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Genesis 42:19 - Test of brotherly loyalty?

Genesis 42:19 - בראשית 42:19

Hebrew Text

אִם־כֵּנִים אַתֶּם אֲחִיכֶם אֶחָד יֵאָסֵר בְּבֵית מִשְׁמַרְכֶם וְאַתֶּם לְכוּ הָבִיאוּ שֶׁבֶר רַעֲבוֹן בָּתֵּיכֶם׃

English Translation

if you are true men, let one of your brothers be bound in the house of your confinement: and you go, carry corn for the famine of your houses:

Transliteration

Im-kenim atem achichem echad ye'aser beveit mishmarchem ve'atem lechu havi'u shever ra'avon bateichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִם־כֵּנִ֣ים אַתֶּ֔ם אֲחִיכֶ֣ם אֶחָ֔ד יֵאָסֵ֖ר בְּבֵ֣ית מִשְׁמַרְכֶ֑ם וְאַתֶּם֙ לְכ֣וּ הָבִ֔יאוּ שֶׁ֖בֶר רַעֲב֥וֹן בָּתֵּיכֶֽם׃
אִם־כֵּנִ֣ים אַתֶּ֔ם אֲחִיכֶ֣ם אֶחָ֔ד יֵאָסֵ֖ר בְּבֵ֣ית מִשְׁמַרְכֶ֑ם וְאַתֶּם֙ לְכ֣וּ הָבִ֔יאוּ שֶׁ֖בֶר רַעֲב֥וֹן בָּתֵּיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 42:19) is part of the narrative where Yosef (Joseph), now the viceroy of Egypt, confronts his brothers who have come to buy grain during the famine. Unrecognized by them, Yosef tests their integrity by accusing them of being spies and demands that one brother remain imprisoned while the others return with food for their households.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yosef's condition—"if you are true men"—was a test to see whether the brothers would abandon one of their own, as they had once abandoned him. By insisting that one brother remain behind, Yosef sought to determine if they had repented for their earlier actions. Rashi also notes that Yosef softened his initial demand (to imprison all but one brother) to only one brother, showing compassion.

Rambam's Perspective on Justice and Testing

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the concept of testing others in Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Character Traits). While generally discouraging unnecessary tests of character, this situation was exceptional because Yosef needed to ascertain whether his brothers had truly changed. His approach aligns with the principle of tochacha (rebuke) for the sake of repentance and familial reconciliation.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma: Suggests that Yosef's demand mirrored the brothers' earlier sin—just as they sold one brother (Yosef), now one would be detained. This was a measure-for-measure test of their repentance.
  • Bereishit Rabbah: Highlights that Yosef's phrasing ("if you are true men") alludes to their claim of honesty. By detaining Shimon (as later revealed), he forced them to confront their past dishonesty toward their father and brother.

Theological and Ethical Lessons

The verse teaches the importance of:

  • Accountability: The brothers are given a chance to demonstrate their growth by not abandoning a sibling, contrasting their earlier behavior.
  • Divine Providence: Yosef's actions, though seemingly harsh, are part of Hashem's plan to reunite the family and bring about repentance.
  • Compassion in Justice: Yosef balances justice with mercy, detaining only one brother instead of all, showing that discipline must be tempered with kindness.

📚 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, illustrating the theme of brotherly reconciliation and divine providence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 42:19 mean in the story of Joseph and his brothers?
A: In Genesis 42:19, Joseph (who is not yet recognized by his brothers) tests their honesty by demanding that one brother remain imprisoned in Egypt while the others return home with food. According to Rashi, this was a way for Joseph to see if they would show concern for their brother Benjamin, demonstrating whether they had repented for their earlier mistreatment of him.
Q: Why did Joseph ask his brothers to leave one of them behind in prison?
A: Joseph wanted to test his brothers' integrity and see if they had changed since they sold him into slavery. The Ramban explains that Joseph structured this test to observe whether they would act with compassion toward their brother—unlike how they had treated him in the past. Keeping one brother as a hostage ensured they would return with Benjamin, fulfilling Joseph’s deeper plan to reunite the family.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 42:19 about repentance?
A: This verse teaches the importance of sincere repentance (teshuvah). The Midrash highlights that Joseph’s test was meant to see if his brothers had truly regretted their past actions. Their willingness to protect Benjamin later (as seen in the story) shows personal growth—a key Jewish value about correcting mistakes and improving one’s character.
Q: How does Joseph’s demand in this verse reflect Jewish justice?
A: Jewish tradition emphasizes fair judgment and giving others opportunities to prove their righteousness. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7a) discusses how leaders must test situations carefully before ruling. Joseph’s approach—giving his brothers a chance to demonstrate change—aligns with this principle of measured justice and second chances.