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Genesis 42:22 - Reuben's regret over Yosef's sale

Genesis 42:22 - בראשית 42:22

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַן רְאוּבֵן אֹתָם לֵאמֹר הֲלוֹא אָמַרְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶם לֵאמֹר אַל־תֶּחֶטְאוּ בַיֶּלֶד וְלֹא שְׁמַעְתֶּם וְגַם־דָּמוֹ הִנֵּה נִדְרָשׁ׃

English Translation

And Re᾽uven answered them, saying, Did I not speak to you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and you would not hear? therefore, behold, even his blood is required.

Transliteration

Va'ya'an Reuven otam lemor halo amarti aleichem lemor al-techetu bayeled ve'lo shema'tem ve'gam-damo hine nidrash.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֩עַן֩ רְאוּבֵ֨ן אֹתָ֜ם לֵאמֹ֗ר הֲלוֹא֩ אָמַ֨רְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶ֧ם <small>׀</small> לֵאמֹ֛ר אַל־תֶּחֶטְא֥וּ בַיֶּ֖לֶד וְלֹ֣א שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם וְגַם־דָּמ֖וֹ הִנֵּ֥ה נִדְרָֽשׁ׃
וַיַּ֩עַן֩ רְאוּבֵ֨ן אֹתָ֜ם לֵאמֹ֗ר הֲלוֹא֩ אָמַ֨רְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶ֧ם ׀ לֵאמֹ֛ר אַל־תֶּחֶטְא֥וּ בַיֶּ֖לֶד וְלֹ֣א שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם וְגַם־דָּמ֖וֹ הִנֵּ֥ה נִדְרָֽשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Reuven's Rebuke to His Brothers

The verse (Bereshit 42:22) records Reuven's sharp rebuke to his brothers when they faced distress in Egypt, reminding them of their earlier sin against Yosef. Reuven emphasizes his prior warning: "Did I not speak to you, saying, 'Do not sin against the child'", highlighting his attempt to prevent their wrongdoing.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Reuven is referencing his earlier plea when the brothers plotted against Yosef (Bereshit 37:21-22). Reuven had advised them not to kill Yosef but to cast him into a pit instead, intending to later rescue him. Here, Reuven reminds them that they ignored his warning, leading to Yosef's suffering and their current predicament. Rashi notes that "his blood is required" implies divine justice—their distress in Egypt is a consequence of their actions against Yosef.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:7) elaborates that Reuven's words carry a tone of "I told you so", emphasizing that their current troubles stem from ignoring his counsel. The brothers' fear of retribution reflects their guilty conscience.
  • The Midrash also connects this moment to the broader theme of measure-for-measure justice: just as they caused Yosef anguish, they now experience distress in Egypt.

Rambam on Repentance

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:1) teaches that true repentance requires acknowledging past sins. Reuven's rebuke serves as a catalyst for the brothers to recognize their wrongdoing, setting the stage for their eventual reconciliation with Yosef and their collective teshuvah.

Theological Implications

The phrase "his blood is required" (דָּמוֹ הִנֵּה נִדְרָשׁ) echoes the principle of divine accountability found in Sefer Devarim (32:43) and Yechezkel (3:18), where Hashem exacts justice for innocent blood. The brothers now face the consequences of their actions, reinforcing the Torah's emphasis on moral responsibility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of sin and the concept of divine retribution, illustrating how Reuben's warning to his brothers about sinning against Joseph was ignored.
📖 Sanhedrin 6b
Cited in a broader discussion about justice and the moral responsibility of individuals, highlighting Reuben's attempt to prevent his brothers from harming Joseph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 42:22 mean when Reuven says 'Do not sin against the child'?
A: In Genesis 42:22, Reuven reminds his brothers that he had warned them not to harm Yosef (Joseph) when they initially plotted against him (Genesis 37:21-22). According to Rashi, Reuven is pointing out their guilt in selling Yosef, which they now see as a sin for which they are being held accountable through the current hardships in Egypt.
Q: Why does Reuven mention 'his blood is required' in Genesis 42:22?
A: Reuven uses the phrase 'his blood is required' to emphasize that his brothers are now facing consequences for their actions against Yosef. The Midrash explains that this reflects the Torah's principle of divine justice—what goes around comes around. Since they caused Yosef’s suffering, they now feel responsible when confronted with their own distress.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Reuven's words in Genesis 42:22?
A: Reuven’s statement teaches the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) highlights that true repentance requires acknowledging past wrongs. Here, Reuven’s brothers begin to recognize their sin, showing how regret leads to self-reflection and growth.
Q: How does Genesis 42:22 relate to the concept of repentance (teshuvah)?
A: This verse illustrates the first steps of teshuvah (repentance)—recognizing one’s sin. The Talmud (Yoma 86b) teaches that true repentance involves remorse and confession. Reuven’s brothers, realizing their mistake, start this process, showing how adversity can awaken moral awareness.
Q: Why is Reuven the one to speak up in Genesis 42:22?
A: Reuven had initially tried to save Yosef (Genesis 37:21-22), so he feels compelled to remind his brothers of their shared guilt. Rashi notes that Reuven, as the eldest, takes moral responsibility, highlighting the Torah’s emphasis on leadership and accountability within a family or community.