What does Genesis 45:2 mean?

The time has come for Joseph to reveal himself to his estranged brothers (Genesis 42:7–8). This moment is a release of decades of emotion. He has experienced betrayal (Genesis 37:24–28), setbacks (Genesis 39:20), wild success (Genesis 41:44), reunion (Genesis 43:29–30), and now a confirmation that his once-jealous older brothers have grown and matured (Genesis 44:33–34). As the second-in-command over the entire nation, Joseph wants to maintain some level of public dignity (Genesis 41:40). He dismissed all but his brothers from the room (Genesis 45:1).

However, the power of this moment is immense. Joseph cannot stop crying—and crying so loudly that his sobs are heard outside the room. Many people in the home, it seems, can hear him. News of what is happening rapidly spreads through Pharaoh's household.

Joseph's stoicism through these events has been impressive. Once the dam of his emotions bursts, however, it breaks hard. It takes a while before he can control his tears.