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Genesis 43:3 - Judah's plea for Binyamin?

Genesis 43:3 - בראשית 43:3

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו יְהוּדָה לֵאמֹר הָעֵד הֵעִד בָּנוּ הָאִישׁ לֵאמֹר לֹא־תִרְאוּ פָנַי בִּלְתִּי אֲחִיכֶם אִתְּכֶם׃

English Translation

And Yehuda spoke to him, saying, The man did solemnly protest to us, saying, You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.

Transliteration

Vayomer elav Yehuda lemor ha'ed he'id banu ha'ish lemor lo-tir'u fanai bilti achichem itchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר אֵלָ֛יו יְהוּדָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הָעֵ֣ד הֵעִד֩ בָּ֨נוּ הָאִ֤ישׁ לֵאמֹר֙ לֹֽא־תִרְא֣וּ פָנַ֔י בִּלְתִּ֖י אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אִתְּכֶֽם׃
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר אֵלָ֛יו יְהוּדָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הָעֵ֣ד הֵעִד֩ בָּ֨נוּ הָאִ֤ישׁ לֵאמֹר֙ לֹֽא־תִרְא֣וּ פָנַ֔י בִּלְתִּ֖י אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אִתְּכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah Narrative

This verse (Bereshit 43:3) appears during the story of Yosef and his brothers, when Yehuda recounts to Yaakov the warning given by Yosef (disguised as the Egyptian viceroy) that they would not be permitted to see him again unless they brought Binyamin with them. This moment is pivotal in the unfolding drama of the brothers' repentance and eventual reconciliation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "הָעֵד הֵעִד בָּנוּ הָאִישׁ" ("The man did solemnly protest to us"), explaining that Yosef used strong language to impress upon them the seriousness of his demand. The double expression "העיד העד" emphasizes that this was not a casual request but a binding oath or warning. Rashi further notes that Yehuda's retelling to Yaakov underscores the brothers' growing sense of responsibility—now that Shimon was being held hostage, they could not return without Binyamin.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra highlights the psychological tension in Yehuda's words. By repeating Yosef's warning verbatim ("You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you"), Yehuda conveys the urgency and inevitability of bringing Binyamin. This reflects the brothers' internal struggle—they must now confront Yaakov with the painful reality that Binyamin must accompany them to Egypt.

Midrashic Interpretation (Bereshit Rabbah)

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:8) sees deeper symbolism in Yosef's words. The phrase "לֹא־תִרְאוּ פָנַי" ("You shall not see my face") hints at the future: just as the brothers could not "see" Yosef's true identity at this moment, there would come a time when their eyes would be opened to recognize him. The condition of bringing Binyamin represents the necessity of unity among the tribes for true reconciliation.

Rambam's Ethical Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Teshuva (Laws of Repentance) might view this episode as part of the brothers' teshuvah process. Their earlier sin against Yosef is now being rectified through their protective stance toward Binyamin—demonstrating changed behavior, a key component of repentance. Yehuda's leadership here foreshadows his eventual guarantee of Binyamin's safety (Bereshit 43:9), showing his moral growth.

Kli Yakar's Literary Analysis

The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) notes the phrasing "בִּלְתִּי אֲחִיכֶם אִתְּכֶם" ("unless your brother is with you") carries a double meaning: superficially, it refers to Binyamin, but on a deeper level, it alludes to the need for brotherhood (achdut) among the tribes. The brothers' earlier discord led to exile, and only through unity could they regain Yosef's presence—a lesson for future generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yehuda mention the Egyptian ruler's warning to Yaakov?
A: Yehuda was explaining to Yaakov why they couldn't return to Egypt without Binyamin. The Egyptian ruler (who was actually Yosef) had given them a serious warning (העד העד) that they would not be allowed to see him again unless they brought their youngest brother with them (Rashi on Genesis 43:3).
Q: What does 'העד העד' mean in this verse?
A: The double language 'העד העד' (literally 'testifying he testified') emphasizes how strongly and solemnly Yosef warned them. In Jewish law, this type of double expression often indicates a particularly serious warning or oath (see Rashi and Ramban on Genesis 43:3).
Q: Why was seeing the Egyptian ruler's face so important?
A: In that time and culture, being granted an audience with a high official was a great privilege. More importantly, they needed his favor to purchase food during the famine. The phrase 'not see my face' meant they would be denied any further dealings with him (Ibn Ezra on Genesis 43:3).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda's approach to Yaakov?
A: We learn the importance of clear communication and respecting boundaries. Yehuda carefully explained the situation to Yaakov exactly as it was, showing how we should be honest yet tactful when conveying difficult messages (based on Midrash Tanchuma).