Genesis 43:31
Genesis 43:31 in Multiple Translations
Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.”
And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.
And he washed his face, and came out; and he refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.
Then, after washing his face, he came out, and controlling his feelings said, Put food before us.
Then he washed his face, got his emotions under control, and went back out. “Serve the food,” he ordered.
Afterward he washed his face, and came out, and refrained himselfe, and sayd, Set on meate.
and he washeth his face, and goeth out, and refraineth himself, and saith, 'Place bread.'
He washed his face, and came out. He controlled himself, and said, “Serve the meal.”
And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.
And when he had washed his face, coming out again, he refrained himself, and said: Set bread on the table.
Then, after he washed the tears from his face, he came out, and controlling his emotions, he said to the servants, “Serve the food!”
After a while, Joseph stopped crying. Then he washed his face, and he went back to his brothers. And Joseph tried to be strong, so that he did not cry again. He said to his workers, “Bring the food that you made, so that we can eat it.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 43:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 43:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרְחַ֥ץ
פָּנָ֖י/ו
וַ/יֵּצֵ֑א
וַ/יִּ֨תְאַפַּ֔ק
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
שִׂ֥ימוּ
לָֽחֶם
וַ/יִּרְחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
וַ/יֵּצֵ֑א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּ֨תְאַפַּ֔ק
ʼâphaq
H662
to refrain
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שִׂ֥ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 43:31
וַ/יִּרְחַ֥ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֑א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
וַ/יִּ֨תְאַפַּ֔ק
ʼâphaq
H662
"to refrain"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to restrain or abstain from something, often used in the context of self-control or discipline. It can also mean to force oneself to do something, as seen in the actions of those who persevere through difficult times.
Definition: 1) to hold, be strong, restrain, hold back 1a) (Hithpael) 1a1) to restrain oneself, refrain 1a2) to force, compel oneself
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: force (oneself), restrain. See also: Genesis 43:31; Esther 5:10; Isaiah 42:14.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שִׂ֥ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 43:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 43:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:31
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:31
- Sermons on Genesis 43:31
Context — Joseph’s Hospitality to His Brothers
29When Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Then he declared, “May God be gracious to you, my son.”
30Joseph hurried out because he was moved to tears for his brother, and he went to a private room to weep.
31Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.”
32They 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. 33They were seated before Joseph in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and the men looked at one another in astonishment.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 45:1 | 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. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:10 | For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. |
| 3 | Isaiah 42:14 | “I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 31:16 | This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy. |
Genesis 43:31 Summary
[This verse shows that even though Joseph was a powerful leader in Egypt, he was still a person with feelings and emotions, just like us. He had to take a moment to calm down before he could interact with his brothers, which is something we can all relate to. As it says in Proverbs 16:32, self-control is an important part of being a good leader. By taking a moment to compose himself, Joseph was able to be a good host and take care of his brothers, which is an example for us to follow.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph need to regain his composure before speaking to his brothers?
Joseph was overcome with emotion at the sight of his brother Benjamin, and he needed a moment to compose himself before interacting with his brothers, as seen in Genesis 43:30 where he hurried out to weep.
What does it mean that Joseph 'washed his face' in this verse?
Washing his face was likely a way for Joseph to refresh himself and hide the tears he had shed in private, allowing him to present a calm demeanor to his brothers, much like King David's efforts to compose himself in Psalm 42:11.
Is there any significance to Joseph saying 'Serve the meal' after regaining his composure?
By saying 'Serve the meal', Joseph was resuming his role as the host and taking control of the situation, which was important for maintaining his cover as an Egyptian leader, as seen in Genesis 41:41 where Pharaoh appointed Joseph as a leader.
How does Joseph's emotional response relate to his character as a leader?
Joseph's emotional response shows that he was still deeply connected to his family and heritage, despite his position of power in Egypt, much like Jesus' compassion for the crowds in Matthew 9:36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have had to compose myself in order to interact with others, and how did I handle those situations?
- How can I balance my emotional responses with my responsibilities, like Joseph did in this verse?
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of self-control and emotional intelligence in leadership?
- In what ways can I, like Joseph, use my position or influence to serve and care for others?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:31
And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:31
Genesis 43:31 And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.Ver. 31. Set on bread.] Which the Latins call panis of ðáí, either because all covet it, or because whatever else the cheer be, men always set on bread. Isidor., lib. xx.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 43:31
(31) He washed his face.—This was done to remove all traces of his tears.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:31
31. he refrained himself] Joseph’s effort of self-constraint broke down in Genesis 45:1. Set on bread] As we should say, “serve up dinner.”
Sermons on Genesis 43:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
One Messiah, Two Comings by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting a verse from the Bible that declares the power and authority of the Lord. He then relates this verse to the current situation in Jerus |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 43:31-34 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. He highlights the moment when Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after yea |
|
The Power of Forgiveness by Scott Volk | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a criminal who steals from a priest and knocks him out. The next day, the criminal is caught by the police and accuses the priest of |
|
The Wrath of God Lessons From Scripture by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the contemplation of the wrath of God as a means to develop compassion for the lost and to make unbelievers take notice. The speaker also hig |
|
Starving the Work of Christ by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of bitterness, drawing from the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers. It highlights the power of forgiveness t |
|
Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall | This sermon focuses on the powerful message of total forgiveness as exemplified by the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of bittern |
|
From the Death of Isaac to the Exodus Out of Egypt by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the reunion of Joseph with his brothers and father Jacob in Egypt, highlighting the forgiveness, reconciliation, and generosity displayed by Joseph toward |