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Genesis 43:13 - Brother's fate in Egypt?

Genesis 43:13 - בראשית 43:13

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־אֲחִיכֶם קָחוּ וְקוּמוּ שׁוּבוּ אֶל־הָאִישׁ׃

English Translation

take also your brother, and arise, go again to the man:

Transliteration

Ve'et-achikhem kachu vekumu shuvu el-ha'ish.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־אֲחִיכֶ֖ם קָ֑חוּ וְק֖וּמוּ שׁ֥וּבוּ אֶל־הָאִֽישׁ׃
וְאֶת־אֲחִיכֶ֖ם קָ֑חוּ וְק֖וּמוּ שׁ֥וּבוּ אֶל־הָאִֽישׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah Narrative

This verse (Bereshit 43:13) appears in the story of Yosef and his brothers, when Yaakov instructs his sons to return to Egypt with Binyamin to obtain food during the famine. The brothers had previously returned from Egypt without Binyamin, as Yosef had demanded his presence as a condition for further assistance.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov's instruction to "take also your brother" refers specifically to Binyamin. He notes that Yaakov uses the term "הָאִישׁ" (the man) to refer to Yosef, indicating his high status as the Egyptian viceroy, though the brothers did not yet recognize him as their brother. Rashi emphasizes that Yaakov's phrasing shows deference to Yosef's position of authority.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra observes that the phrase "קוּמוּ שׁוּבוּ" (arise, go again) contains two imperatives to stress urgency. The famine was severe, and the family's survival depended on securing more food from Egypt. The doubling of verbs underscores the critical nature of their mission.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:10) connects this moment to broader themes of repentance (teshuvah). The brothers' return to Egypt with Binyamin parallels the spiritual concept of "returning" to rectify past wrongs—in this case, their earlier mistreatment of Yosef. The Midrash sees this as a step toward their eventual reconciliation.

Rambam's Ethical Perspective

In light of Rambam's teachings on family unity (Hilchot De'ot 6:3), this verse demonstrates Yaakov's concern for maintaining peace among his children. Despite his fear for Binyamin's safety (as seen in later verses), Yaakov prioritizes the collective need for sustenance and the importance of obeying the Egyptian ruler's decree for the greater good.

Key Lessons

  • Respect for Authority: Yaakov models proper deference to leadership by referring to Yosef as "the man."
  • Family Responsibility: The brothers are tasked with protecting Binyamin, showing how familial bonds override past conflicts.
  • Urgency in Crisis: The language reflects the Torah's emphasis on proactive response to existential threats like famine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the actions of Jacob's sons when they returned to Egypt with Benjamin, illustrating their fulfillment of Joseph's demand to bring their brother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 43:13 mean in the story of Joseph and his brothers?
A: Genesis 43:13 is part of the story where Jacob instructs his sons to return to Egypt with Benjamin to buy food during the famine. The 'man' refers to Joseph (though the brothers don't yet know his identity). Rashi explains that Jacob was telling them to take Benjamin as proof they weren't spies, as Joseph had demanded (Genesis 42:16).
Q: Why was it so important for the brothers to take Benjamin to Egypt in Genesis 43:13?
A: Joseph had demanded Benjamin's presence as proof the brothers were honest men and not spies (Genesis 42:16). According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:9), this was part of God's plan to reunite the family and fulfill Joseph's dreams. Jacob reluctantly agreed because the famine made it necessary to get more food.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's decision in Genesis 43:13 to send Benjamin?
A: The verse teaches about difficult decisions and trust in God. Jacob was afraid to send Benjamin (Genesis 42:38), but ultimately did so to save the family from starvation. Rambam teaches that we must sometimes take calculated risks when necessary for survival, while still trusting in God's protection.
Q: How does Genesis 43:13 show the theme of repentance (teshuvah)?
A: The brothers' return to Egypt with Benjamin begins their process of repentance for selling Joseph. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) notes that true repentance requires facing the same situation again and making a better choice. Here they protect Benjamin, unlike how they treated Joseph.
Q: Why does Jacob say 'go again to the man' in Genesis 43:13?
A: Rashi explains that Jacob refers to Joseph as 'the man' because: 1) The brothers still didn't know his true identity, and 2) Jacob himself didn't realize this was Joseph. The Midrash (Tanhuma Mikeitz 8) notes the irony that Jacob was sending them to his own son while thinking he was a stranger.