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.
Then Joseph could no longer control his emotions in front of all the people standing around him. He called out, 'Make everyone leave me!' So no one else was there when Joseph revealed who he was to his brothers.
This verse shows Joseph finally breaking down emotionally and choosing to reveal his true identity to his brothers in private.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs after Joseph's brothers came to Egypt seeking food during a severe famine, not knowing that the powerful Egyptian official they were dealing with was actually their brother whom they had sold into slavery years earlier. Joseph had been testing his brothers through several encounters to see if they had changed, and this moment represents the climax where he can no longer maintain his disguise.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.