share torah logo

Genesis 42:1 - Jacob seeks Egyptian grain

Genesis 42:1 - בראשית 42:1

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא יַעֲקֹב כִּי יֶשׁ־שֶׁבֶר בְּמִצְרָיִם וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב לְבָנָיו לָמָּה תִּתְרָאוּ׃

English Translation

Now when Ya῾aqov saw that there was corn in Miżrayim, Ya῾aqov said to his sons, Why do you look at one another?

Transliteration

Va'yar Ya'akov ki yesh-shever be'Mitzrayim, va'yomer Ya'akov levanav lamah titra'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֣רְא יַעֲקֹ֔ב כִּ֥י יֶשׁ־שֶׁ֖בֶר בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ לְבָנָ֔יו לָ֖מָּה תִּתְרָאֽוּ׃
וַיַּ֣רְא יַעֲקֹ֔ב כִּ֥י יֶשׁ־שֶׁ֖בֶר בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ לְבָנָ֔יו לָ֖מָּה תִּתְרָאֽוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse's Context

The verse (Bereshit 42:1) describes Yaakov's reaction upon hearing that there was grain (שֶׁבֶר) available in Mitzrayim (Egypt) during a time of famine. The phrase "וַיַּרְא יַעֲקֹב כִּי יֶשׁ־שֶׁבֶר בְּמִצְרָיִם" ("Yaakov saw that there was grain in Egypt") raises questions about how Yaakov "saw" this, given that he was in Canaan. Rashi explains that Yaakov did not physically see the grain but perceived through divine inspiration (רוח הקודש) that sustenance could be found in Egypt.

Yaakov's Question: "לָמָּה תִּתְרָאוּ"

Yaakov's statement to his sons, "Why do you look at one another?" (לָמָּה תִּתְרָאוּ), is interpreted in multiple ways by our commentators:

  • Rashi: Explains that Yaakov was rebuking his sons for their hesitation. They were standing idly, looking at each other in confusion, rather than taking action to procure food during the famine.
  • Ramban: Suggests that the brothers were afraid to go to Egypt due to their guilt over Yosef's sale, fearing divine retribution if they returned to the place where they had sinned.
  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (91:6): Teaches that Yaakov was urging them not to appear as wealthy men (who might draw unwanted attention) but to go humbly, as if in need.

The Meaning of "שֶׁבֶר"

The word שֶׁבֶר (grain) is also significant:

  • Ibn Ezra: Notes that "שֶׁבֶר" refers specifically to stored grain, indicating that Egypt had prepared for the famine through Yosef's wisdom.
  • Sforno: Adds that the term hints at the "breaking" (שׁבר) of hunger—Egypt had the means to relieve starvation.

Spiritual Lessons

From Yaakov's response, we learn:

  • Proactivity in Times of Need: Yaakov teaches that one should not delay in securing sustenance but must act with urgency when necessary (as derived from Rashi).
  • Trust in Divine Providence: Though Yaakov perceived the grain through divine insight, he still instructed his sons to make the journey, showing that heavenly guidance requires human effort (hishtadlut).
  • Unity in Crisis: The brothers' hesitation ("looking at one another") contrasts with Yaakov's decisive leadership, emphasizing the importance of unified action in difficult times.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of seeking sustenance and not hesitating in times of need, illustrating Jacob's proactive response to the famine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the phrase 'Why do you look at one another?' mean in Genesis 42:1?
A: Rashi explains that Yaakov was urging his sons to take action instead of hesitating. When Yaakov saw there was food in Egypt, he questioned why they were standing idly by, looking at each other instead of going to buy food during the famine. This teaches the importance of taking initiative in times of need.
Q: Why was Yaakov concerned about food in Egypt?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:1), Yaakov knew through divine inspiration that there was food in Egypt, despite the widespread famine. He understood this as a sign that his family should go there, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of Hashem's plan for the Jewish people's descent to Egypt, as foretold to Avraham (Genesis 15:13).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's instruction to his sons in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:4) teaches that we learn from Yaakov's words the importance of being proactive and responsible. Instead of waiting passively during difficult times (like the famine), Yaakov instructed his sons to take practical steps to secure sustenance. This applies today in how we approach challenges—with action rather than hesitation.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that Yaakov 'saw' there was food in Egypt?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that Yaakov didn't just hear rumors—he carefully assessed the situation. The word 'וַיַּרְא' (and he saw) implies discernment. This teaches that before making important decisions, one should seek reliable information, as Yaakov did, rather than acting on hearsay.
Q: How does this verse connect to the larger story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: As the Sforno notes, this moment sets in motion the brothers' journey to Egypt, where they would eventually reunite with Yosef. Though they didn't know it at the time, Yaakov's instruction led to the fulfillment of Yosef's dreams and the preservation of Bnei Yisrael during the famine, showing Hashem's hidden guidance in events.