Genesis 43:30
New International Version
Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there.

New Living Translation
Then Joseph hurried from the room because he was overcome with emotion for his brother. He went into his private room, where he broke down and wept.

English Standard Version
Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there.

Berean Standard Bible
Joseph hurried out because he was moved to tears for his brother, and he went to a private room to weep.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there.

New American Standard Bible
Joseph then hurried out, for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he looked for a place to weep; so he entered his chamber and wept there.

NASB 1995
Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there.

NASB 1977
And Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred with compassion over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there.

Amplified Bible
Then Joseph hurried out [of the room] because his heart was deeply touched over his brother, and he sought privacy to weep; so he entered his chamber and wept there.

Christian Standard Bible
Joseph hurried out because he was overcome with emotion for his brother, and he was about to weep. He went into an inner room and wept there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joseph hurried out because he was overcome with emotion for his brother, and he was about to weep. He went into an inner room to weep.

American Standard Version
And Joseph made haste; for his heart yearned over his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

Contemporary English Version
Then, because of his love for Benjamin, he rushed off to his room and cried.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, he hurried away, looking for a place to cry. He went into his private room and cried there.

Good News Translation
Then Joseph left suddenly, because his heart was full of tender feelings for his brother. He was about to break down, so he went to his room and cried.

International Standard Version
At this, Joseph hurried out, deeply moved because of his brother, and looked for a place to weep by himself. He entered his personal quarters, wept there awhile,

Majority Standard Bible
Joseph hurried out because he was moved to tears for his brother, and he went to a private room to weep.

NET Bible
Joseph hurried out, for he was overcome by affection for his brother and was at the point of tears. So he went to his room and wept there.

New Heart English Bible
Then Joseph hurried out, for he was overcome with emotion because of his brother, and he was at the point of tears. So he entered into his chamber and wept there.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joseph made haste; for his bowels yearned towards his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

World English Bible
Joseph hurried, for his heart yearned over his brother; and he sought a place to weep. He entered into his room, and wept there.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joseph hurries, for his bowels have been moved for his brother, and he seeks to weep, and enters the inner chamber, and weeps there;

Young's Literal Translation
And Joseph hasteth, for his bowels have been moved for his brother, and he seeketh to weep, and entereth the inner chamber, and weepeth there;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joseph will hasten; for his bowels will move to his brother: and he will seek to weep, and he will go to his store-chamber and will weep there.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he made haste becouse his heart was moved upon his brother, and tears gushed out: And going into his chamber he wept.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he hurried out, because his heart had been moved over his brother, and tears gushed out. And going into his chamber, he wept.

New American Bible
With that, Joseph hurried out, for he was so overcome with affection for his brother that he was on the verge of tears. So he went into a private room and wept there.

New Revised Standard Version
With that, Joseph hurried out, because he was overcome with affection for his brother, and he was about to weep. So he went into a private room and wept there.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joseph made haste; for his heart did yearn for his brother; and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber and wept there.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yoseph made haste, because he showed his affections concerning his brother, and he wanted to weep, and entered the inner room, and he wept there.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joseph made haste; for his heart yearned toward his brother; and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joseph was troubled, for his bowels yearned over his brother, and he sought to weep; and he went into his chamber, and wept there.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph's Hospitality to His Brothers
29When Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, he asked, “Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?” Then he declared, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” 30Joseph hurried out because he was moved to tears for his brother, and he went to a private room to weep. 31Then he washed his face and came back out. Regaining his composure, he said, “Serve the meal.”…

Cross References
Genesis 45:1-2
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it.

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.

Genesis 50:17
‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

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!”

Genesis 37:29-30
When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes, / returned to his brothers, and said, “The boy is gone! What am I going to do?”

Genesis 45:14-15
Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced. / Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him.

Genesis 46:29
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.

Genesis 29:11
Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.

2 Samuel 18:33
The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

John 11:33-35
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.

1 Samuel 20:41
When the young man had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone, fell facedown, and bowed three times. Then he and Jonathan kissed each other and wept together—though David wept more.

2 Kings 4:27
When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.”

John 13:21
After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.”

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.


Treasury of Scripture

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn on his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

his bowels.

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.

Jeremiah 31:20
Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

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.

wept there.

Genesis 42:24
And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.

John 11:33-38
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, …

Acts 20:19,31,37
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: …

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Bowels Chamber Deeply Entered Haste Hasteth Heart Hurried Joseph Joseph's Moved Overcome Quickly Room Seeketh Sight Sought Stirred Towards Weep Weeping Wept Yearn Yearned
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Bowels Chamber Deeply Entered Haste Hasteth Heart Hurried Joseph Joseph's Moved Overcome Quickly Room Seeketh Sight Sought Stirred Towards Weep Weeping Wept Yearn Yearned
Genesis 43
1. Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin.
15. Joseph entertains his brothers.
19. They discover their fears to the steward.
26. Joseph makes them a feast.














Joseph hurried out
The phrase "Joseph hurried out" indicates a sudden and urgent movement. The Hebrew root for "hurried" is "מָהַר" (mahar), which conveys a sense of haste and urgency. This urgency reflects Joseph's deep emotional turmoil and the overwhelming nature of his feelings. Historically, Joseph's position as a high-ranking official in Egypt required him to maintain composure, yet his love for his family, particularly Benjamin, overpowered his professional demeanor. This moment highlights the tension between duty and personal emotion, a common theme in the human experience.

because he was overcome with emotion
The phrase "overcome with emotion" reveals the depth of Joseph's feelings. The Hebrew word "נִכְמְרוּ" (nikmeru) is used here, which can be translated as "yearned" or "was deeply moved." This word choice emphasizes the intensity of Joseph's emotional response. In the broader scriptural context, this moment is a culmination of years of separation and longing for his family, particularly his full brother Benjamin. It underscores the power of familial bonds and the natural human response to reunion and reconciliation.

for his brother
"His brother" specifically refers to Benjamin, Joseph's only full brother, both sons of Rachel. The Hebrew word "אָח" (ach) is used for "brother," which not only denotes a biological relationship but also a deep, covenantal bond. In the historical context of Genesis, family ties were paramount, and the relationship between brothers was often seen as a reflection of one's relationship with God. Joseph's emotional response to seeing Benjamin is a testament to the enduring nature of these bonds, despite years of separation and hardship.

and he wanted to weep
The phrase "and he wanted to weep" indicates Joseph's desire to express his emotions through tears. The Hebrew root "בָּכָה" (bakah) means "to weep" or "to cry," and it is often associated with expressions of both sorrow and joy. In this context, Joseph's tears are a mixture of joy at seeing his brother and sorrow for the lost years. This duality of emotion is a powerful reminder of the complexity of human feelings and the healing power of emotional expression.

He went into a private room
"Private room" suggests a place of solitude and seclusion. The Hebrew word "חֶדֶר" (cheder) is used, meaning "chamber" or "inner room." This choice of location indicates Joseph's need for privacy to process his emotions away from the public eye. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Egypt, as a leader, Joseph was expected to maintain a certain decorum. His retreat into a private space reflects the universal need for personal reflection and the importance of finding a safe space to express one's true self.

to weep
The repetition of "to weep" emphasizes the significance of Joseph's tears. The act of weeping is portrayed as a necessary release of pent-up emotions. In the biblical narrative, weeping is often associated with moments of significant personal and spiritual transformation. Joseph's tears mark a turning point in his journey, symbolizing both the pain of the past and the hope for reconciliation and healing. This moment serves as an inspirational reminder of the power of vulnerability and the importance of allowing oneself to feel deeply.

Verse 30. - And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn (literally, were becoming warm, from intensity of tore) upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; - the second occasion on which Joseph is represented as overcome by the strength of his inward emotion, the first having been when his brethren were speaking about their cruelty towards himself (Genesis 42:24) - and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Joseph
יוֹסֵ֗ף (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

hurried
וַיְמַהֵ֣ר (way·ma·hêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4116: To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly

out because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he was moved
נִכְמְר֤וּ (niḵ·mə·rū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3648: To intertwine, contract, to shrivel, to be deeply affected with passion

to tears
וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁ (way·ḇaq·qêš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

for
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his brother,
אָחִ֔יו (’ā·ḥîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

and he went
וַיָּבֹ֥א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to a private room
הַחַ֖דְרָה (ha·ḥaḏ·rāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2315: A chamber, room

to weep.
וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ (way·yê·ḇək)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1058: To weep, to bemoan


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OT Law: Genesis 43:30 Joseph hurried for his heart yearned over (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 43:29
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