share torah logo

Genesis 43:6 - Jacob's painful brotherly concern

Genesis 43:6 - בראשית 43:6

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל לָמָה הֲרֵעֹתֶם לִי לְהַגִּיד לָאִישׁ הַעוֹד לָכֶם אָח׃

English Translation

And Yisra᾽el said, Why did you treat me so ill, as to tell the man whether you had another brother?

Transliteration

Va'yomer Yisra'el lamah hare'otem li lehagid la'ish ha'od lachem ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לָמָ֥ה הֲרֵעֹתֶ֖ם לִ֑י לְהַגִּ֣יד לָאִ֔ישׁ הַע֥וֹד לָכֶ֖ם אָֽח׃
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לָמָ֥ה הֲרֵעֹתֶ֖ם לִ֑י לְהַגִּ֣יד לָאִ֔ישׁ הַע֥וֹד לָכֶ֖ם אָֽח׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 43:6) appears in the narrative where Yaakov (Yisra'el) is speaking to his sons after they returned from Egypt without Shimon and were told by Yosef (disguised as the Egyptian viceroy) that they must bring Binyamin to secure Shimon's release. Yaakov expresses distress over their revelation that they had another brother (Binyamin), which now puts Binyamin at risk.

Yaakov's Distress and Rebuke

Rashi explains that Yaakov's question, "Why did you treat me so ill?" reflects his anguish over the potential loss of Binyamin, Rachel's remaining son. Yaakov feared that just as Yosef was lost, Binyamin might also be taken from him. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:10) elaborates that Yaakov suspected his sons of acting carelessly by revealing their family situation, thereby endangering Binyamin.

The Significance of Revealing Binyamin

  • Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that Yaakov was upset because mentioning Binyamin unnecessarily exposed him to danger. Had they not disclosed his existence, they could have avoided the demand to bring him to Egypt.
  • Sforno adds that Yaakov questioned their judgment in revealing Binyamin, as it showed a lack of foresight regarding the consequences.

Yaakov's Emotional State

The Kli Yakar highlights that Yaakov's use of the phrase "לָמָה הֲרֵעֹתֶם לִי" ("Why did you treat me so ill?") conveys deep personal pain. Yaakov, still grieving over Yosef, could not bear the thought of losing another son from Rachel. The Or HaChaim notes that Yaakov's distress was compounded by his lack of trust in his sons after the earlier tragedy of Yosef.

Brotherly Responsibility

The Talmud (Chullin 91b) connects this verse to the broader theme of brotherly responsibility. Yaakov's rebuke implies that the brothers should have been more protective of Binyamin, just as they should have been with Yosef. This moment serves as a reflection on their past actions and their duty toward one another.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Yaakov (Yisrael) upset with his sons for mentioning Binyamin?
A: Yaakov was upset because revealing they had another brother (Binyamin) put him at risk of being taken to Egypt like Yosef. Rashi explains that Yaakov feared the Egyptian ruler (unaware it was Yosef) might demand Binyamin, causing Yaakov more grief.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's reaction in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yaakov's distress shows the deep pain of a parent separated from a child. It also reminds us to be cautious with words, as seemingly harmless information (mentioning Binyamin) can lead to unintended consequences.
Q: Why does the Torah use the name 'Yisrael' here instead of 'Yaakov'?
A: Rashi notes that the name Yisrael is used when Yaakov speaks with prophetic insight or dignity. Here, it emphasizes his justified complaint as the patriarch of the future nation, not just as a grieving father.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment highlights the brothers' ongoing turmoil—their past mistake (selling Yosef) now complicates their present dilemma. The Talmud (Berachot 7b) sees this as part of Hashem's plan to reunite the family and bring them to Egypt.