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.

GENESIS 43:30KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 43:30 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:30 mean?

Genesis 43:30 describes Joseph being so overcome with emotion at seeing his brother Benjamin that he has to leave the room to weep in private. Joseph’s deep feelings for his brother move him to tears, but he seeks a private place to express them away from others.

In this scene, Joseph is the powerful official in Egypt, but he is also a brother reunited with family he has not seen for many years. The verse shows Joseph’s humanity and the intensity of his love for Benjamin, even though he tries to keep his emotions hidden from those around him.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:30

  • The word "bowels" is רַחֲמִים (rachamim), which often means "compassion" or "deep inner feelings." In ancient Hebrew, strong emotions were described as coming from deep inside, so this word highlights how deeply Joseph is moved.
  • The word "yearn" is נִכְמְרוּ (nikhmeru), which carries the sense of being deeply stirred or moved with longing. This shows Joseph’s overwhelming desire and affection for his brother.
  • The word "weep" is בָּכָה (bakah), meaning to cry or weep. The repetition in the verse emphasizes how strong and uncontrollable Joseph’s feelings are in this moment.

Why Genesis 43:30 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Joseph was cold or detached in his dealings with his brothers; instead, he is shown as deeply emotional and loving.
  • The verse highlights the tension Joseph feels between his public role as an Egyptian leader and his private identity as a brother, which is a key theme in the wider story.
  • Understanding the depth of Joseph’s feelings helps explain his actions in the following verses, as well as the eventual reconciliation with his family.

Where else these words appear

“yearn” Hebrew H3648 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Kings 3:26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
  • Lamentations 5:10 Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.
  • Hosea 11:8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

“chamber” Hebrew H2315 · used in 33 verses

  • Exodus 8:3 And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs:
  • 1 Kings 22:25 And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
  • Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

“bowels” Hebrew H7356 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
  • Psalms 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
  • Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

“haste” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 13:10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.