share torah logo

Genesis 42:14 - Yosef tests brothers' sincerity

Genesis 42:14 - בראשית 42:14

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם יוֹסֵף הוּא אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתִּי אֲלֵכֶם לֵאמֹר מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to them, That is what I spoke to you, saying, you are spies:

Transliteration

Va'yomer alehem Yosef hu asher dibarti alechem lemor meraglim atem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֖ם יוֹסֵ֑ף ה֗וּא אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבַּ֧רְתִּי אֲלֵכֶ֛ם לֵאמֹ֖ר מְרַגְּלִ֥ים אַתֶּֽם׃
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֖ם יוֹסֵ֑ף ה֗וּא אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבַּ֧רְתִּי אֲלֵכֶ֛ם לֵאמֹ֖ר מְרַגְּלִ֥ים אַתֶּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Accusation of Spying

The verse (Bereshit 42:14) records Yosef's repeated accusation that his brothers were spies. Rashi explains that Yosef intentionally made this claim multiple times to implant the idea firmly in their minds, thereby pressuring them to reveal information about their family. This strategy was designed to elicit details about his father Yaakov and brother Binyamin.

Psychological Strategy

The Ramban suggests that Yosef's approach followed sound judicial principles - by repeating the accusation, he sought to expose inconsistencies in their story. The Sforno adds that Yosef wanted to test whether their story about being brothers would remain consistent under pressure, as spies would likely contradict themselves when interrogated repeatedly.

Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:6) connects this to the brothers' earlier actions:

  • Just as they "spied" on Yosef when they saw him approaching (Bereshit 37:18)
  • Now they were being treated as spies in return - measure for measure

Linguistic Analysis

Ibn Ezra notes the phrase "הוא אשר דברתי אליכם" ("That is what I spoke to you") emphasizes that Yosef was maintaining a consistent position. The Kli Yakar explains this repetition served to break their resistance and lead them to disclose more information.

Halachic Dimension

The Malbim draws a parallel to halachic interrogation procedures where witnesses are questioned multiple times to verify their testimony. Yosef, as viceroy, was employing proper judicial tactics to ascertain the truth about these visitors from Canaan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef accuse his brothers of being spies?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef accused his brothers of being spies to test their unity and see if they would stand up for each other, just as they had failed to stand up for him when they sold him into slavery. This was part of his plan to bring them to repentance (teshuvah) for their past actions.
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind Yosef's words 'you are spies'?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef's accusation was not just about gathering information. The word 'meraglim' (spies) can also hint at their past behavior—just as spies separate to gather information, the brothers were divided when they sold Yosef. Yosef wanted them to recognize their mistake and reunite as a family.
Q: How does this verse teach us about repentance (teshuvah)?
A: The Rambam teaches that true repentance requires being tested in the same situation where one originally sinned. Yosef created a similar scenario to see if his brothers would now protect Binyamin (their youngest brother) as they had once failed to protect him. This shows that teshuvah involves correcting past mistakes when faced with similar challenges.
Q: Why did Yosef not reveal himself to his brothers right away?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) and Rashi explain that Yosef wanted to fulfill the dreams he had as a youth, where his family bowed to him (Genesis 37:5-11). More importantly, he sought to bring his brothers to genuine remorse and reconciliation before revealing his identity, ensuring lasting family unity.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's approach with his brothers?
A: The Sforno teaches that Yosef's actions demonstrate the importance of guiding others toward growth with wisdom and patience. Instead of immediate confrontation, he orchestrated events to help his brothers reflect on their past and change their ways. This teaches us to help others improve with thoughtful, constructive measures.