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Genesis 42:38 - Father's grief over Benjamin's fate?

Genesis 42:38 - בראשית 42:38

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא־יֵרֵד בְּנִי עִמָּכֶם כִּי־אָחִיו מֵת וְהוּא לְבַדּוֹ נִשְׁאָר וּקְרָאָהוּ אָסוֹן בַּדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר תֵּלְכוּ־בָהּ וְהוֹרַדְתֶּם אֶת־שֵׂיבָתִי בְּיָגוֹן שְׁאוֹלָה׃

English Translation

And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in which you go, then shall you bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to She᾽ol.

Transliteration

Vayomer lo-yered bni imachem ki-achiv met vehu levado nishar ukra'ahu ason baderech asher telchu-vah vehoradtem et-seivati be-yagon she'olah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר לֹֽא־יֵרֵ֥ד בְּנִ֖י עִמָּכֶ֑ם כִּֽי־אָחִ֨יו מֵ֜ת וְה֧וּא לְבַדּ֣וֹ נִשְׁאָ֗ר וּקְרָאָ֤הוּ אָסוֹן֙ בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽלְכוּ־בָ֔הּ וְהוֹרַדְתֶּ֧ם אֶת־שֵׂיבָתִ֛י בְּיָג֖וֹן שְׁאֽוֹלָה׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר לֹֽא־יֵרֵ֥ד בְּנִ֖י עִמָּכֶ֑ם כִּֽי־אָחִ֨יו מֵ֜ת וְה֧וּא לְבַדּ֣וֹ נִשְׁאָ֗ר וּקְרָאָ֤הוּ אָסוֹן֙ בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽלְכוּ־בָ֔הּ וְהוֹרַדְתֶּ֧ם אֶת־שֵׂיבָתִ֛י בְּיָג֖וֹן שְׁאֽוֹלָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Reluctance to Send Binyamin

The verse (Bereishit 42:38) records Yaakov Avinu's refusal to allow Binyamin to accompany his brothers to Egypt, expressing deep fear for his youngest son's safety. Rashi explains that Yaakov's statement "כי אחיו מת" ("for his brother is dead") refers to Yosef, whom Yaakov believed had perished. The phrase "והוא לבדו נשאר" ("and he is left alone") emphasizes that Binyamin was the sole remaining child of Rachel, Yaakov's beloved wife.

Yaakov's Emotional State

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:10) notes that Yaakov's excessive worry stemmed from his awareness that tragedy seemed to follow Rachel's children. Ramban suggests that Yaakov's phrasing reflects his belief that Binyamin was particularly vulnerable to danger, being the only remaining son from Rachel in his household.

The Concept of "Bringing Down Grey Hairs"

The expression "והורדתם את שיבתי ביגון שאולה" ("then shall you bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to Sheol") carries profound meaning:

  • Rashi interprets this as Yaakov predicting that such a loss would lead to his premature death from grief.
  • Ibn Ezra explains that "שאולה" refers to the grave, emphasizing the depth of Yaakov's anticipated sorrow.
  • The Kli Yakar notes that Yaakov uses the term "שיבתי" (my grey hairs) rather than "חיי" (my life), suggesting concern for his dignity in old age being compromised by tragedy.

Halachic Perspective on Risk Assessment

Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 11:4-5) derives from this episode principles about avoiding unnecessary danger. Yaakov's reluctance to expose Binyamin to potential harm demonstrates the Torah's value of pikuach nefesh (preservation of life) even when the risk is uncertain.

Psychological Insight from the Sages

The Talmud (Berachot 60a) cites this verse when discussing how excessive worry can be counterproductive. While Yaakov's concerns were understandable, the Sages note that his extreme anxiety may have contributed to the subsequent difficulties the family faced in Egypt.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 10b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the severity of a father's concern for his son, illustrating Jacob's deep anxiety over Benjamin's safety.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the emotional expressions of biblical figures, highlighting Jacob's reluctance to let Benjamin go to Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 42:38, and why is he refusing to let his son go?
A: The speaker is Jacob (Yaakov), and he is refusing to let his youngest son, Benjamin, go down to Egypt with his brothers. Jacob believes his son Joseph is dead, and Benjamin is now his only remaining son from his beloved wife Rachel. He fears that harm might come to Benjamin on the journey, which would bring him unbearable grief (Rashi on Genesis 42:38).
Q: What does 'bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to Sheol' mean in Genesis 42:38?
A: Jacob is expressing that if something tragic happens to Benjamin, the sorrow would be so great that it would lead him to an early grave ('Sheol' refers to the grave or afterlife). The phrase 'grey hairs' symbolizes his old age—he fears the grief would overwhelm him in his later years (Ibn Ezra on Genesis 42:38).
Q: Why was Jacob so protective of Benjamin in this verse?
A: Jacob was especially protective of Benjamin because he was the only remaining son of his beloved wife Rachel (Joseph, whom he thought was dead, was Benjamin’s full brother). After losing Joseph, Jacob could not bear the thought of losing Benjamin as well, which explains his strong emotional reaction (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 91:10).
Q: How does Jacob’s reluctance in Genesis 42:38 relate to Jewish parenting values?
A: Jacob’s deep concern for Benjamin reflects the Jewish value of protecting and cherishing one’s children. The Torah teaches that parents have a responsibility to safeguard their children’s well-being, both physically and spiritually. Jacob’s fear highlights the natural parental instinct to prevent harm (Rambam, Hilchot De’ot 6:10).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob’s emotional response in this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of compassion and understanding a parent’s love and fear for their child. Jacob’s words remind us that grief and concern for loved ones are deeply human emotions, and we should treat others with sensitivity, especially in moments of distress (Talmud, Sanhedrin 19b).