share torah logo

Exodus 1:1 - Founding fathers enter exile

Exodus 1:1 - שמות 1:1

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הַבָּאִים מִצְרָיְמָה אֵת יַעֲקֹב אִישׁ וּבֵיתוֹ בָּאוּ׃

English Translation

NOW these ae names of the children of Yisra᾽el who came into Miżrayim with Ya῾aqov, every man came with his household.

Transliteration

Ve'eleh shemot bnei Yisrael haba'im Mitzraymah et Ya'akov ish uveito ba'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֗לֶּה שְׁמוֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַבָּאִ֖ים מִצְרָ֑יְמָה אֵ֣ת יַעֲקֹ֔ב אִ֥ישׁ וּבֵית֖וֹ בָּֽאוּ׃
וְאֵ֗לֶּה שְׁמוֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַבָּאִ֖ים מִצְרָ֑יְמָה אֵ֣ת יַעֲקֹ֔ב אִ֥ישׁ וּבֵית֖וֹ בָּֽאוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse begins the Book of Shemot (Exodus) by listing the names of the children of Israel who descended to Egypt with Yaakov (Jacob). This serves as a bridge between the narrative of Bereishit (Genesis) and the events of Shemot, emphasizing the continuity of the Jewish people.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Shemot 1:1) notes that the phrase "ואלה שמות" ("And these are the names") connects this verse to the end of Bereishit, where the death of Yosef (Joseph) is mentioned. He explains that despite Yosef's passing, the names of the tribes remained cherished, likening them to stars whose names are constant even as they rise and set. This highlights the eternal nature of the Jewish people.

Significance of Listing the Names

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:3) teaches that listing the names of the tribes demonstrates their righteousness. Even in Egypt, they did not change their Hebrew names, maintaining their identity despite exile. This adherence to tradition is seen as a merit that ultimately led to their redemption.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in his Guide for the Perplexed (3:50), emphasizes the importance of genealogical records in the Torah. The detailed listing of Yaakov's family underscores the fulfillment of the divine promise to Avraham (Abraham) that his descendants would be numerous and inherit the land.

The Phrase "איש וביתו באו" ("Every Man Came with His Household")

  • Ibn Ezra: Explains that "ביתו" ("his household") refers not only to immediate family but also to servants and possessions, showing the prosperity of Bnei Yisrael at this time.
  • Sforno: Adds that this phrase indicates unity—each tribe arrived intact, preserving their familial and tribal structures.

Connection to the Exodus

The Talmud (Sotah 11a) connects this verse to the later redemption, teaching that because Bnei Yisrael did not assimilate in Egypt—maintaining their names, language, and clothing—they were worthy of being redeemed. The listing of names here foreshadows their eventual liberation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the names of the children of Israel who went down to Egypt, emphasizing their righteousness and the significance of their names.
📖 Megillah 16b
Referenced in the context of discussing the enumeration of the tribes of Israel and their descent into Egypt, highlighting the continuity of the Israelite lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the names of Yaakov's sons again in Exodus 1:1?
A: Rashi explains that this repetition emphasizes the importance of the Jewish people. Even though they descended to Egypt, they kept their Hebrew names and identity, showing their righteousness. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:1) compares them to stars - just as stars have fixed names, so too the tribes maintained their identities.
Q: What is the significance of saying 'every man came with his household' in Exodus 1:1?
A: The Ramban teaches that this phrase shows the tribes came with complete families - wives, children and servants. This demonstrates how the Jewish people multiplied greatly in Egypt, fulfilling G-d's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be numerous (Genesis 15:5).
Q: Why does the verse mention both 'children of Israel' and 'with Yaakov'?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that 'children of Israel' refers to their national identity while 'with Yaakov' shows their family connection. This teaches that the Jewish people maintained both their national mission and family unity even in exile. The Talmud (Pesachim 87b) notes this unity helped them withstand Egyptian influences.
Q: How does Exodus 1:1 connect to the end of Genesis?
A: The Sforno points out that this verse directly continues the story from Genesis 46:8-27 where the family is listed. The repetition here begins the Book of Exodus by reminding us these weren't anonymous slaves, but the same holy family that G-d had promised to make into a great nation.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 1:1 about maintaining Jewish identity?
A: The verse teaches the importance of preserving our Jewish names and family structure even in foreign environments. Just as our ancestors kept their Hebrew names in Egypt, we must maintain our Jewish identity today. The Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized that this verse shows our names connect us to our spiritual roots.