And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.

GENESIS 43:31KJV
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Genesis 43:31 (KJV)

What does Genesis 43:31 mean?

Genesis 43:31 shows Joseph regaining control of his emotions before returning to his brothers. He then directs that a meal be served, continuing to act as the Egyptian official they do not yet recognize.

After weeping in private in verse 30, Joseph washes his face and comes back out. His command, “Set on bread,” calls for food to be brought to the table.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 43:31

  • “refrained” — אָפַק (ʾafaq): The word carries the sense of holding oneself back or exercising self-control. Here it describes Joseph containing the emotion that had just moved him to tears.
  • “bread” — לֶחֶם (leḥem): The word can refer to bread or food more generally. In Joseph’s command, it points to the meal being prepared for those present.

Why Genesis 43:31 matters

  • Joseph’s composure helps explain why his brothers remain unaware of who he is. He had recognized them earlier, but they had not recognized him (Genesis 42:8).
  • Joseph’s order begins a meal with a careful seating arrangement. In verse 32, Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians eat separately, which helps the reader see the social divisions at the table.
  • The meal also keeps Benjamin in view. Joseph gives Benjamin a much larger portion than the others receive (Genesis 43:34), drawing attention to the brother whose presence had stirred his emotions.

Where else these words appear

“refrained” Hebrew H662 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 45:1 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.
  • Esther 5:10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
  • Isaiah 63:15 Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?

“washed” Hebrew H7364 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • Leviticus 15:6 And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
  • Judges 19:21 So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.