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Genesis 41:14 - Yosef's rise from prison

Genesis 41:14 - בראשית 41:14

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁלַח פַּרְעֹה וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־יוֹסֵף וַיְרִיצֻהוּ מִן־הַבּוֹר וַיְגַלַּח וַיְחַלֵּף שִׂמְלֹתָיו וַיָּבֹא אֶל־פַּרְעֹה׃

English Translation

Then Par῾o sent and called Yosef, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his garments, and came in to Par῾o.

Transliteration

Va'yishlach Par'o va'yikra et Yosef va'y'ritzu'hu min ha'bor va'y'galach va'y'chalef simlotav va'yavo el Par'o.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח פַּרְעֹה֙ וַיִּקְרָ֣א אֶת־יוֹסֵ֔ף וַיְרִיצֻ֖הוּ מִן־הַבּ֑וֹר וַיְגַלַּח֙ וַיְחַלֵּ֣ף שִׂמְלֹתָ֔יו וַיָּבֹ֖א אֶל־פַּרְעֹֽה׃
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח פַּרְעֹה֙ וַיִּקְרָ֣א אֶת־יוֹסֵ֔ף וַיְרִיצֻ֖הוּ מִן־הַבּ֑וֹר וַיְגַלַּח֙ וַיְחַלֵּ֣ף שִׂמְלֹתָ֔יו וַיָּבֹ֖א אֶל־פַּרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Summons and Yosef's Preparation

The verse describes Pharaoh summoning Yosef from the dungeon and Yosef's immediate preparations before appearing before the king. The sequence of events holds deeper significance according to traditional Jewish commentaries.

Rashi's Explanation of "וַיְרִיצֻהוּ" (They Brought Him Hastily)

Rashi (Bereshit 41:14) notes that the term וַיְרִיצֻהוּ ("they brought him hastily") implies urgency. This suggests that Pharaoh's need for Yosef's interpretation was pressing, emphasizing Divine Providence—Yosef's release was timed precisely when his wisdom was required.

The Significance of Shaving and Changing Garments

The verse states that Yosef shaved (וַיְגַלַּח) and changed his clothes (וַיְחַלֵּף שִׂמְלֹתָיו) before meeting Pharaoh. Several commentaries elaborate on this:

  • Ramban (Bereshit 41:14): Yosef shaved as a sign of respect for royalty, conforming to Egyptian customs. This demonstrates his wisdom in adapting to local norms when necessary, without compromising his faith.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeshev 8): The change of garments symbolizes Yosef's transition from prisoner to statesman. Just as his earlier stripping of his coat (by his brothers) led to his descent, this new clothing marked his ascent to greatness.
  • Kli Yakar (Bereshit 41:14): The shaving also served a practical purpose—removing the unkempt appearance of a prisoner to present himself dignifiedly before Pharaoh, reflecting the principle of hiddur mitzvah (enhancing a mitzvah through beauty and dignity).

Spiritual Lessons from Yosef's Actions

The Sforno (Bereshit 41:14) highlights that Yosef's meticulous preparation—despite his sudden release—teaches the importance of presenting oneself properly when serving in a position of influence. His actions reflect the balance between maintaining Jewish identity and engaging respectfully with foreign leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Joseph's rise from the dungeon to stand before Pharaoh, highlighting his transformation and readiness for leadership.
📖 Berakhot 55a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, relating to Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef shave before meeting Pharaoh?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 41:14), Yosef shaved because it was the Egyptian custom for people to appear clean-shaven when coming before royalty. As a sign of respect for Pharaoh and to properly present himself, Yosef followed this practice despite it not being the Jewish custom.
Q: Why did Yosef change his clothes before seeing Pharaoh?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef changed from his prison garments into proper attire to show respect for Pharaoh's royal court. This teaches the importance of presenting oneself appropriately when appearing before important figures, as clothing reflects dignity and honor (see also Rambam's Hilchos De'os 5:9 on proper conduct).
Q: What is the significance of Yosef being rushed out of the dungeon?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Yosef was brought hastily ('vayaritzuhu') to show how quickly his fortunes changed from prisoner to royal advisor. This demonstrates Hashem's hand in orchestrating events to fulfill Yosef's earlier dreams (see Rashi on Genesis 41:14 and Talmud Brachos 7a about divine providence).
Q: How does Yosef's preparation before meeting Pharaoh apply to us today?
A: From Yosef's actions, we learn the importance of preparing properly for significant moments - whether physical preparation (like proper dress) or spiritual preparation (like prayer). The Talmud (Shabbos 10a) teaches that one should always approach important meetings with proper respect and preparation.
Q: Why does the Torah mention these details about Yosef's preparation?
A: These details show Yosef's wisdom in adapting to Egyptian customs while maintaining his Jewish identity. The Sforno explains that this demonstrates how Jews can interact respectfully with foreign cultures when necessary, without compromising their core values (see also Rambam's Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Melachim 10:12).