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Genesis 40:6 - Yosef sees troubled dreams

Genesis 40:6 - בראשית 40:6

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא אֲלֵיהֶם יוֹסֵף בַּבֹּקֶר וַיַּרְא אֹתָם וְהִנָּם זֹעֲפִים׃

English Translation

And Yosef came in to them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.

Transliteration

Va'yavo aleihem Yosef ba'boker va'yar otam ve'hinam zo'afim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֧א אֲלֵיהֶ֛ם יוֹסֵ֖ף בַּבֹּ֑קֶר וַיַּ֣רְא אֹתָ֔ם וְהִנָּ֖ם זֹעֲפִֽים׃
וַיָּבֹ֧א אֲלֵיהֶ֛ם יוֹסֵ֖ף בַּבֹּ֑קֶר וַיַּ֣רְא אֹתָ֔ם וְהִנָּ֖ם זֹעֲפִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Bereshit 40:6) describes Yosef's encounter with Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker while they were imprisoned. The phrase "וַיַּרְא אֹתָם וְהִנָּם זֹעֲפִים" ("and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad") highlights Yosef's perceptiveness and compassion toward their distress.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the term זֹעֲפִים ("sad") refers to their troubled countenance, as they were distressed by their dreams. He connects this to the Aramaic word זְעִיפוּ (anger or gloom), emphasizing their visible agitation. Rashi also notes that Yosef, despite his own suffering in prison, paid attention to their emotional state, demonstrating his righteousness and empathy (Rashi on Bereshit 40:6).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 88:5) elaborates that Yosef noticed their sadness because he was accustomed to interpreting dreams—a skill granted to him by Hashem. This foreshadows his later role as Pharaoh's dream interpreter. The Midrash also teaches that Yosef's concern for others, even in his own hardship, was a key factor in his eventual rise to greatness.

Rambam's Perspective on Human Interaction

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) discusses the importance of showing compassion and concern for others' emotional states. Yosef's behavior aligns with this principle, as he did not ignore their distress but instead engaged with them, leading to the eventual fulfillment of his destiny.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Empathy in Adversity: Yosef, despite being imprisoned, focused on others' pain rather than his own.
  • Divine Providence: His attention to their sadness set in motion the events that would lead to his release and ascent to power.
  • Dreams as Divine Messages: The verse hints at the significance of dreams in Yosef's life, a theme central to his story.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were the butler and baker sad in Genesis 40:6?
A: According to Rashi, the butler and baker were sad because they had disturbing dreams that they couldn't understand. The Torah emphasizes Yosef's sensitivity in noticing their distress, teaching us the importance of being attentive to others' emotional states.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef noticing their sadness?
A: The Midrash teaches that this verse shows Yosef's compassion and emotional intelligence. Despite being a prisoner himself, he cared about others' feelings. This teaches us that even in difficult circumstances, we should look beyond ourselves and show concern for others.
Q: Why does the Torah mention it was 'in the morning' when Yosef saw them?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef made a habit of checking on them regularly, showing his consistent care. The morning time also suggests that their distress was visible first thing, indicating how deeply troubled they were by their dreams.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values?
A: This verse demonstrates the Jewish value of 'nosei b'ol im chaveiro' (sharing another's burden). The Rambam teaches that comforting those in distress is a fundamental mitzvah. Yosef models this by approaching them despite his own difficult situation.
Q: What does the word 'zo'afim' (sad) teach us about their emotional state?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 59b) explains that 'zo'afim' indicates a particularly intense emotional disturbance. The butler and baker weren't just slightly upset - they were deeply troubled, showing how significant dreams were taken in biblical times as divine messages.