread.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/43.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, “Serve the meal.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/43.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, &#8220Serve the meal.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/43.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he washed his face, and came out; and he controlled himself and said, “Serve the meal.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/43.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself and said, “Set the meal.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/43.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out, and, restraining himself, said, “Let the meal be served.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/43.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/43.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out. Regaining his composure, he said, &#8220Serve the meal.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/43.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he washed his face, and came out; and he refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/43.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />After washing his face and returning, he was able to control himself and said, "Serve the meal!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/43.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he washed his face, and came out; and he refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/43.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out. He was in control of his emotions when he said, "Serve the food."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/43.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />After he had washed his face, he came out, and controlling himself, he ordered the meal to be served. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/43.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />then washed his face and came out. Barely controlling himself, he ordered his staff to serve the meal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/43.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, ?Serve the meal.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/43.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out. With composure he said, "Set out the food."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/43.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out. And he controlled himself and said, "Serve the food."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/43.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/43.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He washed his face, and came out. He controlled himself, and said, “Serve the meal.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/43.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he washes his face, and goes out, and refrains himself, and says, “Place bread.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/43.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he washeth his face, and goeth out, and refraineth himself, and saith, 'Place bread.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/43.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will wash his face and come forth, and will restrain himself, and will say, Place bread.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/43.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when he had washed his face, coming out again, he refrained himself, and said: Set bread on the table. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/43.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when he had washed his face, coming out again, he composed himself, and he said, “Set out bread.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/43.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />After washing his face, he reappeared and, now having collected himself, gave the order, “Serve the meal.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/43.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and came out; and controlling himself he said, “Serve the meal.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/43.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then he washed his face and went out and controlled his emotions and said, Let us eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/43.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he washed his face and went out, and he was restrained and said that bread would be set out for them.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/43.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he washed his face, and came out; and he refrained himself, and said: 'Set on bread.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/43.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he washed his face and came out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/43-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=11369" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/43.htm">Joseph's Hospitality to His Brothers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>Joseph hurried out because he was moved to tears for his brother, and he went to a private room to weep. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7364.htm" title="7364: way·yir·ḥaṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To wash, wash off or away, bathe. A primitive root; to lave.">Then he washed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">his face</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">and came back out.</a> <a href="/hebrew/662.htm" title="662: way·yiṯ·’ap·paq (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hold, be strong. A primitive root; to contain, i.e. Abstain.">Regaining his composure,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śî·mū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">“Serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: lā·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">the meal.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-1.htm">Genesis 45:1-2</a></span><br />Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/42-24.htm">Genesis 42:24</a></span><br />And he turned away from them and wept. When he turned back and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and had him bound before their eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17</a></span><br />‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm">1 Kings 3:26</a></span><br />Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-11.htm">Nehemiah 1:11</a></span><br />O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Esther 5:1-2</a></span><br />On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. / As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Esther 8:3-6</a></span><br />And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. / The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king. / “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-25.htm">Job 30:25</a></span><br />Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a></span><br />Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:4</a></span><br />a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-9.htm">Isaiah 63:9</a></span><br />In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-20.htm">Jeremiah 31:20</a></span><br />Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-48.htm">Lamentations 3:48-49</a></span><br />Streams of tears flow from my eyes over the destruction of the daughter of my people. / My eyes overflow unceasingly, without relief,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a></span><br />Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a></span><br />When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.</p><p class="hdg">refrained.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/45-1.htm">Genesis 45:1</a></b></br> Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Isaiah 42:14</a></b></br> I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, <i>and</i> refrained myself: <i>now</i> will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/31-16.htm">Jeremiah 31:16</a></b></br> Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.</p><p class="hdg">bread.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/43-25.htm">Genesis 43:25</a></b></br> And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/43-25.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/james/3-8.htm">Controlled</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">Controlling</a> <a href="/genesis/43-9.htm">Face</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Food</a> <a href="/genesis/43-25.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">Refrained</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Refraineth</a> <a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/genesis/40-4.htm">Served</a> <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Washed</a> <a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">Washeth</a> <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Washing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-15.htm">Controlled</a> <a href="/esther/5-10.htm">Controlling</a> <a href="/genesis/44-23.htm">Face</a> <a href="/exodus/23-9.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Food</a> <a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/esther/5-10.htm">Refrained</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Refraineth</a> <a href="/exodus/1-13.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Served</a> <a href="/genesis/49-11.htm">Washed</a> <a href="/genesis/49-11.htm">Washeth</a> <a href="/genesis/49-11.htm">Washing</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 43</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/43-1.htm">Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/43-15.htm">Joseph entertains his brothers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/43-19.htm">They discover their fears to the steward.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/43-26.htm">Joseph makes them a feast.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/43.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/43.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then he washed his face</b><br>In the context of <a href="/genesis/43.htm">Genesis 43</a>, Joseph, who is now a powerful leader in Egypt, is deeply moved upon seeing his brothers, especially Benjamin. Washing his face signifies a moment of personal reflection and emotional control. In ancient Near Eastern culture, washing was often a ritual act of purification, symbolizing a transition from one state to another. This act may also reflect Joseph's desire to maintain his composure and authority before his brothers, who do not yet recognize him.<p><b>and came back out</b><br>Joseph's return to his brothers after washing his face indicates his readiness to engage with them in a composed and authoritative manner. This action demonstrates his ability to balance his personal emotions with his public duties. In the broader narrative, Joseph's interactions with his brothers are part of a divine plan to preserve the family of Israel during a time of famine, highlighting themes of reconciliation and providence.<p><b>Regaining his composure</b><br>Joseph's ability to regain his composure is significant in the context of his role as a leader and his personal journey. It reflects his maturity and self-control, qualities that have developed since his earlier years when he was sold into slavery. This moment also foreshadows the eventual reconciliation with his brothers, as Joseph must navigate his emotions to fulfill God's plan for his family. The theme of composure in the face of emotional turmoil is echoed in other biblical figures, such as David and Daniel, who also demonstrate reliance on God for strength.<p><b>he said, “Serve the meal.”</b><br>The command to serve the meal is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it sets the stage for further interaction between Joseph and his brothers. Meals in the ancient world were significant social events, often symbolizing fellowship and covenant. In this context, the meal serves as a precursor to the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity and the restoration of familial bonds. The act of serving a meal can also be seen as a type of Christ, who provides spiritual nourishment and invites believers to partake in the fellowship of the Lord's Supper, symbolizing unity and reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Joseph is the governor of Egypt and the brother of those who have come to buy grain. He is in a position of power and is testing his brothers' character and repentance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>They have come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. Unbeknownst to them, the Egyptian official they are dealing with is their brother Joseph, whom they sold into slavery years earlier.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The setting of this event, Egypt is where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to seek relief from the famine.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_meal.htm">The Meal</a></b><br>The meal represents a moment of hospitality and potential reconciliation. It is a significant event where Joseph interacts with his brothers without revealing his identity.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_emotional_struggle.htm">Joseph's Emotional Struggle</a></b><br>Before serving the meal, Joseph experiences an emotional struggle, needing to wash his face and regain composure, indicating his deep feelings towards his brothers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/emotional_resilience.htm">Emotional Resilience</a></b><br>Joseph's ability to regain composure teaches us the importance of managing our emotions, especially in challenging situations. We can seek God's strength to help us maintain peace and clarity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_reconciliation.htm">Forgiveness and Reconciliation</a></b><br>Joseph's actions foreshadow his eventual forgiveness of his brothers. We are called to forgive those who have wronged us, following Joseph's example and Christ's teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_as_a_bridge.htm">Hospitality as a Bridge</a></b><br>The act of serving a meal can be a powerful tool for reconciliation and building relationships. We should use hospitality to foster peace and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_trials.htm">God's Sovereignty in Trials</a></b><br>Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership in Egypt demonstrates God's sovereignty and purpose in our trials. Trusting in God's plan can bring hope and perspective in difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_reconciliation.htm">Preparation for Reconciliation</a></b><br>Joseph's need to wash his face and compose himself shows the importance of preparing our hearts for reconciliation. We should seek God's guidance and strength in these moments.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_43.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 43</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_genesis_43_details_match_history.htm">(Genesis 43) Do the narrative details and timelines align with any reliable extra-biblical sources or known historical events in Egypt and Canaan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">Who is the Angel of the Lord?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_43_2_align_with_science.htm">How does Isaiah 43:2 reconcile with the lack of scientific evidence for miraculous protection through waters?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_eating.htm">How does the Bible guide us on healthy eating?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/43.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">He washed his face.</span>--This was done to remove all traces of his tears.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/43.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And he washed his face</span> (an indication of the violence of his weeping), <span class="cmt_word">and went out</span> (from his chamber), <span class="cmt_word">and refrained himself</span> (keeping his tears in check), <span class="cmt_word">and said, Set on bread</span> - an expression used at the present day in Egypt for bringing dinner (Wilkinson, 'Ancient Egyptians,' vol. 2. p. 41, ed. 1878). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/43-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then he washed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְחַ֥ץ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·ḥaṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7364.htm">Strong's 7364: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wash, wash off or away, bathe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his face</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּנָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(pā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and came back out.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצֵ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Regaining his composure,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּ֨תְאַפַּ֔ק</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṯ·’ap·paq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_662.htm">Strong's 662: </a> </span><span class="str2">To contain, abstain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Serve</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂ֥ימוּ</span> <span class="translit">(śî·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the meal.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽחֶם׃</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> </span><span class="str2">Food, bread, grain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/43-31.htm">Genesis 43:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/43-31.htm">OT Law: Genesis 43:31 He washed his face and came out (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/43-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 43:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 43:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/43-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 43:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 43:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>