share torah logo

Genesis 44:30 - Father's soul tied to son?

Genesis 44:30 - בראשית 44:30

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה כְּבֹאִי אֶל־עַבְדְּךָ אָבִי וְהַנַּעַר אֵינֶנּוּ אִתָּנוּ וְנַפְשׁוֹ קְשׁוּרָה בְנַפְשׁוֹ׃

English Translation

Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad is not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad’s life;

Transliteration

Ve'ata kvoi el-avdecha avi vehana'ar einenu itanu venafsho kshura be'nafsho.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֗ה כְּבֹאִי֙ אֶל־עַבְדְּךָ֣ אָבִ֔י וְהַנַּ֖עַר אֵינֶ֣נּוּ אִתָּ֑נוּ וְנַפְשׁ֖וֹ קְשׁוּרָ֥ה בְנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃
וְעַתָּ֗ה כְּבֹאִי֙ אֶל־עַבְדְּךָ֣ אָבִ֔י וְהַנַּ֖עַר אֵינֶ֣נּוּ אִתָּ֑נוּ וְנַפְשׁ֖וֹ קְשׁוּרָ֥ה בְנַפְשֽׁוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 44:30) is part of Yehuda's impassioned plea to Yosef (still unrecognized as the viceroy of Egypt) to spare Binyamin and allow him to return to their father Yaakov. Yehuda emphasizes the deep emotional bond between Yaakov and Binyamin, fearing that Yaakov's life would be endangered if Binyamin did not return.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "וְנַפְשׁוֹ קְשׁוּרָה בְנַפְשׁוֹ" ("his life is bound up in the lad's life") by explaining that Yaakov's soul was so deeply connected to Binyamin's that if Binyamin were harmed, Yaakov would not survive the grief. Rashi cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:10) which compares this bond to two intertwined flames—when one is extinguished, the other flickers and weakens as well.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Aveilut 13:12) discusses the profound emotional and psychological impact of losing a child, which aligns with Yehuda's concern for Yaakov. He notes that a parent's love for a child is intrinsic and unbreakable, and the loss can be devastating—reinforcing Yehuda's argument that Yaakov's survival depends on Binyamin's return.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereshit Rabbah 93:7 highlights that Yaakov's attachment to Binyamin stemmed from him being the last remaining son of Rachel, Yaakov's most beloved wife. This made Binyamin uniquely precious in Yaakov's eyes.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 5) adds that Yehuda's plea demonstrated his growth in responsibility, as he had previously failed to protect Yosef but now took full accountability for Binyamin.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 19b) derives from this verse the principle of "חיי אדם תלויים בחברו" ("one person's life is dependent on another"), emphasizing the moral responsibility we have toward others' emotional and physical well-being. Yehuda's words serve as a model for advocating on behalf of those who are vulnerable.

Linguistic Nuances

The term "קשורה" ("bound") suggests an inseparable connection, akin to the binding of the Akeidah (the binding of Yitzchak). This language underscores the depth of Yaakov's attachment, implying that Binyamin's absence would be as devastating as a physical severance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the emotional bond between parents and children, illustrating how deeply a father's life is connected to his child's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'his life is bound up in the lad’s life' mean in Genesis 44:30?
A: This phrase means that Jacob's (referred to as 'my father') emotional and physical well-being was deeply connected to Benjamin's ('the lad') survival. Rashi explains that Jacob would be unable to bear the loss of another son (after losing Joseph), showing the intense love and attachment between them.
Q: Why was Judah so concerned about Jacob's reaction in Genesis 44:30?
A: Judah understood that Jacob had already suffered greatly from Joseph's disappearance (whom he thought was dead). The Talmud (Berachot 5b) teaches that excessive grief can endanger a person's life, so Judah feared Jacob might die from sorrow if Benjamin did not return. This shows Judah's deep sense of responsibility.
Q: How does Genesis 44:30 teach us about family relationships?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's emphasis on family bonds and sensitivity to a parent's feelings. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:11) derives from such verses the importance of honoring and not causing distress to one's parents. Judah's words remind us to consider how our actions affect our family members emotionally.