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Genesis 50:18 - Brothers seek Yosef's forgiveness?

Genesis 50:18 - בראשית 50:18

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּלְכוּ גַּם־אֶחָיו וַיִּפְּלוּ לְפָנָיו וַיֹּאמְרוּ הִנֶּנּוּ לְךָ לַעֲבָדִים׃

English Translation

And his brothers even went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we are thy servants.

Transliteration

Vayelchu gam-echav vayiplu lefanav vayomru hineinu lecha la'avadim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּלְכוּ֙ גַּם־אֶחָ֔יו וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ לְפָנָ֑יו וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ הִנֶּ֥נּֽוּ לְךָ֖ לַעֲבָדִֽים׃
וַיֵּלְכוּ֙ גַּם־אֶחָ֔יו וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ לְפָנָ֑יו וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ הִנֶּ֥נּֽוּ לְךָ֖ לַעֲבָדִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Brothers' Submission to Yosef

The verse (Bereshit 50:18) describes Yosef's brothers prostrating themselves before him, declaring, "Behold, we are thy servants." This moment echoes their earlier bowing to Yosef in Mitzrayim (Bereshit 42:6), fulfilling Yosef's childhood dreams (Bereshit 37:5-11). Rashi explains that the brothers feared Yosef would retaliate after their father Yaakov's death, prompting this act of submission.

Repentance and Reconciliation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 100:8) highlights the brothers' complete teshuvah (repentance) through this act. By willingly offering themselves as servants—despite Yosef having already forgiven them—they demonstrated full acceptance of responsibility for selling him. Ramban notes that their humility here contrasts with their earlier arrogance, showing spiritual growth.

The Fulfillment of Divine Providence

  • Yosef's Perspective: The Sforno emphasizes that Yosef saw their bowing as part of Hashem's plan (Bereshit 50:20), not as a personal victory.
  • Brothers' Fear: The Kli Yakar suggests their fear stemmed from recognizing how their actions had led to Yosef's rise, making them vulnerable to his judgment.

Halachic Implications of Servitude

The Talmud (Kiddushin 20a) discusses whether their offer of servitude was legally binding. Since Yosef was a ruler, not a private individual, their declaration had symbolic rather than halachic weight, reflecting their complete deference to his authority as viceroy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Joseph's brothers bowing down to him in Genesis 50:18?
A: This moment fulfills Joseph's earlier dreams (Genesis 37:5-11) where his brothers' sheaves bowed to his sheaf. According to Rashi, this shows that God's plan ultimately came to pass, teaching that divine prophecies are fulfilled even if circumstances seem to delay them. The brothers' bowing represents their complete recognition of Joseph's leadership and their repentance for their earlier actions.
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers say 'we are your servants' in this verse?
A: The Midrash explains that after Jacob's death, the brothers feared Joseph might now take revenge for their selling him into slavery. By declaring themselves his servants, they were showing complete submission and asking for mercy. This demonstrates the power of repentance (teshuvah) and Joseph's ability to forgive, as he immediately reassures them in the next verse (Genesis 50:19-21).
Q: How does Genesis 50:18 relate to Jewish concepts of forgiveness?
A: This verse highlights two important Jewish values: 1) The brothers demonstrate humility by admitting their wrong (as Rambam discusses in Hilchot Teshuvah), and 2) Joseph had already forgiven them years earlier (as seen in Genesis 45:5-8), showing that true forgiveness means not holding past wrongs against people even when you have power over them. The Talmud (Yoma 22b) teaches that overcoming anger and showing mercy are godly attributes.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Joseph's brothers bowing to him?
A: The Sages teach that this moment teaches about hashgacha pratit (divine providence) - that even difficult events (like Joseph being sold into slavery) can lead to salvation (as Joseph saved his family during famine). As the verse shows their complete reconciliation, it also teaches that family unity and forgiveness are paramount values in Judaism, especially important during challenging times.