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Genesis 37:16 - Seeking brothers, finding destiny

Genesis 37:16 - בראשית 37:16

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֶת־אַחַי אָנֹכִי מְבַקֵּשׁ הַגִּידָה־נָּא לִי אֵיפֹה הֵם רֹעִים׃

English Translation

And he said, I seek my brothers: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.

Transliteration

Vayomer et-achai anochi mevakesh hagida-na li eifo hem ro'im.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אֶת־אַחַ֖י אָנֹכִ֣י מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ הַגִּֽידָה־נָּ֣א לִ֔י אֵיפֹ֖ה הֵ֥ם רֹעִֽים׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אֶת־אַחַ֖י אָנֹכִ֣י מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ הַגִּֽידָה־נָּ֣א לִ֔י אֵיפֹ֖ה הֵ֥ם רֹעִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Genesis 37:16) appears in the narrative of Yosef (Joseph) being sent by his father Yaakov (Jacob) to check on his brothers, who were shepherding their flocks in Shechem. Yosef's inquiry about his brothers' whereabouts sets the stage for the subsequent events leading to his sale into slavery.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yosef was genuinely seeking his brothers out of concern, despite their prior animosity toward him. The phrase "אֶת־אַחַי אָנֹכִי מְבַקֵּשׁ" ("I seek my brothers") reflects his sincere desire for reconciliation. Rashi also notes that Yosef's journey demonstrates his obedience to his father, fulfilling the mitzvah of honoring one's parents (Kibbud Av v'Em).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (84:13): Highlights Yosef's righteousness by emphasizing that he referred to his brothers as "my brothers" despite their hostility, showing his commitment to family unity.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeishev 2): Suggests that Yosef's search for his brothers parallels the Jewish people's future search for Hashem during times of exile, symbolizing spiritual yearning.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Ethical Conduct), Rambam teaches that Yosef's behavior exemplifies the importance of pursuing peace and resolving conflicts, even when one is not at fault. His willingness to seek out his brothers despite their jealousy demonstrates the Torah's ideal of darchei shalom (ways of peace).

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that Yosef's search for his brothers represents the soul's quest for divine connection. Just as Yosef wandered in the field seeking his brothers, every Jew must actively seek closeness to Hashem, even when the path seems uncertain.

Halachic Implication

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 426) cites this verse as a source for the obligation to assist others in finding lost relatives or property, deriving from Yosef's plea for information about his brothers' location.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 37:16?
A: Genesis 37:16 occurs when Yosef (Joseph) is sent by his father Yaakov (Jacob) to check on his brothers, who were shepherding their flocks in Shechem. This verse shows Yosef's concern for his brothers, despite their earlier tensions (Rashi on Genesis 37:14).
Q: Why does Yosef say 'I seek my brothers' in this verse?
A: Yosef says 'I seek my brothers' because he was sent by his father Yaakov to see if they were well (Genesis 37:14). Rashi explains that Yosef was fulfilling the mitzvah of honoring his father by obeying him, despite the potential danger from his brothers who resented him.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef seeking his brothers in this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of family unity and responsibility. Even though Yosef's brothers disliked him, he still cared for their well-being. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 84:13) highlights Yosef's righteousness in seeking to reconcile with his brothers.
Q: Why is the location of the brothers' shepherding important in this verse?
A: The location (Shechem) is significant because it was a place of past conflict (Dinah's incident in Genesis 34). Rashi notes that Yaakov was worried about his sons being there, which is why he sent Yosef to check on them—showing a father's concern for his children's safety.
Q: How does this verse relate to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This verse sets the stage for the events that follow—Yosef being sold into slavery by his brothers. The Talmud (Chullin 92a) sees deeper symbolism in Yosef's search for his brothers, representing the Jewish people's future struggles and eventual reunification.