share torah logo

Genesis 41:16 - Divine wisdom answers kings.

Genesis 41:16 - בראשית 41:16

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַן יוֹסֵף אֶת־פַּרְעֹה לֵאמֹר בִּלְעָדָי אֱלֹהִים יַעֲנֶה אֶת־שְׁלוֹם פַּרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And Yosef answered Par῾o, saying, it is not me: God shall give Par῾o a favourable answer.

Transliteration

Va'ya'an Yosef et-Par'o lemor bil'adai Elohim ya'aneh et-shlom Par'o.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֨עַן יוֹסֵ֧ף אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֛ה לֵאמֹ֖ר בִּלְעָדָ֑י אֱלֹהִ֕ים יַעֲנֶ֖ה אֶת־שְׁל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹֽה׃
וַיַּ֨עַן יוֹסֵ֧ף אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֛ה לֵאמֹ֖ר בִּלְעָדָ֑י אֱלֹהִ֕ים יַעֲנֶ֖ה אֶת־שְׁל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Humility and Divine Providence

In this verse (Bereshit 41:16), Yosef responds to Pharaoh's request to interpret his dreams by immediately attributing the ability to do so to Hashem rather than himself. The phrase "בִּלְעָדָי" ("it is not me") demonstrates Yosef's profound humility and recognition that all wisdom comes from the Divine.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on this verse that Yosef was emphasizing that the interpretation does not originate from his own wisdom, but rather from Hashem. This aligns with Yosef's earlier statement to the butler in prison (Bereshit 40:8), where he similarly credited Hashem with the ability to interpret dreams.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (2:45), Rambam discusses prophecy and Divine communication, noting that true prophets always attribute their insights to Hashem. Yosef's response exemplifies this principle, distinguishing him from Egyptian magicians who claimed personal supernatural abilities.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:6) highlights that Yosef's humility in this moment was a key factor in his eventual elevation to leadership in Egypt.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeshev 8) connects this verse to Mishlei 27:2 - "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth," showing Yosef as the exemplar of this wisdom.

Halachic Implications

The Sforno notes that Yosef's response models proper conduct when one is asked to use special knowledge or abilities - we must acknowledge that all talents come from Hashem. This aligns with the halachic principle of giving credit to the true Source of our abilities.

Kabbalistic Dimension

The Zohar (1:183b) interprets Yosef's words as reflecting his connection to the sefira of Yesod, which channels Divine wisdom into the world while remaining humble and concealed like its namesake Yosef HaTzaddik.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is cited in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, illustrating that interpretations come from God.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the qualities of Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams, emphasizing divine inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yosef mean when he says 'it is not me' in Genesis 41:16?
A: Yosef is humbly acknowledging that his ability to interpret dreams comes solely from Hashem. As Rashi explains, Yosef was emphasizing that the wisdom was not his own, but from God. This teaches us the importance of recognizing that all talents and insights ultimately come from the Divine.
Q: Why is Yosef's response to Pharaoh important in this verse?
A: Yosef's response demonstrates proper Jewish values of humility and faith. The Rambam teaches that acknowledging God's role in our abilities is fundamental. By attributing his gift to Hashem, Yosef sets an example for how we should view our own talents and successes.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Genesis 41:16 in our lives today?
A: Like Yosef, we should recognize that our abilities come from Hashem. The Talmud (Taanit 2a) teaches that everything comes through divine providence. When we succeed, we should follow Yosef's example by giving credit to God rather than taking personal pride.
Q: What does this verse teach us about how to speak to powerful leaders?
A: Yosef shows us how to speak with both respect and truthfulness to authority figures. As the Midrash notes, Yosef honored Pharaoh while clearly stating his belief in God. This teaches the Jewish approach of maintaining our principles while being respectful to those in positions of power.
Q: Why does Yosef mention 'the peace of Pharaoh' in his response?
A: According to traditional commentators, Yosef was expressing that the dream interpretation would bring Pharaoh clarity and resolution ('peace'). The Sforno explains that true wisdom from God brings peace and understanding, which is what Yosef was promising Pharaoh through divine insight.