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Genesis 41:35 - Store abundance for famine

Genesis 41:35 - בראשית 41:35

Hebrew Text

וְיִקְבְּצוּ אֶת־כָּל־אֹכֶל הַשָּׁנִים הַטֹּבֹת הַבָּאֹת הָאֵלֶּה וְיִצְבְּרוּ־בָר תַּחַת יַד־פַּרְעֹה אֹכֶל בֶּעָרִים וְשָׁמָרוּ׃

English Translation

And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Par῾o, and let them keep food in the cities.

Transliteration

Veyikbetzu et kol ochel hashanim hatovot habaot ha'ele veyitzberu bar tachat yad Par'o ochel be'arim veshamaru.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיִקְבְּצ֗וּ אֶת־כׇּל־אֹ֙כֶל֙ הַשָּׁנִ֣ים הַטֹּב֔וֹת הַבָּאֹ֖ת הָאֵ֑לֶּה וְיִצְבְּרוּ־בָ֞ר תַּ֧חַת יַד־פַּרְעֹ֛ה אֹ֥כֶל בֶּעָרִ֖ים וְשָׁמָֽרוּ׃
וְיִקְבְּצ֗וּ אֶת־כׇּל־אֹ֙כֶל֙ הַשָּׁנִ֣ים הַטֹּב֔וֹת הַבָּאֹ֖ת הָאֵ֑לֶּה וְיִצְבְּרוּ־בָ֞ר תַּ֧חַת יַד־פַּרְעֹ֛ה אֹ֥כֶל בֶּעָרִ֖ים וְשָׁמָֽרוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 41:35) appears in the narrative of Yosef interpreting Pharaoh's dream about the upcoming seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Yosef advises Pharaoh to appoint officers to gather and store surplus grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of famine.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְיִצְבְּרוּ־בָר תַּחַת יַד־פַּרְעֹה" ("and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh") means the grain should be stored in royal granaries under Pharaoh's authority. This ensures centralized control, preventing individuals from hoarding grain for personal profit during the famine. Rashi also notes that storing food "בֶּעָרִים" ("in the cities") means distributing storage across multiple locations for easier access during the famine.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 9:3) draws a halachic principle from this verse regarding communal responsibility. Just as Yosef advised storing grain for future need, communities must establish systems to support the needy. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on foresight and collective welfare.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 5) highlights Yosef's wisdom in suggesting centralized storage, which later allowed him to control distribution fairly during the famine.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (90:5) notes that the phrase "הַשָּׁנִים הַטֹּבֹת" ("the good years") teaches that abundance is a divine gift, and its proper management is a test of righteousness.

Halachic Implications

The verse underscores the importance of hishtadlut (human effort) in preparing for future challenges. The Talmud (Ta'anit 19b) derives that leaders must take practical steps to ensure food security, mirroring Yosef's advice to Pharaoh.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of storing food during years of plenty to prepare for years of famine, drawing a parallel to Joseph's actions in Egypt.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the wisdom and foresight of Joseph, emphasizing his role in ensuring food security for Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 41:35 mean?
A: Genesis 41:35 is part of Yosef's (Joseph's) advice to Pharaoh about preparing for the upcoming seven years of famine. He suggests gathering and storing surplus grain during the seven years of plenty to ensure there will be enough food during the lean years. Rashi explains that this was a practical and Divinely inspired plan to prevent starvation.
Q: Why is storing food important in this verse?
A: Storing food is crucial in this verse because it teaches the importance of foresight and preparation. The Midrash highlights that Yosef's wisdom in planning ahead was a fulfillment of Hashem's will to sustain life during difficult times. This principle applies to both physical and spiritual preparation—being ready for future challenges.
Q: What can we learn from Yosef's advice in Genesis 41:35?
A: We learn the value of wisdom, responsibility, and trusting in Hashem's guidance. Yosef didn't just rely on miracles; he took practical steps while recognizing that success comes from Hashem. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that we must make natural efforts (hishtadlut) while acknowledging Divine providence.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us to prepare responsibly for the future, whether financially, emotionally, or spiritually. The Talmud (Yoma 38b) discusses how Hashem provides sustenance, but we must make efforts to secure it. Just as Yosef stored grain, we should plan wisely while trusting in Hashem's blessings.
Q: Why did the food need to be stored 'under Pharaoh's hand'?
A: Rashi explains that storing grain 'under Pharaoh's hand' meant it would be carefully guarded and distributed fairly. This ensured centralized control to prevent hoarding or waste. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 30b) also notes that proper supervision prevents corruption in times of scarcity.