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Genesis 41:33 - Wisdom saves nations

Genesis 41:33 - בראשית 41:33

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה יֵרֶא פַרְעֹה אִישׁ נָבוֹן וְחָכָם וִישִׁיתֵהוּ עַל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

Now therefore let Par῾o look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Ve'ata yere Paro ish navon ve'chacham veyashitehu al-eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּה֙ יֵרֶ֣א פַרְעֹ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ נָב֣וֹן וְחָכָ֑ם וִישִׁיתֵ֖הוּ עַל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וְעַתָּה֙ יֵרֶ֣א פַרְעֹ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ נָב֣וֹן וְחָכָ֑ם וִישִׁיתֵ֖הוּ עַל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 41:33) is part of Yosef's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, where he advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning administrator to prepare for the upcoming years of famine. The verse reflects Yosef's wisdom and foresight, as well as his understanding of governance and Divine providence.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yosef's suggestion to Pharaoh was not merely administrative but also a subtle hint that Pharaoh himself should appoint Yosef for this role. The term "נָבוֹן וְחָכָם" (discreet and wise) implies someone who can both interpret dreams (as Yosef had just done) and implement practical solutions. Rashi notes that Yosef's wisdom here aligns with the principle that one who foresees a problem should take steps to address it (based on Talmudic teachings in Tamid 32a).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 2:6) discusses the qualities of a leader, emphasizing that a ruler must be wise and discerning to manage a nation effectively. Yosef's recommendation aligns with this ideal, as he identifies the need for a leader who can oversee food storage and distribution—a critical role during times of crisis. Rambam would view this as an example of hokhmah (practical wisdom) applied for the public good.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 89:6) highlights that Yosef's advice demonstrated his readiness for leadership. By proposing a solution rather than merely interpreting the dream, he showed the qualities of a true mashgiach (overseer), which ultimately led to his appointment.
  • Another Midrash (Tanhuma, Mikeitz 10) suggests that Yosef's words were Divinely inspired, as his rise to power was part of Hashem's plan to save both Egypt and his family during the famine.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 2:1) cites the importance of appointing qualified leaders, derived from verses like this one. A leader must possess both binah (understanding) and chokhmah (wisdom) to make sound judgments, reflecting Yosef's criteria for Pharaoh's appointee.

Symbolism and Lessons

This verse teaches the importance of proactive leadership and the value of wisdom in governance. Yosef's advice underscores that true wisdom involves not only foreseeing challenges but also preparing practical solutions—a lesson applicable to both individual and communal life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 41:33 mean when it says Pharaoh should appoint a 'discreet and wise' man?
A: According to Rashi, the terms 'discreet (נָבוֹן)' and 'wise (חָכָם)' refer to someone with both practical understanding and deep wisdom. Yosef (Joseph) was suggesting that Pharaoh needed a leader who could not only interpret dreams but also implement a practical plan to save Egypt from the coming famine.
Q: Why did Yosef advise Pharaoh to appoint a wise leader in Genesis 41:33?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef recognized the severity of the upcoming famine and understood that Egypt needed a capable administrator to manage food storage and distribution. His advice demonstrated his wisdom and concern for the welfare of the people, aligning with the Torah's value of responsible leadership.
Q: How does Genesis 41:33 apply to leadership today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:5-6) teaches that leaders must possess both wisdom (חָכְמָה) and discernment (בִּינָה) to govern effectively. This verse reminds us that true leadership requires foresight, practical skills, and moral responsibility—principles that remain timeless in Jewish thought.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'set him over the land of Egypt' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 55a) notes that Yosef’s wording implied centralized authority was necessary to manage the crisis. This reflects the Torah’s principle that societal stability often requires strong, organized leadership—especially in times of emergency—as later seen in Jewish communal structures (Kehillah).