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Genesis 39:1 - Yosef's descent to Egypt

Genesis 39:1 - בראשית 39:1

Hebrew Text

וְיוֹסֵף הוּרַד מִצְרָיְמָה וַיִּקְנֵהוּ פּוֹטִיפַר סְרִיס פַּרְעֹה שַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים אִישׁ מִצְרִי מִיַּד הַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִים אֲשֶׁר הוֹרִדֻהוּ שָׁמָּה׃

English Translation

And Yosef was brought down to Miżrayim; and Potifar, the chamberlain of Par῾o, captain of the guard, a Miżrian, bought him of the hands of the Yishme᾽elim, who had brought him down there.

Transliteration

V'Yosef hurad Mitzrayma vayiknehu Potifar saris Par'o sar hatabachim ish Mitzri miyad hayishm'elim asher horiduhu shamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיוֹסֵ֖ף הוּרַ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יְמָה וַיִּקְנֵ֡הוּ פּוֹטִיפַר֩ סְרִ֨יס פַּרְעֹ֜ה שַׂ֤ר הַטַּבָּחִים֙ אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י מִיַּד֙ הַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹרִדֻ֖הוּ שָֽׁמָּה׃
וְיוֹסֵ֖ף הוּרַ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יְמָה וַיִּקְנֵ֡הוּ פּוֹטִיפַר֩ סְרִ֨יס פַּרְעֹ֜ה שַׂ֤ר הַטַּבָּחִים֙ אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י מִיַּד֙ הַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹרִדֻ֖הוּ שָֽׁמָּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Descent to Mitzrayim

The verse states, "וַיּוֹסֵף הוּרַד מִצְרָיְמָה" ("And Yosef was brought down to Mitzrayim"). Rashi explains that this descent was not merely physical but also spiritual—Yosef was lowered from his elevated status as the beloved son of Yaakov to the depths of servitude in a foreign land. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 86:1) notes that this event was part of a divine plan, setting the stage for the eventual descent of Yaakov's entire family to Mitzrayim, fulfilling the prophecy given to Avraham in Bereshit 15:13.

Potifar's Role and Title

The verse identifies Potifar as "סְרִיס פַּרְעֹה שַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים" ("the chamberlain of Pharaoh, captain of the guard"). The term סריס (sarís) often denotes a high-ranking official rather than a literal eunuch (see Rashi on Bereshit 37:36). The Ramban suggests that Potifar held a dual role: overseeing Pharaoh's household (sarís) and commanding the royal executioners (sar hatabachim), indicating his significant authority.

The Sale to Potifar

The verse emphasizes that Potifar "וַיִּקְנֵהוּ... מִיַּד הַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִים" ("bought him from the hands of the Yishmaelim"). The Talmud (Sotah 13b) discusses why the Torah specifies that the Yishmaelim were the sellers, noting that this fulfilled the earlier animosity between Yishmael and Yitzchak's descendants. Additionally, the Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeshev 8) highlights the irony that Yosef, who was sold for silver, would later control Mitzrayim's wealth.

Divine Providence in Yosef's Journey

  • Rashi (on Bereshit 37:28) notes that the Yishmaelim initially transported fragrant spices to mask Yosef's scent, showing Hashem's kindness in easing his suffering.
  • The Sforno explains that Yosef's sale to Potifar—a high-ranking official—was a step toward his eventual rise to power, demonstrating divine orchestration.
  • The Kli Yakar observes that the phrase "אִישׁ מִצְרִי" ("a Mitzrian man") hints at Potifar's corrupt nature, setting the stage for Yosef's moral test in the next chapter.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Joseph's sale into Egypt and the role of the Ishmaelites in his journey.
📖 Pesachim 119a
Mentioned in the context of discussing the descent of Joseph into Egypt and the subsequent events leading to the Israelites' settlement there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Yosef (Joseph) brought down to Mitzrayim (Egypt)?
A: Yosef was brought down to Mitzrayim because his brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy (Genesis 37:28). According to Rashi, this was part of Hashem's plan to eventually bring the Jewish people to Egypt, as foretold to Avraham in the Covenant Between the Parts (Genesis 15:13).
Q: Who was Potifar, and why did he buy Yosef?
A: Potifar was Pharaoh's chief executioner and a high-ranking official. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 86:3) explains that he bought Yosef because he saw through divination that Yosef was destined for greatness, though he misunderstood this to mean through him. Rashi notes that Potifar was called 'seris' (eunuch) because he was castrated—either by Pharaoh to prevent him from having children or because he worshipped idols in this form.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Yosef was sold by the Yishmaelim (Ishmaelites)?
A: The Torah emphasizes that the Yishmaelim sold Yosef to show how events unfolded according to Divine Providence. Rashi (Genesis 37:25) notes that the brothers initially sold Yosef to Midyanim, but the Yishmaelim later took him to Egypt. This detail highlights how Hashem orchestrates events—Yosef needed to reach Egypt to fulfill his destiny.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef being sold as a slave?
A: This event teaches us about bitachon (trust in Hashem). Despite the hardships, Yosef remained faithful, and everything ultimately led to his rise to power and the salvation of his family. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 3:1) explains that we must believe all challenges are from Hashem for a greater purpose.
Q: How does Yosef's descent to Egypt connect to Jewish history?
A: Yosef's descent set the stage for the Jewish people's eventual exile in Egypt, as foretold to Avraham (Genesis 15:13). The Talmud (Sotah 11a) explains that this was necessary for the Jewish nation to develop through hardship before receiving the Torah. Yosef's leadership later ensured their survival during famine.