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Genesis 43:28 - Brothers conceal truth humbly

Genesis 43:28 - בראשית 43:28

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ שָׁלוֹם לְעַבְדְּךָ לְאָבִינוּ עוֹדֶנּוּ חָי וַיִּקְּדוּ וישתחו [וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ׃]

English Translation

And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is still alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.

Transliteration

Vayomru shalom le'avdecha le'avinu odenu chai vayikdu vayishtachavu [vayishtachavu.]

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ שָׁל֛וֹם לְעַבְדְּךָ֥ לְאָבִ֖ינוּ עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חָ֑י וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(וישתחו)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ]</span></span>׃
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ שָׁל֛וֹם לְעַבְדְּךָ֥ לְאָבִ֖ינוּ עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חָ֑י וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ (וישתחו) [וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ]׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Story of Yosef and His Brothers

This verse (Bereshit 43:28) occurs when Yosef's brothers return to Egypt with Binyamin and respond to Yosef's inquiry about their father Yaakov. The brothers, unaware of Yosef's true identity, demonstrate respect and deference to the Egyptian viceroy (Yosef) by bowing, fulfilling Yosef's earlier dream (Bereshit 37:7-10).

Meaning of "Shalom" and Yaakov's Welfare

Rashi explains that the brothers' declaration "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom) indicates Yaakov was physically healthy ("בשלום") and spiritually whole ("שלם בתפילתו")—his prayer life remained intact despite his grief over Yosef. The Sforno adds that their emphasis on Yaakov being "עוֹדֶנּוּ חָי" (still alive) hints at his resilience despite years of sorrow, showing Divine protection over the forefathers.

The Act of Bowing: Fulfillment of Prophecy

The brothers' bowing ("וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ") echoes Yosef's prophetic dreams (Bereshit 37:7-10). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:10) notes that this was the second of eleven prostrations—symbolizing future subjugation before Mashiach (as per the Vilna Gaon). Ramban emphasizes that their bowing was a natural gesture of honor to a ruler, not realizing its deeper providential significance.

Halachic and Ethical Dimensions

  • Kibud Av (Honoring Parents): The brothers' detailed report about Yaakov reflects the mitzvah of honoring parents (Rambam, Hilchot Mamrim 6:3).
  • Derech Eretz (Civil Decorum): Their bowing models proper conduct toward authority (Talmud, Berachot 34a on prostration as a sign of respect).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Yosef's brothers bowed down to him in Genesis 43:28?
A: This was a fulfillment of Yosef's earlier dreams (Genesis 37:5-10), where his brothers' sheaves bowed to his sheaf. The Sages explain (Bereshit Rabbah 93:10) that through this bowing, the brothers were unknowingly fulfilling divine prophecy, showing how Hashem's plan unfolds even when people don't realize it.
Q: Why did Yosef's brothers say 'our father is still alive' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that they emphasized their father's wellbeing because they were trying to appeal to Yosef's (who they didn't yet recognize) mercy. They wanted to show they were caring sons protecting their elderly father, hoping this would make the Egyptian ruler (Yosef) treat them kindly.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the brothers bowing in Genesis 43:28?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 16b) teaches that this shows the importance of showing respect to those in positions of authority. Even though the brothers didn't know this was Yosef, they properly honored the Egyptian viceroy. This teaches us the Jewish value of giving proper kavod (honor) where it's due.
Q: How many times did Yosef's brothers bow to him according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayigash 5) notes there were actually ten instances of bowing corresponding to Yosef's ten brothers. Our verse describes one of these occasions. This repeated bowing emphasized the complete fulfillment of Yosef's prophetic dreams.
Q: Why is Genesis 43:28 important in the story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment is significant because it marks a key step in the reconciliation process. The Ramban explains that through these interactions, the brothers were being prepared to recognize their past mistakes with Yosef. The bowing represented their growing humility, which was necessary for their eventual teshuvah (repentance).