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Genesis 41:37 - Pharaoh approves Yosef's wisdom

Genesis 41:37 - בראשית 41:37

Hebrew Text

וַיִּיטַב הַדָּבָר בְּעֵינֵי פַרְעֹה וּבְעֵינֵי כָּל־עֲבָדָיו׃

English Translation

And the thing was good in the eyes of Par῾o, and in the eyes of all his servants.

Transliteration

Vayitav hadavar be'enei Paro uve'enei kol-avadav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּיטַ֥ב הַדָּבָ֖ר בְּעֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וּבְעֵינֵ֖י כׇּל־עֲבָדָֽיו׃
וַיִּיטַ֥ב הַדָּבָ֖ר בְּעֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וּבְעֵינֵ֖י כׇּל־עֲבָדָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot/Exodus 1:21) appears in the narrative where Pharaoh initially attempts to suppress the Jewish people through harsh labor. However, when the midwives Shifra and Puah defy Pharaoh's decree to kill newborn Israelite boys, Hashem rewards them with households (families). The verse states that Pharaoh and his servants approved of the midwives' actions, despite their disobedience to his earlier command.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיִּיטַב הַדָּבָר" ("the thing was good") refers to Pharaoh and his servants recognizing that the midwives' defiance was justified because they acted out of fear of Hashem. Rashi cites the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:17), which states that Pharaoh and his court acknowledged the righteousness of the midwives, as their actions aligned with divine morality rather than human cruelty.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra suggests that Pharaoh and his servants may have reconsidered their harsh decree after seeing that the midwives' compassionate actions did not harm Egypt. Instead, the midwives' refusal to kill the infants demonstrated moral integrity, which even Pharaoh could not condemn.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemot 5) elaborates that Pharaoh and his advisors recognized that the midwives acted with divine wisdom. Their refusal to murder innocent children revealed a higher ethical standard, causing even the wicked Pharaoh to acknowledge their righteousness.

Lessons Derived

  • Moral Influence: Even tyrants like Pharaoh could recognize righteousness when confronted with unwavering devotion to Hashem's will.
  • Divine Reward: The midwives' fear of Hashem over human authority led to their blessing, reinforcing the principle that true success comes from adherence to Torah values.
  • Unexpected Approval: Sometimes, standing firm in faith can lead even adversaries to acknowledge the truth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 41:37 mean when it says the thing was 'good in the eyes of Pharaoh'?
A: This verse means that Pharaoh and his advisors approved of Yosef's (Joseph's) interpretation of the dreams and his suggestion to store grain during the seven years of plenty to prepare for the seven years of famine. Rashi explains that Pharaoh recognized the wisdom in Yosef's plan and saw it as the right course of action.
Q: Why is Pharaoh's approval of Yosef's plan important in the Torah?
A: Pharaoh's approval is significant because it sets the stage for Yosef's rise to power in Egypt. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah), this moment marks the fulfillment of Yosef's earlier dreams of leadership, showing how Hashem's plan unfolds even through the decisions of rulers like Pharaoh.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 41:37 about leadership and decision-making?
A: The verse teaches that good leadership involves recognizing and accepting wise counsel, as Pharaoh did with Yosef's advice. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os) emphasizes the importance of seeking and listening to wise advice, just as Pharaoh and his servants acknowledged the value of Yosef's plan.
Q: How does Genesis 41:37 show Divine Providence (Hashgacha Pratit)?
A: The verse demonstrates Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence) because Pharaoh's approval was part of Hashem's plan to elevate Yosef and save the region from famine. The Talmud (Chullin 7b) teaches that even the decisions of rulers are guided by Hashem to fulfill His greater purpose, as seen here with Yosef's rise to power.