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Genesis 40:7 - Joseph notices prisoners' distress

Genesis 40:7 - בראשית 40:7

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁאַל אֶת־סְרִיסֵי פַרְעֹה אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ בְמִשְׁמַר בֵּית אֲדֹנָיו לֵאמֹר מַדּוּעַ פְּנֵיכֶם רָעִים הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

And he asked Par῾o’s officers that were with him in custody in his lord’s house, saying, Why do you look so sadly today?

Transliteration

Vayishal et-sarisei Paro asher ito bemishmar beit adonav lemor madua peneichem ra'im hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁאַ֞ל אֶת־סְרִיסֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אִתּ֧וֹ בְמִשְׁמַ֛ר בֵּ֥ית אֲדֹנָ֖יו לֵאמֹ֑ר מַדּ֛וּעַ פְּנֵיכֶ֥ם רָעִ֖ים הַיּֽוֹם׃
וַיִּשְׁאַ֞ל אֶת־סְרִיסֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אִתּ֧וֹ בְמִשְׁמַ֛ר בֵּ֥ית אֲדֹנָ֖יו לֵאמֹ֑ר מַדּ֛וּעַ פְּנֵיכֶ֥ם רָעִ֖ים הַיּֽוֹם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 40:7) describes Yosef noticing the distressed expressions of Pharaoh's officers—the chief butler and the chief baker—while they were imprisoned with him in the house of the Egyptian captain of the guard. Yosef, known for his wisdom and divine insight, inquires about their sadness.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 40:7) explains that Yosef observed their faces were "רעים" (literally "bad")—meaning they appeared troubled or dejected. Rashi emphasizes Yosef's sensitivity to others' emotional states, a trait that would later serve him well as a leader in Egypt. He notes that Yosef's question demonstrates his compassion and willingness to engage with their distress.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 88:5) elaborates that Yosef's ability to perceive their sadness was a divine gift, as he was attuned to the needs of others. The Midrash contrasts Yosef's concern for their well-being with the officers' previous indifference to his suffering when he was sold into slavery. This highlights the moral lesson of empathy and the importance of noticing others' pain.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) discusses the ethical imperative to care for others' emotional and physical needs. Yosef's actions align with this principle, as he proactively seeks to understand and alleviate their distress. Rambam would view this as an example of gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness) beyond the letter of the law.

Symbolism in the Question

  • Spiritual Sensitivity: Yosef's question reflects his spiritual refinement—he did not ignore their suffering but sought to address it (Sforno, Bereshit 40:7).
  • Leadership Quality: This moment foreshadows Yosef's future role as a leader who attends to the needs of his people (Malbim, Bereshit 40:7).

Halachic Implication

The Gemara (Nedarim 39b) derives from this verse the obligation to visit and comfort those in distress. Yosef's inquiry serves as a model for bikur cholim (visiting the sick) and emotional support, even in non-medical contexts.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef (Joseph) ask Pharaoh's officers why they looked sad?
A: Yosef noticed their sadness and showed compassion, demonstrating his caring nature even while imprisoned. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 88:5) praises Yosef for this, teaching that we should always be attentive to others' feelings.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's question in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef's concern for others—even when he himself was suffering—shows the importance of caring for others' wellbeing. This teaches us to be sensitive to people's emotions, regardless of our own situation.
Q: Why is this interaction between Yosef and the officers significant?
A: This moment led to Yosef interpreting their dreams, which eventually brought him before Pharaoh. The Talmud (Chagigah 5a) notes that small acts of kindness can lead to major events in Hashem's plan.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) teaches that we should emulate Yosef's example by noticing when others are distressed and offering comfort. This mitzvah of 'nosei b'ol im chaveiro' (sharing others' burdens) remains essential in Jewish life.