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Genesis 41:34 - Store grain for famine years

Genesis 41:34 - בראשית 41:34

Hebrew Text

יַעֲשֶׂה פַרְעֹה וְיַפְקֵד פְּקִדִים עַל־הָאָרֶץ וְחִמֵּשׁ אֶת־אֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם בְּשֶׁבַע שְׁנֵי הַשָּׂבָע׃

English Translation

Let Par῾o do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Miżrayim in the seven years of plenty.

Transliteration

Ya'aseh Par'o veyafked pekidim al-ha'aretz vechimesh et-eretz Mitzrayim besheva shnei hasava.

Hebrew Leining Text

יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה פַרְעֹ֔ה וְיַפְקֵ֥ד פְּקִדִ֖ים עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וְחִמֵּשׁ֙ אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּשֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֥י הַשָּׂבָֽע׃
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה פַרְעֹ֔ה וְיַפְקֵ֥ד פְּקִדִ֖ים עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וְחִמֵּשׁ֙ אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּשֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֥י הַשָּׂבָֽע׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 41:34) is part of Yosef's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream and his subsequent advice on how to prepare for the upcoming seven years of famine. Yosef suggests that Pharaoh appoint overseers to collect and store grain during the years of plenty to sustain Egypt during the years of scarcity.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְחִמֵּשׁ אֶת־אֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם" ("take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt") means that the officers should collect one-fifth of the produce during the years of plenty. This is based on the root חמש, which denotes a fifth. Rashi further notes that this measure was appropriate to ensure sufficient reserves without overburdening the people.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 6:3) draws a halachic principle from this verse, stating that setting aside a portion of produce during times of plenty is a model of prudent governance and foresight. He emphasizes that this approach aligns with the Torah's values of preparing for future needs and avoiding waste.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 90:5) highlights Yosef's wisdom in suggesting a fixed portion (one-fifth) rather than an arbitrary amount, ensuring fairness and predictability for the people.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayeshev 8) connects this advice to the broader theme of divine providence, as Yosef's plan ultimately saved not only Egypt but also his own family, fulfilling Hashem's greater plan.

Practical Implications

The verse teaches the importance of:

  • Leadership and Planning: Appointing qualified officers (פְּקִדִים) to manage resources responsibly.
  • Moderation: Taking a measured portion (one-fifth) to balance immediate needs with future security.
  • Divine Wisdom: Recognizing that human efforts, when aligned with divine will, can bring about salvation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'take up the fifth part of the land' in Genesis 41:34?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentaries, Yosef advised Pharaoh to collect a fifth (20%) of the grain harvest during the seven years of plenty. This was a practical measure to store food for the upcoming seven years of famine. The Torah emphasizes wise planning and foresight.
Q: Why did Yosef suggest appointing officers over the land in this verse?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef understood the importance of proper administration. By appointing officers (פְּקִדִים), Pharaoh could ensure the organized collection and storage of grain during the years of plenty. This reflects the Torah's value of responsible leadership and preparation for future challenges.
Q: How does Genesis 41:34 teach us about preparing for the future?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:1) derives from this verse the importance of making practical preparations while trusting in Hashem. Yosef's advice shows that we must take reasonable steps to secure our needs, as part of our divine service. This balances faith with human responsibility.
Q: What is the significance of the 'seven years of plenty' mentioned in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anis 9a) notes that these years were a test for Egypt—would they recognize the abundance as a gift from Hashem and prepare accordingly? The verse teaches that times of prosperity are opportunities to build reserves—both materially and spiritually—for harder times ahead.