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Genesis 46:33 - Joseph's strategic family positioning

Genesis 46:33 - בראשית 46:33

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כִּי־יִקְרָא לָכֶם פַּרְעֹה וְאָמַר מַה־מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶם׃

English Translation

And it shall come to pass, when Par῾o shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?

Transliteration

Vehaya ki-yikra lakhem Par'o ve'amar ma-ma'aseikhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֕ה כִּֽי־יִקְרָ֥א לָכֶ֖ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְאָמַ֖ר מַה־מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶֽם׃
וְהָיָ֕ה כִּֽי־יִקְרָ֥א לָכֶ֖ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה וְאָמַ֖ר מַה־מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 1:18) appears in the narrative where Pharaoh, concerned about the growing Israelite population in Egypt, seeks to oppress them. He calls upon the Hebrew midwives, Shifra and Puah, and questions them about their actions regarding the Israelite births.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Pharaoh's question, "What is your occupation?", was a test to see if the midwives would admit to assisting Hebrew women in childbirth. He notes that Pharaoh suspected they were helping the Israelite women survive despite his decree to kill male infants. Rashi emphasizes that the midwives' refusal to comply with Pharaoh's evil decree demonstrated their righteousness and fear of G-d (Rashi on Shemot 1:18).

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra suggests that Pharaoh's inquiry was not merely about their profession but was a veiled accusation. He implies that Pharaoh already knew their role as midwives but sought to intimidate them into obeying his command to kill the newborn boys. The phrasing "What is your occupation?" was a rhetorical device to pressure them into compliance (Ibn Ezra on Shemot 1:18).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:13) elaborates that Pharaoh's call to the midwives was part of a broader scheme to undermine the Israelites. The midwives, identified by the Midrash as Yocheved and Miriam (mother and sister of Moshe), were righteous women who feared G-d more than Pharaoh. Their response—claiming that Hebrew women were vigorous and gave birth before the midwives arrived—was a clever evasion to save lives.

Halachic Perspective (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 1:9) derives from this episode that one must not obey a king's decree if it involves murder, even under threat of death. The midwives' defiance of Pharaoh serves as a halachic precedent for the principle of "Yeharog v'al ya'avor" (one must be killed rather than transgress certain sins, including murder).

Key Lessons

  • The importance of moral courage in the face of tyranny, as demonstrated by the midwives.
  • The supremacy of divine law over human decrees when they conflict.
  • The value of wisdom and tact in resisting evil without unnecessary confrontation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 46:33 mean when it says Pharaoh will ask about their occupation?
A: This verse refers to the moment when Yosef (Joseph) instructs his brothers to tell Pharaoh they are shepherds when asked about their occupation. Rashi explains that Yosef wanted Pharaoh to assign them the land of Goshen, which was suitable for grazing, keeping them separate from Egyptian society to maintain their distinct Jewish identity.
Q: Why was it important for Yosef's brothers to say they were shepherds?
A: According to the Midrash, Yosef advised his brothers to emphasize their role as shepherds because Egyptians despised shepherds (as they worshipped animals like sheep). This ensured Pharaoh would allow them to settle in Goshen, away from Egyptian cities, preventing assimilation and preserving their religious practices.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 46:33 about Jewish identity?
A: The verse teaches the importance of maintaining Jewish identity even in a foreign land. Yosef ensured his family would live separately in Goshen to avoid assimilation, a principle later reinforced by Jewish tradition—staying distinct in dress, language, and customs to uphold Torah values.
Q: How does Genesis 46:33 apply to Jews living in non-Jewish societies today?
A: Just as Yosef ensured his family lived apart in Goshen, Orthodox Judaism emphasizes creating Jewish communities with Torah schools, kosher food, and Shabbat observance—even in diaspora. The Rambam teaches that separation from negative influences helps preserve Jewish faith and practice.