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Genesis 41:49 - Endless bounty, divine foresight

Genesis 41:49 - בראשית 41:49

Hebrew Text

וַיִּצְבֹּר יוֹסֵף בָּר כְּחוֹל הַיָּם הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד עַד כִּי־חָדַל לִסְפֹּר כִּי־אֵין מִסְפָּר׃

English Translation

And Yosef gathered corn like the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped numbering; for it was without number.

Transliteration

Vayitzbor Yosef bar kechol hayam harbe meod ad ki-chadal lispor ki-ein mispar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּצְבֹּ֨ר יוֹסֵ֥ף בָּ֛ר כְּח֥וֹל הַיָּ֖ם הַרְבֵּ֣ה מְאֹ֑ד עַ֛ד כִּי־חָדַ֥ל לִסְפֹּ֖ר כִּי־אֵ֥ין מִסְפָּֽר׃
וַיִּצְבֹּ֨ר יוֹסֵ֥ף בָּ֛ר כְּח֥וֹל הַיָּ֖ם הַרְבֵּ֣ה מְאֹ֑ד עַ֛ד כִּי־חָדַ֥ל לִסְפֹּ֖ר כִּי־אֵ֥ין מִסְפָּֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Bereishit 41:49) describes Yosef's immense success in storing grain during the seven years of plenty in Egypt. The Torah emphasizes the abundance by comparing it to "the sand of the sea," a phrase often used in Tanach to signify an immeasurable quantity (e.g., Bereishit 22:17, regarding Avraham's descendants).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains the phrase "until he stopped numbering" to mean that Yosef initially counted the grain as it was stored, but the quantity became so vast that he could no longer keep track. This highlights the miraculous nature of the blessing—despite natural limitations, the grain exceeded all expectations.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (90:4): The Midrash notes that Yosef's storage was not merely practical but also symbolic. Just as sand cannot be counted, so too Yosef's wisdom and foresight were beyond measure, preparing for the famine that would later test Egypt and the surrounding nations.
  • Kli Yakar: The comparison to sand also hints at Yosef's humility. Sand, though abundant, remains lowly and unnoticed—a reflection of Yosef's ability to remain grounded despite his rise to power.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 9:3) derives from this episode the importance of preparing for future scarcity during times of plenty. Yosef's actions serve as a model for hishtadlut (human effort) combined with trust in Hashem's blessings.

Symbolism of "Without Number"

The phrase "כי אין מספר" ("for it was without number") echoes the promise to Avraham about his descendants (Bereishit 15:5). Some commentators (e.g., Sforno) suggest this foreshadows Yosef's role in sustaining not only Egypt but also his family, ensuring the survival of Bnei Yisrael and the fulfillment of that covenant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Yosef gathered grain 'like the sand of the sea'?
A: The phrase 'like the sand of the sea' is a metaphor used in the Torah to describe something that is beyond counting or measurement (Rashi on Genesis 41:49). Just as no one can count the grains of sand on the shore, Yosef stored so much grain during the years of plenty that it became impossible to keep track of the exact amount.
Q: Why did Yosef store so much grain?
A: Yosef was following Pharaoh's dream, interpreted with Divine wisdom, which predicted seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-36). By storing massive amounts of grain during the good years, Yosef ensured there would be enough food to sustain Egypt and surrounding nations during the famine, fulfilling his role as a wise leader.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's grain storage?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yosef's actions demonstrate the importance of preparing for future challenges during times of prosperity (Bereishit Rabbah 90:4). This applies both physically (like saving resources) and spiritually (like storing up mitzvot and Torah learning during easier times to sustain us during harder periods).
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that the grain was beyond counting?
A: The Ramban explains that this detail shows Yosef's complete success in his mission - he didn't just gather enough grain, but gathered so abundantly that it surpassed all expectations and calculations (Ramban on Genesis 41:49). This highlights how following God's wisdom leads to extraordinary outcomes.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish concepts of providence?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 60b) notes that everything Yosef stored during the plenty was exactly enough for the famine years, showing Divine precision in providence. This teaches that when we properly prepare with faith in God's guidance (as Yosef did), our efforts will be perfectly matched to future needs.