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Genesis 42:11 - Brothers plead innocence together

Genesis 42:11 - בראשית 42:11

Hebrew Text

כֻּלָּנוּ בְּנֵי אִישׁ־אֶחָד נָחְנוּ כֵּנִים אֲנַחְנוּ לֹא־הָיוּ עֲבָדֶיךָ מְרַגְּלִים׃

English Translation

We are all one man’s sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies.

Transliteration

Kulanu bnei ish-echad nachnu kenim anachnu lo-hayu avadecha meraglim.

Hebrew Leining Text

כֻּלָּ֕נוּ בְּנֵ֥י אִישׁ־אֶחָ֖ד נָ֑חְנוּ כֵּנִ֣ים אֲנַ֔חְנוּ לֹא־הָי֥וּ עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ מְרַגְּלִֽים׃
כֻּלָּ֕נוּ בְּנֵ֥י אִישׁ־אֶחָ֖ד נָ֑חְנוּ כֵּנִ֣ים אֲנַ֔חְנוּ לֹא־הָי֥וּ עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ מְרַגְּלִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 42:11) is part of the narrative where Yosef's brothers stand before him in Egypt, unaware of his true identity. They are accused of being spies, and in their defense, they declare their familial unity and honesty.

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

Rashi explains that the brothers emphasize their shared lineage ("we are all one man’s sons") to prove they could not be spies, as spies would not all be from the same family. The term "כֵּנִים" ("true men") indicates their claim of integrity—that they came only to buy food, not for espionage.

Midrashic Insights (Derash)

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (91:7): The brothers' statement "we are all one man’s sons" carries deeper meaning—they were acknowledging their shared responsibility in the sale of Yosef, as they were united in their actions against him.
  • Kli Yakar: The phrase "we are true men" suggests their repentance—they were no longer the same men who acted deceitfully toward Yosef, but had become truthful.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:6) teaches the importance of honesty in business dealings. The brothers' insistence on their integrity aligns with Torah values of truthful speech, even under suspicion.

Symbolic Meaning (Sod)

The Zohar interprets their words as hinting at the unity of the Jewish people—descendants of "one man" (Yaakov), bound together in destiny. Their declaration foreshadows the future unity necessary for redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the story of Joseph and his brothers, emphasizing their claim of innocence and unity as sons of one man.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 42:11 mean when the brothers say 'We are all one man’s sons'?
A: In Genesis 42:11, Joseph's brothers are defending themselves against the accusation of being spies. They emphasize their family unity by stating they are all sons of one man (Jacob). Rashi explains that this was meant to show their honesty—since they shared the same father, they had no reason to deceive or spy. Their claim of being 'true men' (כֵּנִים) further stresses their integrity.
Q: Why did Joseph’s brothers say they were not spies in Genesis 42:11?
A: Joseph, unrecognized by his brothers, had accused them of being spies (Genesis 42:9). In response, they declared their innocence by emphasizing their family ties ('one man’s sons') and honesty ('true men'). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:7) notes that their words hinted at their later repentance for selling Joseph, as they now valued brotherhood and truth.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 42:11 about honesty?
A: Genesis 42:11 teaches the importance of honesty and integrity. Joseph’s brothers insisted they were 'true men' (כֵּנִים), meaning upright and trustworthy. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:6) emphasizes that a person’s words should reflect truthfulness, just as the brothers sought to prove their innocence through their claim of familial unity and sincerity.
Q: How does the phrase 'We are all one man’s sons' apply to Jewish unity today?
A: The brothers’ statement in Genesis 42:11 highlights the strength of family and national unity. Today, this reminds Jews of their shared ancestry and responsibility toward one another. The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) teaches that 'all Jews are guarantors for one another,' reinforcing the idea that unity and mutual care stem from being 'one man’s sons'—descendants of Jacob.