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Genesis 42:34 - Test of brotherly loyalty?

Genesis 42:34 - בראשית 42:34

Hebrew Text

וְהָבִיאוּ אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם הַקָּטֹן אֵלַי וְאֵדְעָה כִּי לֹא מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם כִּי כֵנִים אַתֶּם אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם אֶתֵּן לָכֶם וְאֶת־הָאָרֶץ תִּסְחָרוּ׃

English Translation

and bring your youngest brother to me: then shall I know that you are no spies, but that you are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and you shall traffic in the land.

Transliteration

Vehaviu et-achikhem hakatan elai ve'eda ki lo meraglim atem ki kenim atem et-achikhem eten lakhem ve'et-ha'aretz tischaru.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠הָבִ֠יאוּ אֶת־אֲחִיכֶ֣ם הַקָּטֹן֮ אֵלַי֒ וְאֵֽדְעָ֗ה כִּ֣י לֹ֤א מְרַגְּלִים֙ אַתֶּ֔ם כִּ֥י כֵנִ֖ים אַתֶּ֑ם אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם֙ אֶתֵּ֣ן לָכֶ֔ם וְאֶת־הָאָ֖רֶץ תִּסְחָֽרוּ׃
וְ֠הָבִ֠יאוּ אֶת־אֲחִיכֶ֣ם הַקָּטֹן֮ אֵלַי֒ וְאֵֽדְעָ֗ה כִּ֣י לֹ֤א מְרַגְּלִים֙ אַתֶּ֔ם כִּ֥י כֵנִ֖ים אַתֶּ֑ם אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם֙ אֶתֵּ֣ן לָכֶ֔ם וְאֶת־הָאָ֖רֶץ תִּסְחָֽרוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Story of Yosef and His Brothers

This verse (Bereshit 42:34) is part of the narrative where Yosef, now the viceroy of Egypt, tests his brothers by accusing them of being spies. He demands that they bring their youngest brother, Binyamin, to prove their honesty. Rashi explains that Yosef's intention was to see whether the brothers would display the same jealousy and hatred toward Binyamin (Rachel's other son) as they had toward him.

Yosef's Conditions for Trust

The phrase "וְאֵדְעָה כִּי לֹא מְרַגְּלִים אַתֶּם" ("then shall I know that you are no spies") reflects Yosef's strategy to verify their claim. The Ramban notes that Yosef's demand was reasonable—since a spy would not have family ties in the land he is scouting, bringing Binyamin would confirm their story. The Sforno adds that Yosef sought to test their unity and familial loyalty.

The Promise of Brotherhood and Trade

Yosef's assurance "אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם אֶתֵּן לָכֶם" ("I will deliver you your brother") refers to Shimon, whom he had detained (Bereshit 42:24). The Midrash Tanchuma suggests that Yosef wanted to see if they would return for Shimon, demonstrating their commitment to each other. The offer "וְאֶת־הָאָרֶץ תִּסְחָרוּ" ("you shall traffic in the land") indicates permission to trade freely, which Ibn Ezra interprets as a gesture of goodwill to alleviate their suspicions.

Lessons in Accountability and Repentance

The Or HaChaim highlights that Yosef's test was also a means for the brothers to rectify their past sin of selling him. By forcing them to protect Binyamin (who, like Yosef, was Rachel's son), they would confront their earlier cruelty. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this episode begins their teshuvah (repentance) process, as they later express remorse over Yosef's fate (Bereshit 42:21-22).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef (Joseph) ask his brothers to bring Binyamin (Benjamin) to him?
A: Yosef wanted to test his brothers to see if they had changed since they sold him into slavery. By asking them to bring Binyamin, their youngest brother, he could observe whether they would protect him (unlike how they treated Yosef). Rashi explains that Yosef suspected they might have harmed Binyamin as well, so this was a way to confirm their honesty.
Q: What does 'you shall traffic in the land' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase means that Yosef promised his brothers they would be free to trade and do business in Egypt if they proved their honesty by bringing Binyamin. Ramban explains that this was an offer of economic security, showing that Yosef was testing them with both a challenge (bringing Binyamin) and a reward (trade rights).
Q: Why did Yosef accuse his brothers of being spies?
A: Yosef initially accused them of being spies (earlier in the parsha) to create a situation where they would have to prove their innocence by bringing Binyamin. According to the Midrash, this was part of his plan to see if they regretted what they had done to him and to reunite the family under difficult circumstances.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's test of his brothers?
A: This story teaches about teshuvah (repentance) and personal growth. Yosef wanted to see if his brothers had changed—whether they would now protect Binyamin instead of abandoning him. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) discusses how Hashem tests people to bring out their true character, much like Yosef tested his brothers.