share torah logo

Genesis 41:46 - Yosef's rise to power begins

Genesis 41:46 - בראשית 41:46

Hebrew Text

וְיוֹסֵף בֶּן־שְׁלֹשִׁים שָׁנָה בְּעָמְדוֹ לִפְנֵי פַּרְעֹה מֶלֶךְ־מִצְרָיִם וַיֵּצֵא יוֹסֵף מִלִּפְנֵי פַרְעֹה וַיַּעְבֹר בְּכָל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And Yosef was thirty years old when he stood before Par῾o, king of Miżrayim. And Yosef went out from the presence of Par῾o, and went through all the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Ve'Yosef ben-sheloshim shana be'omdo lifnei Par'o melech-Mitzrayim vayeitzei Yosef milifnei Far'o vaya'avor bechol-eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיוֹסֵף֙ בֶּן־שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה בְּעׇמְד֕וֹ לִפְנֵ֖י פַּרְעֹ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־מִצְרָ֑יִם וַיֵּצֵ֤א יוֹסֵף֙ מִלִּפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר בְּכׇל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וְיוֹסֵף֙ בֶּן־שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה בְּעׇמְד֕וֹ לִפְנֵ֖י פַּרְעֹ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־מִצְרָ֑יִם וַיֵּצֵ֤א יוֹסֵף֙ מִלִּפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר בְּכׇל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Age and Leadership

The verse states that Yosef was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh. Rashi (on Bereishit 41:46) notes that this age marks a transition to full maturity and leadership, as seen in other biblical figures like David (Shmuel II 5:4) and Yechezkel (Yechezkel 1:1). The number thirty symbolizes strength and readiness for responsibility, as the Mishnah (Avot 5:21) teaches that thirty is the age for "koach" (strength).

Yosef's Departure from Pharaoh's Presence

The phrase "וַיֵּצֵא יוֹסֵף מִלִּפְנֵי פַרְעֹה" ("And Yosef went out from the presence of Pharaoh") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 90:4) as highlighting Yosef's humility. Despite his sudden rise to power, he did not linger arrogantly before the king but immediately set out to fulfill his duties. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) emphasizes that true leadership requires humility and action, not self-aggrandizement.

Surveying the Land of Egypt

The verse concludes by stating that Yosef "went through all the land of Egypt." The Sforno (on Bereishit 41:46) explains that this demonstrates Yosef's diligence in personally overseeing the preparation for the famine, rather than delegating blindly. The Talmud (Sotah 11a) connects this to the broader theme of divine providence—Yosef's journey through Egypt was part of Hashem's plan to position him as a savior for both Egypt and his own family.

  • Symbolism of Thirty: Represents maturity and readiness for leadership (Rashi, Avot 5:21).
  • Humility in Leadership: Yosef's immediate action reflects his modest character (Bereishit Rabbah 90:4, Rambam).
  • Divine Providence: His thorough survey of Egypt was a critical step in fulfilling his destiny (Sforno, Sotah 11a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention Yosef's age (30 years old) when he stood before Pharaoh?
A: The Torah mentions Yosef's age to show that he reached a position of leadership at the same age as King David (see II Samuel 5:4) and other key Jewish leaders. Rashi explains that this teaches us about divine timing—Yosef's suffering and preparation led to this moment of elevation at the proper time.
Q: What does it mean that Yosef 'went through all the land of Egypt' after meeting Pharaoh?
A: According to Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 90:4), Yosef traveled throughout Egypt to establish grain storage cities and organize the food distribution system. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 4:1) notes this as an example of righteous governance—Yosef ensured fair administration to prevent famine suffering.
Q: Why is Yosef standing before Pharaoh considered significant in Jewish tradition?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 13b) sees this as the fulfillment of Yosef's childhood dreams (Genesis 37). It demonstrates how Hashem's plan unfolds—from slavery to leadership—teaching that divine promises are realized in unexpected ways. Malbim emphasizes that Yosef's humility before Pharaoh contrasts with his brothers' earlier jealousy.
Q: How does Yosef's rise to power at age 30 apply to our lives today?
A: The Baal Shem Tov taught that Yosef's story shows how life's challenges prepare us for our purpose. At 30—midway to the traditional lifespan of 70 (Psalms 90:10)—Yosef's maturity allowed him to lead wisely. This teaches that setbacks can be stepping stones to fulfilling one's mission.