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Genesis 41:13 - Dreams reveal divine justice.

Genesis 41:13 - בראשית 41:13

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר פָּתַר־לָנוּ כֵּן הָיָה אֹתִי הֵשִׁיב עַל־כַּנִּי וְאֹתוֹ תָלָה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; I was restored to my office, and he was hanged.

Transliteration

Vayehi ka'asher patar-lanu ken haya oti heshiv al-kani ve'oto tala.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֛י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר פָּֽתַר־לָ֖נוּ כֵּ֣ן הָיָ֑ה אֹתִ֛י הֵשִׁ֥יב עַל־כַּנִּ֖י וְאֹת֥וֹ תָלָֽה׃
וַיְהִ֛י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר פָּֽתַר־לָ֖נוּ כֵּ֣ן הָיָ֑ה אֹתִ֛י הֵשִׁ֥יב עַל־כַּנִּ֖י וְאֹת֥וֹ תָלָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Story of Yosef (Joseph)

This verse (Bereshit 40:22) describes the fulfillment of Yosef's interpretations of the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker while they were imprisoned with him. The butler was restored to his position, while the baker was hanged—exactly as Yosef had predicted.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 40:22) emphasizes the precision of Yosef's interpretations, noting that the phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר פָּתַר־לָנוּ כֵּן הָיָה" ("as he interpreted to us, so it was") underscores the divine inspiration behind Yosef's words. Rashi also highlights that the baker's hanging was a fulfillment of justice, as he had likely committed a severe offense against Pharaoh.

Rambam on Divine Providence

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 10:3) discusses how dreams can sometimes be vehicles for divine communication. Yosef's accurate interpretation demonstrates his connection to ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration), as his predictions were not mere conjecture but rooted in prophetic insight.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeishev 8): The butler's restoration symbolizes the eventual redemption of Yosef himself, as the butler would later play a key role in Yosef's rise to power in Egypt.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (88:5): The contrast between the butler's restoration and the baker's hanging teaches that Hashem's justice is exact—rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked in accordance with their deeds.

Ibn Ezra on the Language of the Verse

Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 40:22) notes the phrasing "אֹתִי הֵשִׁיב עַל־כַּנִּי" ("restored me to my office") implies a complete return to the butler's former status, while "וְאֹתוֹ תָלָה" ("and him he hanged") reflects the finality of the baker's punishment. This linguistic contrast reinforces the theme of divine justice.

Chassidic Perspective

The Sefat Emet (Vayeishev) teaches that this episode illustrates how divine providence operates even in seemingly mundane events like dreams. Yosef's ability to interpret dreams correctly was a precursor to his future role as a leader, showing that Hashem prepares individuals for their destined roles through hidden means.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Genesis 41:13?
A: Genesis 41:13 recounts how Pharaoh's butler's dream interpretation by Yosef (Joseph) came true exactly as predicted—the butler was restored to his position, while the baker was hanged. This verse highlights the accuracy of Yosef's divinely inspired interpretations (Rashi on Genesis 41:13).
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Yosef?
A: This verse is important because it sets the stage for Yosef's eventual rise to power in Egypt. The butler remembered Yosef's accurate interpretation when Pharaoh had troubling dreams, leading to Yosef being brought before Pharaoh (Ramban on Genesis 41:13).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 41:13?
A: We learn that Hashem's plans unfold with precision. Yosef's correct interpretation and its fulfillment showed divine providence at work, teaching us to trust in Hashem's timing (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 89:8).
Q: How does this verse connect to the theme of dreams in the Torah?
A: This verse reinforces that dreams in the Torah are significant when they carry divine messages. Yosef's ability to interpret dreams correctly came from Hashem, distinguishing true prophecy from ordinary dreams (Talmud, Brachot 55b).
Q: Why was the baker hanged while the butler was restored?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 40:22), the baker was hanged because Pharaoh found him guilty of a crime (possibly involving poison in bread). The butler was innocent and thus restored, showing that Yosef's interpretations reflected divine justice.