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Genesis 42:27 - Brothers' hidden money revealed

Genesis 42:27 - בראשית 42:27

Hebrew Text

וַיִּפְתַּח הָאֶחָד אֶת־שַׂקּוֹ לָתֵת מִסְפּוֹא לַחֲמֹרוֹ בַּמָּלוֹן וַיַּרְא אֶת־כַּסְפּוֹ וְהִנֵּה־הוּא בְּפִי אַמְתַּחְתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the lodging place, he saw his money; for, behold, it was in the mouth of his sack.

Transliteration

Vayiftach ha'echad et-sako lateit mispo lachamoro bamalon vayar et-kaspo vehine-hu befi amtachto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח הָאֶחָ֜ד אֶת־שַׂקּ֗וֹ לָתֵ֥ת מִסְפּ֛וֹא לַחֲמֹר֖וֹ בַּמָּל֑וֹן וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־כַּסְפּ֔וֹ וְהִנֵּה־ה֖וּא בְּפִ֥י אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃
וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח הָאֶחָ֜ד אֶת־שַׂקּ֗וֹ לָתֵ֥ת מִסְפּ֛וֹא לַחֲמֹר֖וֹ בַּמָּל֑וֹן וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־כַּסְפּ֔וֹ וְהִנֵּה־ה֖וּא בְּפִ֥י אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

This verse (Bereshit 42:27) occurs during the story of Yosef's brothers returning to Canaan after their first encounter with him in Egypt. Unbeknownst to them, Yosef had commanded that their money be returned in their sacks. The discovery of the money creates tension, as the brothers fear they will be accused of theft.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיִּפְתַּח הָאֶחָד" ("and as one of them opened") refers specifically to Levi, based on the wording "הָאֶחָד" (the one), suggesting a singled-out individual. Rashi also notes that the money was placed specifically in the mouth of the sack (בְּפִי אַמְתַּחְתּוֹ) so it would be discovered immediately upon opening, heightening their anxiety.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:8) states that this was part of Yosef's plan to test his brothers' integrity—whether they would return the money or keep it.
  • Some commentators suggest that the money's return hints at divine providence, as Yosef was repaying the brothers for the money they received from selling him (Sforno).

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah 5:1) discusses the legal status of returned money in such a case. Since the brothers did not actively take the money, they were not guilty of theft, but they were still obligated to return it to its rightful owner—a principle derived from this narrative.

Moral Lessons

The Or HaChaim highlights that the brothers' fear upon finding the money demonstrates their heightened sense of ethical responsibility. Unlike their earlier actions toward Yosef, they now feared even the appearance of wrongdoing, showing spiritual growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 42:27?
A: In Genesis 42:27, one of Yosef's (Joseph's) brothers opens his sack to feed his donkey at an inn and discovers the money he had used to pay for grain was returned and placed back in his sack. This was part of Yosef's test to see if his brothers had changed since they sold him into slavery.
Q: Why did Yosef return the money to his brothers' sacks?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, Yosef returned the money to test his brothers' honesty and to see if they would return it when they discovered it. This was also a way to create confusion and fear among them, leading them to recognize that something unusual was happening—possibly Divine intervention.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 42:27?
A: This verse teaches us about hashgacha pratit (Divine Providence)—how Hashem orchestrates events to bring about repentance and reconciliation. The brothers' fear and confusion led them to reflect on their past actions, paving the way for teshuvah (repentance). It also shows that honesty and integrity are essential, as Yosef tested whether they would return the money.
Q: Why did the brother find the money at an inn and not earlier?
A: The Midrash explains that Hashem arranged for the money to be discovered at the inn rather than earlier to increase the brothers' anxiety and make them reflect on their past sins. This timing was part of the Divine plan to lead them toward teshuvah (repentance) and eventual reconciliation with Yosef.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment is a turning point in the story, as the brothers begin to see that their troubles may be a punishment for selling Yosef (as they later express in Genesis 42:21-22). The returned money creates tension and foreshadows Yosef's eventual revelation of his identity, leading to their repentance and family reconciliation.