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Genesis 42:21 - Brothers' guilt revealed?

Genesis 42:21 - בראשית 42:21

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ אִישׁ אֶל־אָחִיו אֲבָל אֲשֵׁמִים אֲנַחְנוּ עַל־אָחִינוּ אֲשֶׁר רָאִינוּ צָרַת נַפְשׁוֹ בְּהִתְחַנְנוֹ אֵלֵינוּ וְלֹא שָׁמָעְנוּ עַל־כֵּן בָּאָה אֵלֵינוּ הַצָּרָה הַזֹּאת׃

English Translation

And they said one to another, Truly, we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

Transliteration

Vayomru ish el-achiv aval asheimim anachnu al-achinu asher ra'inu tzarat nafsho behitchaneno eleinu velo shamau al-ken ba'ah eleinu hatzara hazot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֗יו אֲבָל֮ אֲשֵׁמִ֣ים <small>׀</small> אֲנַ֘חְנוּ֮ עַל־אָחִ֒ינוּ֒ אֲשֶׁ֨ר רָאִ֜ינוּ צָרַ֥ת נַפְשׁ֛וֹ בְּהִתְחַֽנְנ֥וֹ אֵלֵ֖ינוּ וְלֹ֣א שָׁמָ֑עְנוּ עַל־כֵּן֙ בָּ֣אָה אֵלֵ֔ינוּ הַצָּרָ֖ה הַזֹּֽאת׃
וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־אָחִ֗יו אֲבָל֮ אֲשֵׁמִ֣ים ׀ אֲנַ֘חְנוּ֮ עַל־אָחִ֒ינוּ֒ אֲשֶׁ֨ר רָאִ֜ינוּ צָרַ֥ת נַפְשׁ֛וֹ בְּהִתְחַֽנְנ֥וֹ אֵלֵ֖ינוּ וְלֹ֣א שָׁמָ֑עְנוּ עַל־כֵּן֙ בָּ֣אָה אֵלֵ֔ינוּ הַצָּרָ֖ה הַזֹּֽאת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 42:21) appears during the encounter between Yosef (Joseph) and his brothers in Egypt, when they do not recognize him. The brothers reflect on their past mistreatment of Yosef and acknowledge their guilt in selling him into slavery.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the brothers recognized their sin specifically in ignoring Yosef's pleas when he begged for mercy (בְּהִתְחַנְנוֹ אֵלֵינוּ). He notes that the term אשמים ("guilty") implies they were deserving of punishment for this transgression. Rashi further connects their current distress (the accusation of being spies and the imprisonment of Shimon) as a direct consequence of their earlier actions—a measure-for-measure response (מידה כנגד מידה).

Rambam on Repentance

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1) teaches that true repentance requires recognizing one's sin, feeling remorse, and confessing. Here, the brothers demonstrate the first steps of teshuvah by:

  • Acknowledging their guilt ("אשמים אנחנו")
  • Specifically recalling their wrongdoing ("ראינו צרת נפשו")
  • Connecting their current suffering to their past actions

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:7) elaborates that each brother spoke these words of confession to his fellow, showing they all shared in the collective responsibility. The Midrash also emphasizes that Yosef's cries (צרת נפשו) referred not just to physical pain but to his spiritual anguish at being separated from his father's teachings.

Chizkuni's Additional Explanation

Chizkuni notes that the brothers' realization came specifically when they were in distress themselves, teaching that hardship often leads to self-reflection. He points out that their phrase "על כן באה אלינו הצרה הזאת" shows their understanding of divine justice operating in the world.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Rosh Hashanah 16b) derives from this verse that suffering can atone for sin when accompanied by proper reflection. However, as the brothers demonstrate, this requires:

  • Clear recognition of which sin caused the suffering
  • Acceptance that the suffering is just
  • A commitment to change future behavior

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 92a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the concept of repentance and the recognition of guilt, illustrating how the brothers of Joseph acknowledged their wrongdoing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 42:21 mean in the story of Joseph and his brothers?
A: In Genesis 42:21, Joseph's brothers admit their guilt for selling him into slavery years earlier. They recognize that they ignored Joseph's pleas when he was in distress (as seen in Genesis 37:23-28), and they now see their current troubles in Egypt as divine retribution. Rashi explains that this marks the beginning of their repentance (teshuvah) process.
Q: Why is the brothers' admission of guilt in Genesis 42:21 important?
A: This moment is important because it shows the brothers taking responsibility for their actions, which is the first step in teshuvah (repentance). The Rambam teaches in Hilchot Teshuvah that recognizing one's wrongdoing is essential for true repentance. Their acknowledgment fulfills Joseph's earlier dreams about his brothers bowing to him (Genesis 37:5-11).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 42:21 about ignoring someone's suffering?
A: The verse teaches that ignoring another person's suffering (especially when they plead for help) is a serious moral failing. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:8) connects this to the Torah's emphasis on compassion. The brothers' later suffering in Egypt demonstrates the principle of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah) - since they ignored Joseph's pain, they now experience distress themselves.
Q: How does Genesis 42:21 show the concept of divine justice?
A: The brothers explicitly connect their current troubles to their past mistreatment of Joseph, showing divine justice at work. This reflects the Torah principle that God oversees reward and punishment. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 90a) discusses how divine justice operates both in this world and the next, with this verse serving as an example of consequences in this world.
Q: How can we apply the message of Genesis 42:21 in our lives today?
A: This verse teaches us to: 1) Take responsibility for our wrongdoings, 2) Be sensitive to others' suffering, and 3) Recognize that our actions have consequences. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that just as the brothers grew through this experience, we too should use difficult situations as opportunities for self-reflection and improvement in our relationships.