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Genesis 43:27 - Joseph inquires: Father still lives?

Genesis 43:27 - בראשית 43:27

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁאַל לָהֶם לְשָׁלוֹם וַיֹּאמֶר הֲשָׁלוֹם אֲבִיכֶם הַזָּקֵן אֲשֶׁר אֲמַרְתֶּם הַעוֹדֶנּוּ חָי׃

English Translation

And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?

Transliteration

Vayish'al lahem leshalom vayomer hashalom avikhem hazaken asher amartem ha'odenu chai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל לָהֶם֙ לְשָׁל֔וֹם וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲשָׁל֛וֹם אֲבִיכֶ֥ם הַזָּקֵ֖ן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם הַעוֹדֶ֖נּוּ חָֽי׃
וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל לָהֶם֙ לְשָׁל֔וֹם וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲשָׁל֛וֹם אֲבִיכֶ֥ם הַזָּקֵ֖ן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם הַעוֹדֶ֖נּוּ חָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 43:27) appears in the narrative of Yosef's reunion with his brothers in Egypt. Yosef, now the viceroy of Egypt, recognizes his brothers but conceals his identity. He inquires about their welfare and specifically asks about their father, Yaakov Avinu.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that Yosef's inquiry about his father's well-being demonstrates his deep concern for Yaakov. The phrase "הֲשָׁלוֹם אֲבִיכֶם הַזָּקֵן" ("Is your father well, the old man") is interpreted by Rashi as Yosef subtly hinting at his identity. By referring to Yaakov as "the old man," Yosef alludes to the fact that Yaakov was already old when Yosef last saw him, implying personal knowledge of Yaakov's age.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:10) explains that Yosef's question about Yaakov's welfare was not merely polite conversation but a heartfelt inquiry. Yosef was deeply concerned about his father's physical and spiritual state after their long separation.
  • The Midrash also highlights that Yosef's use of the term "הַזָּקֵן" ("the old man") reflects his respect for Yaakov, as the term "zaken" (elder) is associated with wisdom and dignity in Jewish tradition (see Vayikra 19:32).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) emphasizes the importance of inquiring about another's welfare, as seen in Yosef's actions. This demonstrates the mitzvah of דֶּרֶךְ אֶרֶץ (proper conduct) and the value of showing concern for others, especially one's parents, in line with the commandment to honor one's father and mother.

Symbolism in the Question

The Malbim explains that Yosef's question about whether Yaakov was "still alive" ("הַעוֹדֶנּוּ חָי") carries deeper meaning. It reflects Yosef's concern not just for Yaakov's physical survival but for his emotional and spiritual vitality—whether he was still living a full and meaningful life despite the pain of losing Yosef.

Halachic Implication

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 240:5) cites this verse as a source for the obligation to inquire about the welfare of one's parents regularly, as Yosef did. This underscores the Torah's emphasis on maintaining family bonds and honoring parents even in difficult circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef (Joseph) ask about his father's welfare in Genesis 43:27?
A: Yosef was showing concern for his father Yaakov (Jacob) despite being separated for many years. According to Rashi, Yosef asked specifically about his father's welfare to demonstrate his continued love and respect, fulfilling the mitzvah of honoring one's parents (Kibud Av v'Em).
Q: What is the significance of Yosef referring to Yaakov as 'the old man' in this verse?
A: The term 'the old man' (הַזָּקֵן) shows Yosef's reverence for his father's age and wisdom. The Midrash explains that Yosef used this respectful title to acknowledge Yaakov's status as a patriarch and Torah scholar, emphasizing the importance of honoring elders in Jewish tradition.
Q: How does Genesis 43:27 teach us about proper speech?
A: This verse demonstrates derech eretz (proper conduct) in speech. The Rambam teaches that Yosef's careful, respectful wording serves as a model for how we should inquire about others' wellbeing - with sincerity and appropriate honor, especially when speaking about parents or elders.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Yosef asked 'Is he still alive?' when he already knew about his father?
A: According to the Talmud (Chullin 90b), Yosef asked this to make natural conversation and not arouse suspicion. The Kli Yakar explains that Yosef was testing his brothers' honesty about their family situation while maintaining his disguised identity as the Egyptian viceroy.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Yosef's inquiry about his father's welfare?
A: This teaches the enduring Jewish values of family connection and filial responsibility. Even after years of separation and while in a position of power, Yosef prioritized his father's wellbeing - a lesson for all generations about maintaining family bonds and showing respect to parents regardless of circumstances.