Genesis 41:14 - Exposition

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily (literally, caused him to run ) out of the dungeon (vide Genesis 40:15 ): and he shaved himself ,—this was exactly in accordance with Egyptian custom (Herod. 2.36). Wilkinson states that "the custom of shaving the head as well as beard was not confined to the priests in Egypt, but was general among all classes". That the verb is not more exactly defined by a terra Cellowing, such as the head ( Numbers 6:9 ), the beard ( 2 Samuel 10:4 ), but stands alone (the only instance of its intransitive use), appears to suggest that the writer was familiar with the practice of shaving ( vide Havernick, 'Introd.,'§ 21)— and changed his raiment ,—as required by the customs of Egypt— and came (or went) in unto Pharaoh.