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Genesis 50:16 - Fearful brothers seek forgiveness

Genesis 50:16 - בראשית 50:16

Hebrew Text

וַיְצַוּוּ אֶל־יוֹסֵף לֵאמֹר אָבִיךָ צִוָּה לִפְנֵי מוֹתוֹ לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And they sent word urgently to Yosef, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,

Transliteration

Vayetzavu el-Yosef lemor avicha tziva lifnei moto lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְצַוּ֕וּ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֖ף לֵאמֹ֑ר אָבִ֣יךָ צִוָּ֔ה לִפְנֵ֥י מוֹת֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַיְצַוּ֕וּ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֖ף לֵאמֹ֑ר אָבִ֣יךָ צִוָּ֔ה לִפְנֵ֥י מוֹת֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Brothers' Message to Yosef

The verse (Bereshit 50:16) describes how Yosef's brothers sent him a message claiming that their father Yaakov had given a command before his death. Rashi explains that the brothers fabricated this claim out of fear that Yosef would take revenge after their father's passing. The phrase "וַיְצַוּוּ אֶל־יוֹסֵף" ("And they sent word to Yosef") uses an unusual verb form, which Ibn Ezra notes implies urgency in their message.

Yaakov's Alleged Command

The brothers claim "אָבִיךָ צִוָּה לִפְנֵי מוֹתוֹ" ("Your father commanded before he died"). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 100:8) questions why this command wasn't mentioned earlier during Yaakov's actual deathbed instructions. This supports the interpretation that the brothers invented this instruction to protect themselves.

  • Ramban's View: Suggests Yaakov may have indeed given this instruction privately to the brothers, concerned about potential conflict after his death.
  • Sforno's Interpretation: Proposes the brothers were reminding Yosef of the general ethical principle of forgiveness that Yaakov had taught, not citing a specific command.

Psychological and Ethical Dimensions

The Kli Yakar analyzes the brothers' psychology - their use of their father's authority shows their lingering guilt and fear. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) notes this episode demonstrates how past sins continue to affect relationships even after apparent reconciliation.

Halachic Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:10) cites this episode when discussing how one who wronged another must still seek forgiveness even if the victim claims to have forgiven them, as the brothers remained uncertain of Yosef's true feelings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 50:16 mean?
A: Genesis 50:16 describes how Yosef's brothers sent him a message claiming that their father Yaakov had left instructions before his death. According to Rashi, the brothers were concerned that Yosef might still bear a grudge for their past actions (selling him into slavery), so they emphasized that their father had commanded them to relay this message to seek reconciliation.
Q: Why did Yosef's brothers mention their father's command?
A: The brothers invoked their father Yaakov's name to appeal to Yosef's sense of family duty and respect for their father's wishes. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 100:8) explains that they were afraid Yosef would punish them after Yaakov's death, so they used their father's authority to seek forgiveness and maintain peace.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 50:16?
A: This verse teaches the importance of reconciliation and resolving conflicts within families. Even though Yosef had already forgiven his brothers (as seen earlier in Genesis), they still felt the need to seek reassurance. The Talmud (Yoma 22b) emphasizes that maintaining peaceful relationships (shalom bayit) is a high priority in Judaism.
Q: How does this verse apply to family relationships today?
A: Just as Yosef's brothers sought to mend their relationship, we learn the value of addressing past conflicts with sincerity. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:6) teaches that it is a mitzvah to pursue peace and forgive others, especially within families. This verse reminds us to take initiative in healing rifts and honoring our parents' wishes for unity.
Q: Did Yaakov actually give this command before his death?
A: Traditional commentators like Rashi note that the Torah does not record Yaakov giving this specific instruction earlier. The brothers may have framed it this way to strengthen their plea for forgiveness. Alternatively, the Ohr HaChaim suggests that Yaakov may have privately instructed them out of concern for future family harmony.