Genesis 43:31

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Genesis 43:31

Genesis 43:31 is nestled within the compelling narrative of Joseph and his brothers, a story of reconciliation and divine providence. At this point, a severe famine has driven Joseph's brothers from Canaan to Egypt to buy grain. Unbeknownst to them, the powerful vizier in charge of all the land's food supply is their long-lost brother, Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery years prior. In the preceding verses of chapter 43, Joseph has seen his full brother Benjamin for the first time in many years and is so overwhelmed with emotion that he is on the verge of breaking down. The brothers have just been brought to Joseph's house for a meal, a situation that would have filled them with apprehension and confusion. This verse captures Joseph's immediate reaction to the intense emotional reunion, as he struggles to maintain his carefully constructed disguise and continue his plan to test his brothers and ultimately reveal his identity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Emotional Control and Self-Restraint: Joseph's action of washing his face and refraining himself profoundly illustrates the theme of self-mastery. Despite being overcome with emotion at the sight of Benjamin and the complex feelings towards his other brothers, Joseph deliberately chooses to compose himself. This highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and discipline, especially for those in positions of leadership or when navigating sensitive family dynamics.
  • Strategic Patience and Purpose: Joseph's ability to hold back his tears and maintain his disguise is crucial for the unfolding of God's larger plan. His restraint allows him to continue testing his brothers' character and humility, setting the stage for a genuine and complete reconciliation. This demonstrates that sometimes, delaying immediate emotional gratification serves a greater, long-term purpose.
  • Divine Providence at Work: The entire Joseph saga, including this intimate moment of personal struggle, underscores God's intricate hand in human affairs. Joseph's composure, though a personal act, is part of the divine orchestration that will ultimately bring his family to Egypt, preserve them during the famine, and ensure the lineage through which the nation of Israel would grow. Joseph himself later acknowledges that God intended what his brothers meant for evil for good.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "refrained himself" is a powerful translation of the Hebrew verb יִתְאַפַּק (yit'appak), which literally means to hold oneself back, to control oneself, or to restrain one's feelings. It implies a deliberate and strong act of self-discipline, specifically to suppress an outburst of emotion like tears, sorrow, or even anger. This term emphasizes the immense internal effort Joseph exerted to prevent his true identity and overwhelming emotions from spilling out prematurely. It showcases his mental fortitude and strategic resolve in the face of deep personal sentiment.

Practical Application

Genesis 43:31 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Joseph's example teaches us the value of emotional self-control in challenging or highly charged situations. In moments of intense joy, sorrow, or frustration, taking time to compose ourselves—to "wash our face" and "refrain ourselves"—before reacting can lead to more thoughtful decisions and healthier interactions. This verse reminds us that true strength is not the absence of emotion, but the ability to manage and direct it towards a greater, God-honored purpose. Just as Joseph returned to his brothers to "set on bread" after composing himself, we are called to act with clarity and purpose, even after moments of profound vulnerability.

Furthermore, Joseph's story encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances are confusing or emotionally taxing. His journey, from being sold into slavery to becoming Egypt's vizier, highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises. For the powerful moment when Joseph finally reveals his identity, you can read Genesis 45:1.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 45:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • 1 Peter 3:10 (4 votes)

    For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

  • Isaiah 42:14 (3 votes)

    I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, [and] refrained myself: [now] will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.

  • Jeremiah 31:16 (3 votes)

    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.