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Genesis 42:7 - Yosef recognizes, yet conceals.

Genesis 42:7 - בראשית 42:7

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא יוֹסֵף אֶת־אֶחָיו וַיַּכִּרֵם וַיִּתְנַכֵּר אֲלֵיהֶם וַיְדַבֵּר אִתָּם קָשׁוֹת וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם מֵאַיִן בָּאתֶם וַיֹּאמְרוּ מֵאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לִשְׁבָּר־אֹכֶל׃

English Translation

And Yosef saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange to them, and spoke roughly to them; and he said to them, Where do you come from? And they said, From the land of Kena῾an to buy food.

Transliteration

Vayar Yosef et-echav vayakirem vayitnaker alehem vayedaber itam kashot vayomer alehem me'ayin batem vayomru me'eretz Kna'an lishbor-ochel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֥רְא יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת־אֶחָ֖יו וַיַּכִּרֵ֑ם וַיִּתְנַכֵּ֨ר אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר אִתָּ֣ם קָשׁ֗וֹת וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ מֵאַ֣יִן בָּאתֶ֔ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ כְּנַ֖עַן לִשְׁבׇּר־אֹֽכֶל׃
וַיַּ֥רְא יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת־אֶחָ֖יו וַיַּכִּרֵ֑ם וַיִּתְנַכֵּ֨ר אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר אִתָּ֣ם קָשׁ֗וֹת וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ מֵאַ֣יִן בָּאתֶ֔ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ כְּנַ֖עַן לִשְׁבׇּר־אֹֽכֶל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef Recognizes His Brothers

The verse states, "וַיַּרְא יוֹסֵף אֶת־אֶחָיו וַיַּכִּרֵם" ("And Yosef saw his brethren, and he knew them"). Rashi explains that Yosef recognized them as his brothers, but they did not recognize him because he had left them as a beardless youth and now appeared with a full beard. Additionally, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:7) notes that Yosef recognized them because they stood before him as submissive supplicants, fulfilling his earlier dreams of their bowing to him.

Yosef's Disguised Behavior

The verse continues, "וַיִּתְנַכֵּר אֲלֵיהֶם" ("but made himself strange to them"). Ramban suggests that Yosef deliberately concealed his identity to test whether his brothers had repented for selling him. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) also discusses the concept of hastarat panim (the hiding of Divine Providence), implying that Yosef's actions were part of a larger divine plan to bring about reconciliation.

Yosef's Harsh Speech

The verse states, "וַיְדַבֵּר אִתָּם קָשׁוֹת" ("and spoke roughly to them"). The Sforno explains that Yosef spoke harshly to gauge their reactions—whether they would defend Binyamin or abandon him as they had once abandoned Yosef. This was a test of their moral growth. The Kli Yakar adds that Yosef's stern demeanor was necessary to maintain his disguise as an Egyptian ruler.

The Brothers' Response

When Yosef asks, "מֵאַיִן בָּאתֶם" ("Where do you come from?"), the brothers reply, "מֵאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לִשְׁבָּר־אֹכֶל" ("From the land of Canaan to buy food"). The Ohr HaChaim highlights that their mention of Canaan—the land promised to their forefathers—was a subtle plea for mercy, invoking their sacred heritage. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) notes that their straightforward answer reflects their humility and sincerity in seeking sustenance during the famine.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: Yosef's actions were part of Hashem's plan to reunite the family and fulfill the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
  • Teshuvah (Repentance): Yosef tested his brothers to determine if they had truly repented for their earlier actions.
  • Leadership: Yosef's harshness was a calculated strategy to bring about a greater good, demonstrating the complexity of righteous leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Joseph's behavior towards his brothers and the concept of recognizing others while concealing one's own identity.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the themes of recognition and concealment in biblical narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef pretend not to know his brothers?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Yosef acted strangely toward his brothers to test whether they had repented for selling him into slavery. He wanted to see if they would show remorse or protect their youngest brother, Binyamin, demonstrating they had changed.
Q: What does 'וַיִּתְנַכֵּר' (vayitnaker) mean in this verse?
A: The word 'וַיִּתְנַכֵּר' means 'he acted like a stranger.' Yosef deliberately concealed his identity and spoke harshly to his brothers to see how they would react. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) explains that this was part of a Divine plan to bring about repentance and reconciliation.
Q: Why did Yosef ask his brothers where they came from if he already knew?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef asked this question to create a situation where his brothers would mention their family, leading them to eventually bring Binyamin to Egypt. This was part of his plan to test their honesty and unity.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's behavior toward his brothers?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yosef’s actions demonstrate the importance of teshuvah (repentance) and forgiveness. Yosef tested his brothers to ensure they had truly changed before revealing himself, showing that true reconciliation requires sincere remorse and personal growth.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment marks the beginning of the brothers' journey toward repentance and reunification. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:7) explains that Yosef’s harsh words were meant to awaken their conscience, fulfilling the prophecy of his dreams and ultimately leading to the Jewish people’s descent to Egypt, as part of Hashem’s plan.