Genesis 43:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then he washed his face and came out, but he controlled himself as he gave the order to serve the meal.

Berean Standard Bible:

Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.”

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he washed^{H7364} his face^{H6440}, and went out^{H3318}, and refrained^{H662} himself, and said^{H559}, Set on^{H7760} bread^{H3899}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Genesis 43:31

Genesis 43:31 is a verse from the story of Joseph in the Bible. At this point in the narrative, Joseph, who has risen to power in Egypt, is reunited with his brothers who have come to buy grain during a famine. Unbeknownst to them, Joseph is their long-lost brother whom they had sold into slavery years earlier.

**Themes:**
1. **Forgiveness and Reconciliation:** Joseph's actions throughout this encounter with his brothers are laden with emotion and testify to his capacity for forgiveness. Despite their past betrayal, he ultimately seeks reconciliation.
2. **Hospitality:** The verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern value of hospitality. Joseph, in his role, extends generous provisions to his guests, offering them food, which is a sign of goodwill and respect.
3. **Self-Control:** The phrase "washed his face" and "refrained himself" suggests that Joseph took time to compose himself, demonstrating remarkable self-control in the face of overwhelming emotions. This self-restraint is a key theme, as Joseph manages his feelings to navigate the complex situation.

**Historical Context:**
The story of Joseph is set in the context of a severe famine, which was a common and devastating occurrence in the ancient Near East. Joseph's role in Egypt, as a result of his ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and his wise counsel to store grain, places him in a position to help not only Egypt but also his own family.

During this time, Egypt was a regional power with a sophisticated administration and economy, capable of storing surplus grain and distributing it during times of need. The narrative reflects the social customs of the era, including the etiquette of dining and the role of a high-ranking official like Joseph in providing for others.

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative, highlighting his character and the cultural practices of the time, while also foreshadowing the eventual restoration of his relationship with his brothers.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7364
   There are 71 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָחַץ
   Transliteration: râchats
   Pronunciation: raw-khats'
   Description: a primitive root; to lave (the whole or a part of a thing); bathe (self), wash (self).
   
2. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3318
   There are 992 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָצָא
   Transliteration: yâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: yaw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.; [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.
   
4. Strong's Number: H662
   There are 290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָפַק
   Transliteration: ʼâphaq
   Pronunciation: aw-fak'
   Description: a primitive root; to contain, i.e. (reflex.) abstain; force (oneself), restrain.
   
5. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); 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.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7760
   There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שׂוּם
   Transliteration: sûwm
   Pronunciation: soom
   Description: or שִׂים; a primitive root; to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically); [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.
   
7. Strong's Number: H3899
   There are 277 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֶחֶם
   Transliteration: lechem
   Pronunciation: lekh'-em
   Description: from לָחַם; See also בֵּית לְעַפְרָה; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it); (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals.