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Genesis 41:48 - Storing grain for famine's test

Genesis 41:48 - בראשית 41:48

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְבֹּץ אֶת־כָּל־אֹכֶל שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים אֲשֶׁר הָיוּ בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם וַיִּתֶּן־אֹכֶל בֶּעָרִים אֹכֶל שְׂדֵה־הָעִיר אֲשֶׁר סְבִיבֹתֶיהָ נָתַן בְּתוֹכָהּ׃

English Translation

And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Miżrayim, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up within it.

Transliteration

Vayikbets et kol ochel sheva shanim asher hayu be'eretz Mitzrayim vayiten ochel be'arim ochel sdeh ha'ir asher svivoteha natan betochah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְבֹּ֞ץ אֶת־כׇּל־אֹ֣כֶל <b>׀</b> שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָיוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיִּתֶּן־אֹ֖כֶל בֶּעָרִ֑ים אֹ֧כֶל שְׂדֵה־הָעִ֛יר אֲשֶׁ֥ר סְבִיבֹתֶ֖יהָ נָתַ֥ן בְּתוֹכָֽהּ׃
וַיִּקְבֹּ֞ץ אֶת־כׇּל־אֹ֣כֶל ׀ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָיוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיִּתֶּן־אֹ֖כֶל בֶּעָרִ֑ים אֹ֧כֶל שְׂדֵה־הָעִ֛יר אֲשֶׁ֥ר סְבִיבֹתֶ֖יהָ נָתַ֥ן בְּתוֹכָֽהּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 41:48) describes Yosef's implementation of his divinely inspired plan to store grain during the seven years of plenty in preparation for the seven years of famine. The verse emphasizes Yosef's wisdom in organizing the storage of food throughout Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yosef stored the grain in the cities where it was harvested ("the food of the field, which was round about every city"). This was a practical measure to prevent spoilage, as transporting large quantities of grain long distances would have been wasteful. Rashi also notes that Yosef stored the grain in the cities themselves ("within it") rather than in open fields, to protect it from animals and thieves.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam highlights Yosef's administrative wisdom as an example of how divine providence works through natural means. Yosef didn't merely rely on miracles but implemented a systematic, logical plan to ensure food security - a model for proper governance.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 90:5) notes that Yosef stored grain "within the city" to make it easily accessible to the people when famine would strike, demonstrating his compassion and foresight.
  • Another Midrashic interpretation suggests that storing grain locally prevented jealousy between cities, as each city had its own supply rather than needing to draw from a central location.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Ta'anit 10b) derives from this verse principles about communal responsibility for food storage. The Gemara notes that just as Yosef stored food "in the cities," communities must make provisions for times of scarcity, establishing this as a model for Jewish communal leadership.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal HaTanya sees in this verse a spiritual lesson: just as Yosef gathered physical sustenance during times of plenty to prepare for scarcity, we must gather spiritual "nourishment" during times of spiritual abundance to sustain us through difficult periods.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 41:48 mean?
A: Genesis 41:48 describes how Yosef (Joseph) gathered and stored all the surplus food during the seven years of plenty in Egypt, as he had interpreted Pharaoh's dream. According to Rashi, Yosef stored the grain in the cities themselves, ensuring that each city had enough food from its surrounding fields to sustain itself during the upcoming seven years of famine.
Q: Why is Yosef's storage of grain important in this verse?
A: Yosef's actions in storing the grain were crucial because they ensured the survival of Egypt and the surrounding regions during the seven years of famine. The Midrash highlights Yosef's wisdom and foresight, showing how his leadership and trust in Hashem's plan saved countless lives. This also set the stage for the eventual descent of Yaakov's family to Egypt.
Q: What can we learn from Yosef's actions in Genesis 41:48?
A: From Yosef's actions, we learn the importance of preparation, wisdom, and responsible leadership. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that Yosef's careful planning reflects the Torah's value of hishtadlut (human effort) while trusting in Hashem. This verse also teaches the mitzvah of saving lives (pikuach nefesh) by ensuring food security.
Q: How does Genesis 41:48 apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us to prepare wisely for future challenges, whether in financial, physical, or spiritual matters. Just as Yosef stored grain for the famine, we should take responsible steps to secure our needs while recognizing that all sustenance ultimately comes from Hashem. The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) also derives from this that communities should appoint wise leaders to manage resources properly.