Bible Strands
Genesis 43:30
Joseph hurried out because he was moved to tears for his brother, and he went to a private room to weep.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Joseph steps away from his brothers immediately after blessing Benjamin, withdrawing to a private room to weep before returning to wash his face and resume control of the meal.
The words — נִכְמְרוּ רַחֲמָיו (nikhmeru rachamav) literally translates as "his compassion grew warm," describing the physical sensation that prompts his hurried exit.
The thread — The verse links his private tears to the earlier weeping in Genesis 42:24, foreshadows the public outburst in Genesis 45:2, and mirrors the divine remembrance language in Jeremiah 31:20.
Why it lands — The text records an uncontrolled emotional break that requires physical withdrawal and face-washing to restore composure, leaving the reader to observe the tension between hidden familial affection and public duty without resolution.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Genesis 42:24 And he turned away from them and wept. When he turned back and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and had him bound before their eyes.
- Jeremiah 31:20 Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.
- Genesis 45:2 But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it.
- Genesis 45:14 Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced.
- 1 Kings 3:26 Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!”
- Hosea 11:8 How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!
- John 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
- Philippians 1:8 God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 2:1 Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
- Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.