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Genesis 41:42 - Royal honor for Yosef's wisdom

Genesis 41:42 - בראשית 41:42

Hebrew Text

וַיָּסַר פַּרְעֹה אֶת־טַבַּעְתּוֹ מֵעַל יָדוֹ וַיִּתֵּן אֹתָהּ עַל־יַד יוֹסֵף וַיַּלְבֵּשׁ אֹתוֹ בִּגְדֵי־שֵׁשׁ וַיָּשֶׂם רְבִד הַזָּהָב עַל־צַוָּארוֹ׃

English Translation

And Par῾o took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Yosef’s hand, and arrayed him in garments of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

Transliteration

Vayasar Par'o et-taba'ato me'al yado vayiten ota al-yad Yosef vayalbesh oto bigdei-shesh vayasem r'vid hazahav al-tzavaro.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֨סַר פַּרְעֹ֤ה אֶת־טַבַּעְתּוֹ֙ מֵעַ֣ל יָד֔וֹ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֖הּ עַל־יַ֣ד יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ אֹתוֹ֙ בִּגְדֵי־שֵׁ֔שׁ וַיָּ֛שֶׂם רְבִ֥ד הַזָּהָ֖ב עַל־צַוָּארֽוֹ׃
וַיָּ֨סַר פַּרְעֹ֤ה אֶת־טַבַּעְתּוֹ֙ מֵעַ֣ל יָד֔וֹ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֖הּ עַל־יַ֣ד יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ אֹתוֹ֙ בִּגְדֵי־שֵׁ֔שׁ וַיָּ֛שֶׂם רְבִ֥ד הַזָּהָ֖ב עַל־צַוָּארֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Symbolism of Pharaoh's Actions

According to Rashi (Bereshit 41:42), Pharaoh's removal of his signet ring and placement on Yosef's hand symbolizes the transfer of royal authority. The signet ring was used to seal official documents, indicating that Yosef was granted the power to act with Pharaoh's full authority. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 90:3) elaborates that this act demonstrated Yosef's elevation from prisoner to viceroy in a single moment, fulfilling his earlier dreams of leadership.

Garments of Fine Linen

The "bigdei shesh" (garments of fine linen) represent Yosef's new status. Ramban (Bereshit 41:42) notes that such clothing was reserved for royalty and high officials in Egypt. The Talmud (Yoma 35a) draws a parallel between Yosef's linen garments and the priestly garments of the Kohen Gadol, suggesting a spiritual dimension to Yosef's leadership role.

The Gold Chain

The "revid hazahav" (gold chain) placed around Yosef's neck carries multiple interpretations:

  • Rashi explains it as a royal ornament marking Yosef's new position.
  • The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 41:42) suggests it symbolizes the "yoke of leadership" now placed upon Yosef.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeshev 8) connects it to the chain of events that led to Yosef's rise, showing Divine providence at work.

Halachic Significance

The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 1:7) cites this episode as a model for how Jewish leaders should be honored with appropriate regalia, while the Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 95) derives from this the importance of showing respect to those in positions of authority.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Pharaoh give Yosef his ring and fine clothes?
A: Pharaoh gave Yosef his royal ring and fine linen garments as symbols of authority, showing that Yosef was being appointed as second-in-command over Egypt (Rashi on Genesis 41:42). The ring represented the power to sign royal decrees, the fine linen was clothing of nobility, and the gold chain was a further honor.
Q: What is the significance of the 'garments of fine linen' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'bigdei shesh' (garments of fine linen) were special royal garments worn by Egyptian nobility. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 90:1), these were not just ordinary fine clothes, but specifically priestly garments, showing Yosef's elevated status. This also hints at how Yosef maintained his righteousness even in high office.
Q: How does Yosef's elevation in Egypt relate to Jewish values?
A: Yosef's rise to power demonstrates key Jewish values: 1) That Hashem rewards righteousness (Yosef remained moral in Potiphar's house and prison), 2) That Jews can maintain their identity in exile (Yosef kept his Hebrew name and values), and 3) That leadership is about serving others (Yosef used his power to save lives during famine). The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:11) learns from Yosef that we must maintain our principles in all circumstances.