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Genesis 41:12 - Hebrew slave interprets dreams

Genesis 41:12 - בראשית 41:12

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁם אִתָּנוּ נַעַר עִבְרִי עֶבֶד לְשַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים וַנְּסַפֶּר־לוֹ וַיִּפְתָּר־לָנוּ אֶת־חֲלֹמֹתֵינוּ אִישׁ כַּחֲלֹמוֹ פָּתָר׃

English Translation

And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the officer of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

Transliteration

Vesham itanu na'ar ivri eved lesar hatabachim vanesaper-lo vayifter-lanu et-chalomoteinu ish kachalomo patar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁ֨ם אִתָּ֜נוּ נַ֣עַר עִבְרִ֗י עֶ֚בֶד לְשַׂ֣ר הַטַּבָּחִ֔ים וַ֨נְּסַפֶּר־ל֔וֹ וַיִּפְתׇּר־לָ֖נוּ אֶת־חֲלֹמֹתֵ֑ינוּ אִ֥ישׁ כַּחֲלֹמ֖וֹ פָּתָֽר׃
וְשָׁ֨ם אִתָּ֜נוּ נַ֣עַר עִבְרִ֗י עֶ֚בֶד לְשַׂ֣ר הַטַּבָּחִ֔ים וַ֨נְּסַפֶּר־ל֔וֹ וַיִּפְתׇּר־לָ֖נוּ אֶת־חֲלֹמֹתֵ֑ינוּ אִ֥ישׁ כַּחֲלֹמ֖וֹ פָּתָֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Hebrew Youth (Yosef) as an Interpreter

The verse describes Yosef (Joseph) as a "young man, a Hebrew, servant to the officer of the guard." Rashi (Bereshit 41:12) explains that the term "עִבְרִי" (Hebrew) emphasizes Yosef's distinct identity among the Egyptians, as he maintained his ancestral heritage and language. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:7) notes that Yosef was called a "young man" ("נַעַר") even at age 30, signifying his humility and purity despite his elevated status.

Yosef's Divine Gift of Interpretation

The verse states that Yosef interpreted their dreams "אִישׁ כַּחֲלֹמוֹ" (to each man according to his dream). Ramban (Bereshit 40:12) explains that Yosef did not rely on human wisdom but on divine inspiration (רוח הקודש), as each interpretation matched the dreamer's unique circumstances. The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dream interpretation requires divine assistance, and Yosef's accuracy proved his connection to Hashem.

The Significance of "Servant to the Officer of the Guard"

Yosef is described as a "עֶבֶד לְשַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים" (servant to the officer of the guard). The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 41:12) highlights that this phrasing underscores Yosef's humility—despite his imprisonment, he faithfully served his role without resentment. Sforno adds that Yosef's position in prison was providential, preparing him for his future leadership by refining his character.

Lessons in Divine Providence

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeishev 8) emphasizes that Yosef's encounter with Pharaoh's servants was orchestrated by Hashem to set in motion his eventual rise to power. The verse hints at this by mentioning Yosef's presence ("וְשָׁם אִתָּנוּ"), suggesting divine placement. The Malbim explains that Yosef's interpretations were not merely for the servants' benefit but part of a larger divine plan to bring Yosef before Pharaoh.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, illustrating how Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's servants.
📖 Chullin 95b
Mentioned in the context of discussing the reliability of dream interpretations, using Joseph's example as a case of accurate interpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the 'young Hebrew man' mentioned in Genesis 41:12?
A: The 'young Hebrew man' refers to Yosef (Joseph), who was sold into slavery in Egypt and later imprisoned. Despite his hardships, Hashem gave him the ability to interpret dreams accurately, as seen in this verse when he interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker (Rashi on Genesis 41:12).
Q: Why was Yosef described as a 'servant to the officer of the guard' in this verse?
A: Yosef was a servant in Potiphar's house but was later falsely accused and imprisoned. In prison, he gained a position of trust under the 'officer of the guard' (the prison warden). This shows that even in difficult circumstances, Yosef maintained his integrity and wisdom, earning responsibility (Ramban on Genesis 39:21-23).
Q: What is the significance of Yosef interpreting dreams in Genesis 41:12?
A: Yosef's ability to interpret dreams was a divine gift from Hashem, preparing him for his future role in saving Egypt and his family from famine. This verse highlights that his interpretations were precise ('to each man according to his dream'), showing that true dream interpretation comes from divine wisdom (Talmud, Berachot 55b).
Q: How does this verse connect to Yosef's later rise to power in Egypt?
A: This verse sets the stage for Yosef's eventual meeting with Pharaoh. The cupbearer, whose dream Yosef interpreted correctly, later remembers him when Pharaoh has troubling dreams (Genesis 41:9-13). This shows how Hashem orchestrates events to fulfill His plan (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 89:8).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in this verse?
A: Yosef used his gift of dream interpretation to help others, even while he was still a prisoner. This teaches us to use our talents for good, trust in Hashem's plan, and remain patient—knowing that our efforts can lead to greater things in due time (Mesillat Yesharim, Chapter 21).