Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 42:31 mean when the brothers say 'We are true men; we are no spies'?
A: In Genesis 42:31, Joseph's brothers are defending themselves before the Egyptian viceroy (who is actually Joseph in disguise). They emphasize their honesty and integrity, claiming they are not spies but rather upright individuals ('כֵּנִים אֲנָחְנוּ'). Rashi explains that they were stressing their family's reputation for truthfulness, as they were descendants of Jacob, who was known for his integrity (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 91:8).
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers need to convince him they weren't spies?
A: Joseph had accused his brothers of being spies (Genesis 42:9) as a test to see if they had changed from their earlier behavior when they sold him into slavery. The brothers' insistence that they were honest men ('כֵּנִים אֲנָחְנוּ') reflects their attempt to prove their sincerity. The Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests this was part of Joseph's plan to bring them to repentance for their past actions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 42:31 about honesty?
A: The brothers' declaration 'We are true men' teaches the importance of integrity in speech and action. The Talmud (Shabbat 55a) states that the seal of God is truth, emphasizing how fundamental honesty is in Jewish tradition. This verse reminds us to uphold truthfulness even in difficult situations, as the brothers did when confronted by the Egyptian ruler.
Q: How does the term 'כֵּנִים' (true/faithful) in Genesis 42:31 connect to Jewish values?
A: The word 'כֵּנִים' (kenim) meaning 'true' or 'faithful' reflects a core Jewish value of emet (truth). The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeshev 8) connects this to the idea that righteous people's words can be trusted. This concept appears throughout Jewish law, where honest business dealings and truthful speech are obligations (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 5:13).
Q: Why is this conversation between Joseph and his brothers significant in the Torah narrative?
A: This moment marks a turning point where the brothers demonstrate changed character from when they deceived Jacob about Joseph's fate. Their insistence on truthfulness ('We are no spies') begins their path toward teshuvah (repentance) for selling Joseph. The Sforno notes this shows their growth toward the ethical standards expected of the ancestors of the Jewish people.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bereshit 42:31) is part of the brothers' plea to Yosef (still unrecognized by them) after being accused of being spies. They emphasize their honesty and innocence, unaware that they are speaking to the very brother they once sold into slavery.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments on the phrase "כֵּנִים אֲנָחְנוּ" ("We are true men") by noting that the brothers were speaking truthfully in their assertion. However, Rashi also points out the irony—while they were truthful in this moment, their past actions toward Yosef were deceitful (Midrash Tanchuma). This serves as a reminder of the principle of מידה כנגד מידה (measure for measure), as they now face a situation where their integrity is questioned.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra highlights the brothers' emphasis on being "לֹא הָיִינוּ מְרַגְּלִים" ("we are no spies"). He explains that they sought to reassure Yosef by stressing their familial ties—they were all sons of one man, implying unity and shared purpose, not subterfuge. Their argument was meant to dispel suspicion by appealing to natural familial bonds.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:8) elaborates that the brothers' declaration of honesty was a reflection of their teshuvah (repentance) for their earlier sin against Yosef. Their insistence on truthfulness marked a spiritual transformation, aligning their words with their renewed commitment to righteousness.
Rambam on Honesty
Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:6) teaches that honesty (אמת) is a foundational middah (character trait) in Jewish ethics. The brothers' assertion here—though ironic given their past—demonstrates the Torah's emphasis on the importance of truthful speech, even in difficult circumstances.
Practical Lesson