The weeping of Joseph is a significant theme in the narrative of Joseph found in the Book of Genesis. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure whose life account is marked by trials, triumphs, and profound emotional moments. His weeping is emblematic of his deep compassion, forgiveness, and the fulfillment of God's providential plan.

1. Joseph's Weeping upon Reuniting with His Brothers

Joseph's first recorded instance of weeping occurs when he encounters his brothers in Egypt. After being sold into slavery by them, Joseph rises to become the governor of Egypt. During a severe famine, his brothers come to Egypt seeking food, unaware of his identity. Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him. In Genesis 42:24 , it is written, "And he turned away from them and wept. Then he returned and spoke to them." This moment reflects Joseph's internal struggle between his past grievances and his present compassion.

2. Weeping in the Presence of Benjamin

Joseph's emotional response intensifies when he sees his full brother, Benjamin. In Genesis 43:30 , it states, "Joseph hurried out because he was overcome with emotion for his brother, and he wanted to weep. So he went to a private room and wept there." This weeping signifies Joseph's deep affection for Benjamin and the pain of years spent apart.

3. The Revelation and Reconciliation

The climax of Joseph's emotional journey occurs when he reveals his identity to his brothers. In Genesis 45:1-2 , it is recorded, "Joseph could no longer restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, 'Have everyone leave my presence!' So there was no one with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s household heard." This weeping is a powerful expression of forgiveness and reconciliation, as Joseph reassures his brothers of his goodwill, saying in Genesis 45:5 , "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you."

4. Weeping upon Jacob's Death

Joseph's weeping continues at the death of his father, Jacob. In Genesis 50:1 , it is noted, "Then Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him." This act of mourning demonstrates Joseph's deep love and respect for his father, as well as the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob regarding his descendants.

5. Final Weeping and Assurance

After Jacob's death, Joseph's brothers fear retribution. However, Joseph reassures them with tears, as recorded in Genesis 50:17 , "When their message came to him, Joseph wept." He comforts them, affirming his forgiveness and understanding of God's sovereign plan, as seen in Genesis 50:20 , "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people."

Joseph's weeping is a profound testament to his character, reflecting his deep emotional capacity, his journey of forgiveness, and his unwavering faith in God's providence. Through his tears, Joseph exemplifies the virtues of compassion, reconciliation, and trust in divine sovereignty.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.
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Genesis 43:30
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.
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Genesis 45:2,14
And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
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Genesis 46:29
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself to him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
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Genesis 50:1,17
And Joseph fell on his father's face, and wept on him, and kissed him.
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After These Things Joseph Departed Thence with Mary and Jesus to ...
... And when Jesus heard them in the city mourning, and weeping, and lamenting over
the dead man, He said to Joseph: Why dost thou not afford the benefit of thy ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 40 after these things.htm

Then Jesus, Crying Out with a Loud Voice, Father...
... And Joseph, weeping and in great grief, fell at the feet of Pilate, saying: My lord,
let no hatred fall upon a dead man; for all the evil that a man has done ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 11 then jesus crying.htm

And it came to Pass Some Little Time After...
... Joseph and the blessed Mary were going along the road which leads to Bethlehem,
Mary said to Joseph: I see two peoples before me, the one weeping, and the ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 13 and it came.htm

Joseph Made Known to his Brethren. Gen 45:3,4
... Gen 45:3,4. When Joseph his brethren beheld,. Afflicted and trembling with fear;
His heart with compassion was filled,. From weeping he could not forbear. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 12 joseph made known.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... them that stood by to withdraw them, and when all men were gone out sauf he and
his brethren, he began to say to them weeping: I am Joseph your brother, liveth ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... Then Joseph could bear it no longer. He told all the Egyptians to go out of the
room, and then weeping so that the Egyptians and the people in the king's house ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
... to his authority led him to murder two high priests, his uncle Joseph, his wife ... See
Matthew 27:57], Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiv flight into egypt and.htm

Interruption of the visions of the Passion by the Appearance of St ...
... Joseph appeared under the form of a child, and that it was to him that the ... of five
years old, climbing over a hedge, caught in the briars, and weeping with fear ...
/.../chapter xxiv interruption of the.htm

Joseph
... then, remember, are the very family feelings which come out in the story of Joseph. ...
He honours the tie of brother to brother, by forgiving and weeping over the ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vii joseph.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... together, and said to them: My children and brethren, hearken to Joseph the beloved ...
and continued all the night; and about dawn I rose up weeping, and praying ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

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