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Genesis 43:12 - Double money, Divine test?

Genesis 43:12 - בראשית 43:12

Hebrew Text

וְכֶסֶף מִשְׁנֶה קְחוּ בְיֶדְכֶם וְאֶת־הַכֶּסֶף הַמּוּשָׁב בְּפִי אַמְתְּחֹתֵיכֶם תָּשִׁיבוּ בְיֶדְכֶם אוּלַי מִשְׁגֶּה הוּא׃

English Translation

and take double money in your hand; and the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks, carry it back in your hand; perhaps it was an oversight:

Transliteration

Ve'kesef mishneh kchu beyedchem ve'et-hakesef hamushav befi amtechoteichem tashivu beyedchem ulay mishgeh hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכֶ֥סֶף מִשְׁנֶ֖ה קְח֣וּ בְיֶדְכֶ֑ם וְאֶת־הַכֶּ֜סֶף הַמּוּשָׁ֨ב בְּפִ֤י אַמְתְּחֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ תָּשִׁ֣יבוּ בְיֶדְכֶ֔ם אוּלַ֥י מִשְׁגֶּ֖ה הֽוּא׃
וְכֶ֥סֶף מִשְׁנֶ֖ה קְח֣וּ בְיֶדְכֶ֑ם וְאֶת־הַכֶּ֜סֶף הַמּוּשָׁ֨ב בְּפִ֤י אַמְתְּחֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ תָּשִׁ֣יבוּ בְיֶדְכֶ֔ם אוּלַ֥י מִשְׁגֶּ֖ה הֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 43:12) is part of the narrative where Yaakov instructs his sons to return to Egypt to purchase food during the famine, this time bringing Binyamin with them. Yaakov advises them to take double the money—both the new payment for food and the money that had been mysteriously returned to their sacks during their previous trip.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yaakov instructed his sons to take "double money" (כֶסֶף מִשְׁנֶה) to pay for two portions of food—one for the current purchase and another to account for the food they had already taken but not paid for (due to the returned money). The phrase "perhaps it was an oversight" (אוּלַי מִשְׁגֶּה הוּא) indicates Yaakov's concern that the money might have been returned by mistake, and they must rectify the situation to avoid appearing as thieves.

Rambam's Perspective on Honesty

Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah Va'Avedah 11:11) emphasizes the importance of returning even potential overpayments or mistakes in financial dealings. Yaakov's instruction aligns with the halachic principle of hasagat gevul (avoiding unethical gains), ensuring that Bnei Yisrael act with integrity even when the other party may have erred.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 8) suggests that Yaakov's caution reflects his broader trait of emunah (faith) in Hashem's providence—he wanted his sons to avoid any appearance of wrongdoing, as their conduct would reflect on the entire family's righteousness.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (91:11) highlights that Yaakov's instruction to return the money demonstrated his adherence to the principle of "ma'aseh avot siman lebanim" (the actions of the forefathers foreshadow the conduct of their descendants), modeling ethical behavior for future generations.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Chullin 91a) derives from this verse that one must go to great lengths to avoid even the suspicion of theft. Yaakov's insistence on returning the money—despite the possibility that Yosef (unbeknownst to them) had orchestrated its return—teaches the importance of marit ayin (avoiding actions that could be misinterpreted). This principle later becomes foundational in halachah regarding financial integrity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) tell his sons to take double money when returning to Egypt?
A: Yaakov instructed his sons to take double money to repay the money that was mysteriously returned in their sacks (Genesis 42:35) and to pay for new grain. Rashi explains that this showed honesty - they wanted to correct any possible mistake and avoid suspicion of theft when meeting Yosef (Joseph) again.
Q: What does 'perhaps it was an oversight' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase suggests that Yaakov considered the possibility that the returned money in their sacks might have been placed there by accident (משגה - mishgeh). Ramban notes that Yaakov was giving the Egyptians the benefit of the doubt, assuming it was an accounting error rather than intentional.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's instruction about returning the money?
A: This teaches the importance of honesty and going beyond basic requirements in business dealings. The Midrash highlights how Yaakov's family modeled exemplary behavior by returning money that could have been kept, setting a standard for ethical conduct that applies today in all financial matters.
Q: Why was the money placed in the 'mouth of the sacks'?
A: Rashi explains that the money was placed openly at the top of the sacks (in the 'mouth') so it would be immediately visible when opened. This contrasts with how Yosef later hid his silver goblet deep in Binyamin's sack (Genesis 44:2), showing different intentions behind each placement.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment builds tension in the story. The brothers' fear about the money (Genesis 43:18) and their honesty in returning it becomes part of Yosef's test of their character. The Talmud (Chullin 91a) notes how this incident ultimately leads to the brothers' repentance and family reconciliation.