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Genesis 42:16 - Test of brotherly truth

Genesis 42:16 - בראשית 42:16

Hebrew Text

שִׁלְחוּ מִכֶּם אֶחָד וְיִקַּח אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם וְאַתֶּם הֵאָסְרוּ וְיִבָּחֲנוּ דִּבְרֵיכֶם הַאֱמֶת אִתְּכֶם וְאִם־לֹא חֵי פַרְעֹה כִּי מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם׃

English Translation

Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Par῾o surely you are spies.

Transliteration

Shilchu mikem echad veyikach et-achichem ve'atem he'asru veyivachanu divreichem ha'emet itchem ve'im-lo chei Paroh ki meraglim atem.

Hebrew Leining Text

שִׁלְח֨וּ מִכֶּ֣ם אֶחָד֮ וְיִקַּ֣ח אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם֒ וְאַתֶּם֙ הֵאָ֣סְר֔וּ וְיִבָּֽחֲנוּ֙ דִּבְרֵיכֶ֔ם הַֽאֱמֶ֖ת אִתְּכֶ֑ם וְאִם־לֹ֕א חֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה כִּ֥י מְרַגְּלִ֖ים אַתֶּֽם׃
שִׁלְח֨וּ מִכֶּ֣ם אֶחָד֮ וְיִקַּ֣ח אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם֒ וְאַתֶּם֙ הֵאָ֣סְר֔וּ וְיִבָּֽחֲנוּ֙ דִּבְרֵיכֶ֔ם הַֽאֱמֶ֖ת אִתְּכֶ֑ם וְאִם־לֹ֕א חֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה כִּ֥י מְרַגְּלִ֖ים אַתֶּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 42:16) appears in the narrative of Yosef's brothers descending to Egypt to purchase grain during the famine. Unbeknownst to them, they stand before Yosef, who recognizes them but conceals his identity. Yosef accuses them of being spies and sets forth this condition to test their honesty.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yosef's demand for one brother to return with Binyamin while the others remain imprisoned serves two purposes:

  • Testing their truthfulness: If they indeed had another brother (Binyamin), sending for him would verify their claim of being brothers rather than spies.
  • Preventing conflict: By keeping most brothers imprisoned, Yosef ensures they would not abandon the one sent to retrieve Binyamin (as they had abandoned him years earlier).

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes the phrase "חי פרעה" ("by the life of Pharaoh") as an Egyptian oath formula. He explains that Yosef, acting as an Egyptian viceroy, adopts local customs to maintain his disguise, demonstrating his wisdom in leadership and adaptation.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:7) highlights the divine justice at play:

  • Yosef's accusation of spying mirrors how the brothers had "spied" on him (Bereshit 37:18) before selling him into slavery.
  • The demand to bring Binyamin foreshadows the eventual reunification of all brothers, rectifying the earlier fracture in Yaakov's family.

Rambam's Perspective on Leadership

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:48), Rambam cites this episode as an example of justified deception for a greater purpose. Yosef's harsh treatment was not revenge, but a calculated strategy to:

  • Test their repentance for selling him
  • Reunite the family under changed circumstances
  • Fulfill his prophetic dreams properly

Halachic Dimension of Oaths

The Talmud (Nedarim 65a) discusses the validity of oaths using foreign rulers' names. While generally prohibited (as it implies recognition of their divinity), Yosef's use of "חי פרעה" was permitted because:

  • He was acting under duress to maintain his position
  • It was common diplomatic language, not actual idolatrous worship

📚 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, particularly focusing on the brothers' accusation of being spies and the measures taken to test their honesty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef accuse his brothers of being spies?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef suspected his brothers were spies because they entered Egypt through ten different gates (each brother separately), which was unusual for a family. He wanted to test their story about having another brother (Binyamin) back home to see if they were telling the truth.
Q: What is the significance of Yosef swearing by Pharaoh's life?
A: In ancient Egypt, swearing by Pharaoh's life was the most binding oath one could make (similar to how Jews say 'חי ה'' - 'as G-d lives'). Yosef used this Egyptian expression to show he was serious, while still avoiding taking G-d's name in vain, as Rambam explains about proper conduct in exile.
Q: Why did Yosef demand they bring Binyamin?
A: The Midrash explains Yosef wanted to see if his brothers would protect Binyamin (Rachel's other son) after what they did to him. This was part of his plan to test their repentance and family unity. Additionally, bringing Binyamin would prove their story about having another brother was true.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Yosef treated his brothers?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) teaches that Yosef's actions show how one should carefully test situations before making judgments. Though he recognized his brothers, he didn't reveal himself immediately because he wanted to see if they had changed. This teaches us the importance of discernment and proper judgment.
Q: Why did Yosef have his brothers imprisoned?
A: Rashi explains this was part of Yosef's plan to recreate aspects of his own suffering (being confined) so his brothers could experience something similar. The Sforno adds that imprisonment gave them time to reflect on their past actions toward Yosef, leading them toward true repentance (teshuvah).