Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 43:22 mean?
A: In Genesis 43:22, Joseph's brothers explain that they found the money they had originally paid for grain returned in their sacks, and they brought additional money to buy more food. They express confusion about how the money ended up in their sacks, as they didn't put it there. According to Rashi, this shows their honesty—they could have kept the money but chose to return it, demonstrating their commitment to righteousness.
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers return the money they found in their sacks?
A: Joseph's brothers returned the money because they wanted to act with integrity. The Midrash teaches that their honesty in this situation was a sign of their moral growth after the sin of selling Joseph. They could have kept the money, but they chose to do what was right, showing repentance and ethical behavior.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 43:22?
A: This verse teaches the importance of honesty and returning what doesn’t belong to us. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 24a) discusses the obligation to return lost items, and Joseph’s brothers set an example by bringing back the money they found. It reminds us to act with integrity even when no one is watching.
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Joseph and his brothers?
A: This verse highlights a turning point in the brothers' character. After their earlier wrongdoing (selling Joseph), they now demonstrate repentance by being honest. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 2:1) teaches that true repentance involves avoiding sin when faced with the same situation—here, they chose righteousness over keeping the money.
Q: How does Genesis 43:22 apply to daily life today?
A: This verse reminds us to always act with honesty, especially in financial matters. Jewish law (Halacha) emphasizes returning lost property or money that isn’t rightfully ours (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 259). Like Joseph’s brothers, we should strive to do what’s right, even when it might be easier to keep something that doesn’t belong to us.
Context in the Story of Yosef and His Brothers
This verse (Bereshit 43:22) appears when Yosef's brothers return to Egypt with Binyamin to purchase food during the famine. They explain to Yosef's steward that they found their original payment of silver returned in their sacks and have now brought additional silver to buy more provisions, unaware of how the money was returned to them.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments that the brothers emphasized "וְכֶסֶף אַחֵר" ("other money") to clarify they were not trying to defraud anyone by withholding payment. They brought both the returned money and new funds to demonstrate their honesty. Rashi also notes their confusion ("לֹא יָדַעְנוּ") reflects their genuine lack of understanding about how the money reappeared in their sacks, as Yosef had secretly arranged it.
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective on Honesty
While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his principles in Hilchot Gezeila (Laws of Theft) underscore the brothers' conduct. Returning money of uncertain ownership aligns with the obligation to avoid even the appearance of theft (mar'it ayin), reflecting their commitment to middat ha'emet (the trait of truth).
Literary and Thematic Significance
The verse underscores the brothers' moral transformation. Earlier, they deceived Yaakov about Yosef's fate; now, they go out of their way to act transparently. The returned silver also serves as a hidden sign of Yosef's identity—just as their money was restored, Yosef himself would soon be "restored" to them.