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Genesis 41:44 - Power under divine providence?

Genesis 41:44 - בראשית 41:44

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל־יוֹסֵף אֲנִי פַרְעֹה וּבִלְעָדֶיךָ לֹא־יָרִים אִישׁ אֶת־יָדוֹ וְאֶת־רַגְלוֹ בְּכָל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And Par῾o said to Yosef, I am Par῾o, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Paroh el-Yosef ani Paroh u'viltadecha lo-yarim ish et-yado v'et-raglo b'khol-eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֛ה אֶל־יוֹסֵ֖ף אֲנִ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וּבִלְעָדֶ֗יךָ לֹֽא־יָרִ֨ים אִ֧ישׁ אֶת־יָד֛וֹ וְאֶת־רַגְל֖וֹ בְּכׇל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֛ה אֶל־יוֹסֵ֖ף אֲנִ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וּבִלְעָדֶ֗יךָ לֹֽא־יָרִ֨ים אִ֧ישׁ אֶת־יָד֛וֹ וְאֶת־רַגְל֖וֹ בְּכׇל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Declaration of Authority and Yosef's Role

The verse (Bereishit 41:44) records Pharaoh's proclamation to Yosef: "I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Mitzrayim." This statement reflects Pharaoh's absolute delegation of power to Yosef, elevating him to the highest position under the throne.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that Pharaoh emphasizes "I am Pharaoh" to assert that despite Yosef's new authority, Pharaoh remains the supreme ruler. The phrase "without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot" means no one in Egypt could take any significant action without Yosef's permission. Rashi interprets "hand or foot" as a metaphor for any movement or initiative—highlighting Yosef's total administrative control.

Rambam's Perspective on Leadership

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 2:6) discusses the delegation of authority by a king to a trusted viceroy. Pharaoh's statement aligns with this model, where Yosef becomes the Mishneh LaMelech (second to the king), a position granting him near-absolute power while still subordinate to Pharaoh. This mirrors the later role of the Sar HaMashkim (chief butler) in the Persian court (Esther 1:8).

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (90:3): The Midrash explains that Pharaoh's declaration was a divine fulfillment of Yosef's dreams (Bereishit 37:7-9), where his brothers would bow to him. By granting Yosef supreme authority, Pharaoh unknowingly facilitated this prophecy.
  • Sforno: Notes that Pharaoh's wording implies even his own decrees would require Yosef's approval, demonstrating unparalleled trust. This foreshadows Yosef's later role in sustaining Egypt and his family during famine.

Symbolism of "Hand or Foot"

The Talmud (Chullin 91a) interprets "lifting a hand or foot" as a reference to military and economic control—no army could mobilize (hand) nor trade could proceed (foot) without Yosef's command. This underscores his dual role as vizier and strategist, ensuring Egypt's survival during the famine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Pharaoh mean when he says 'without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt'?
A: Pharaoh is granting Yosef (Joseph) supreme authority in Egypt, second only to himself. According to Rashi, this means no one in Egypt could make any significant decision or take any action without Yosef's permission. It emphasizes Yosef's total control over the land's affairs.
Q: Why did Pharaoh give Yosef such immense power?
A: Pharaoh recognized Yosef's wisdom and divine inspiration in interpreting dreams and managing crises (as seen in Genesis 41:39). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 90:3) explains that Yosef's leadership qualities and his ability to provide solutions during famine made him the obvious choice to govern Egypt.
Q: What can we learn from Yosef's rise to power in Egypt?
A: Yosef's story teaches the importance of faith in Hashem (God) during difficult times, as well as the value of wisdom and integrity. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:13) highlights how Yosef remained righteous despite his high position, showing that one can maintain Jewish values even in a foreign environment.
Q: How does Yosef's authority in Egypt relate to Jewish leadership today?
A: Yosef's leadership model—combining wisdom, humility, and devotion to Hashem—sets an example for Jewish leaders. The Talmud (Pirkei Avot 2:5) teaches that a leader must act for the benefit of the people, just as Yosef saved Egypt and his family from famine.
Q: Why does Pharaoh say 'I am Pharaoh' before granting Yosef power?
A: Rashi explains that Pharaoh was asserting his own supreme kingship while delegating authority to Yosef. By saying 'I am Pharaoh,' he made it clear that Yosef's power came from him and that Yosef would still be subordinate to the throne.