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Genesis 43:19 - Brothers confront Yosef's steward

Genesis 43:19 - בראשית 43:19

Hebrew Text

וַיִּגְּשׁוּ אֶל־הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר עַל־בֵּית יוֹסֵף וַיְדַבְּרוּ אֵלָיו פֶּתַח הַבָּיִת׃

English Translation

And they came near to the steward of Yosef’s house, and they spoke with him at the door of the house,

Transliteration

Vayigshu el-ha'ish asher al-beit Yosef vayedabru elav petach habayit.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיִּגְּשׁוּ֙ אֶל־הָאִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ אֵלָ֖יו פֶּ֥תַח הַבָּֽיִת׃
וַֽיִּגְּשׁוּ֙ אֶל־הָאִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ אֵלָ֖יו פֶּ֥תַח הַבָּֽיִת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

The verse appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 43:19, during the second journey of Yosef's brothers to Egypt. They approach the steward of Yosef's house, unaware that the "steward" is acting under Yosef's instructions. This moment is pivotal as it leads to the brothers' confrontation with Yosef and their eventual reconciliation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the brothers approached the steward because they feared they would be accused of theft after finding their returned money in their sacks from their previous visit. They sought to clarify the matter before entering the house, demonstrating their integrity. Rashi cites Bereishit Rabbah (92:6), which emphasizes their righteous conduct in proactively addressing potential misunderstandings.

The Role of the Steward

The Malbim explains that the steward (asher al beit Yosef) was not merely a servant but a high-ranking official entrusted with Yosef's household affairs. His position symbolizes divine providence, as he unknowingly facilitated Yosef's plan to test his brothers' repentance. The brothers' interaction with him at the door (petach habayit) signifies a threshold moment—both physically and spiritually—before their eventual teshuvah (repentance).

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (92:7) notes that the brothers spoke respectfully to the steward, reflecting their changed demeanor since selling Yosef. Their humility contrasts with their earlier arrogance.
  • The Kli Yakar highlights that their choice to speak at the door, rather than inside, shows their caution and fear of entering a place where they might be vulnerable to false accusations.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Rambam, in Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Ethical Conduct), derives from this episode the importance of clarifying misunderstandings to avoid suspicion (chashad). The brothers' actions model how one should proactively address potential conflicts to maintain peace and trust.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the 'steward of Yosef’s house' mentioned in Genesis 43:19?
A: The 'steward of Yosef’s house' refers to the trusted manager appointed by Yosef (Joseph) to oversee his household affairs. According to Rashi, this steward was likely a high-ranking Egyptian official who carried out Yosef’s orders with authority. The Talmud (Chullin 92a) suggests that this steward may have been Manasseh, Yosef’s son, though this is debated among commentators.
Q: Why did Yosef’s brothers approach the steward at the door of the house?
A: Yosef’s brothers approached the steward at the door of the house because, as Rashi explains, they wanted to clarify the return of the money found in their sacks (from their previous visit). They were anxious and wanted to prove their honesty before entering. The door symbolizes a place of judgment or inquiry, as the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 92:6) notes that important matters were often discussed at entrances.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef’s brothers speaking to the steward before entering?
A: This teaches the importance of transparency and addressing concerns directly. The brothers did not hide their worries but openly discussed them before proceeding further. The Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 2:6) emphasizes honest communication as a key ethical principle in Jewish thought. Their approach also shows humility, as they sought to resolve misunderstandings respectfully.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment is part of Yosef’s test for his brothers to see if they had repented for selling him. By returning the money and speaking honestly to the steward, they demonstrated changed behavior. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayigash 4) highlights that this was a step toward their eventual reconciliation, showing the importance of teshuvah (repentance) in repairing relationships.