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Genesis 43:8 - Judah's plea for survival

Genesis 43:8 - בראשית 43:8

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוּדָה אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵל אָבִיו שִׁלְחָה הַנַּעַר אִתִּי וְנָקוּמָה וְנֵלֵכָה וְנִחְיֶה וְלֹא נָמוּת גַּם־אֲנַחְנוּ גַם־אַתָּה גַּם־טַפֵּנוּ׃

English Translation

And Yehuda said to Yisra᾽el his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Yehuda el-Yisra'el aviv shilcha hana'ar iti v'nakuma v'nelecha v'nichyeh v'lo namut gam-anachnu gam-atah gam-tapeinu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוּדָ֜ה אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אָבִ֗יו שִׁלְחָ֥ה הַנַּ֛עַר אִתִּ֖י וְנָק֣וּמָה וְנֵלֵ֑כָה וְנִֽחְיֶה֙ וְלֹ֣א נָמ֔וּת גַּם־אֲנַ֥חְנוּ גַם־אַתָּ֖ה גַּם־טַפֵּֽנוּ׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוּדָ֜ה אֶל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אָבִ֗יו שִׁלְחָ֥ה הַנַּ֛עַר אִתִּ֖י וְנָק֣וּמָה וְנֵלֵ֑כָה וְנִֽחְיֶה֙ וְלֹ֣א נָמ֔וּת גַּם־אֲנַ֥חְנוּ גַם־אַתָּ֖ה גַּם־טַפֵּֽנוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 43:8) appears in the narrative where Yehuda pleads with his father Yaakov (Yisrael) to allow Binyamin to accompany them to Egypt to obtain food during the famine. The brothers had previously been instructed by Yosef (unbeknownst to them) to bring Binyamin as a condition for receiving further provisions.

Yehuda's Argument

Rashi explains that Yehuda presents a logical and emotional appeal to Yaakov, emphasizing that without Binyamin, the entire family—including Yaakov himself and their children—would perish from hunger. The phrase "וְנִחְיֶה וְלֹא נָמוּת" ("that we may live, and not die") underscores the urgency of their situation. Yehuda takes personal responsibility, as seen later in the parsha (Bereshit 43:9), where he guarantees Binyamin's safety.

Spiritual and Practical Implications

  • Responsibility: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:8) highlights Yehuda's growth in leadership. After the incident with Tamar and his earlier role in selling Yosef, he now steps forward to ensure the family's survival.
  • Trust in Hashem: Ramban notes that Yehuda's words reflect a balance between human effort (hishtadlut) and faith. While they must act to obtain food, ultimate survival depends on Divine mercy.
  • Family Unity: The mention of "גַּם־אֲנַחְנוּ גַם־אַתָּה גַּם־טַפֵּנוּ" ("both we, and thou, and also our little ones") emphasizes the collective responsibility to sustain the entire household, a recurring theme in Jewish thought (see Talmud, Ta'anit 10b on communal welfare).

Linguistic Nuances

Ibn Ezra observes that Yehuda refers to Binyamin as "הַנַּעַר" ("the lad"), a term of endearment and perhaps an attempt to reassure Yaakov of Binyamin's youth and vulnerability, thereby eliciting his father's compassion. The verb "וְנָקוּמָה" ("and we will arise") suggests urgency and determination, as if to say they must act immediately to avert disaster.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of life and the lengths one should go to preserve it, illustrating Judah's argument to his father Israel (Jacob) about sending Benjamin to Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 43:8?
A: Genesis 43:8 takes place during the famine in Canaan when Yaakov's (Yisra'el's) family needed food from Egypt. Yehuda is pleading with his father to send Binyamin (the 'lad') with him to Egypt to obtain food, as Yosef (unbeknownst to them) had demanded Binyamin's presence. Yehuda argues this is necessary for the family's survival.
Q: Why does Yehuda say 'that we may live, and not die' in this verse?
A: Yehuda emphasizes the urgency of the situation—without food from Egypt, the entire family, including Yaakov, his sons, and their children ('our little ones'), would starve. Rashi explains that Yehuda was taking responsibility for Binyamin's safety (based on his earlier pledge in Genesis 43:9), showing his leadership and concern for the family's survival.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda's words in Genesis 43:8?
A: Yehuda demonstrates responsibility and leadership by advocating for the family's needs while assuring his father. The Midrash highlights how Yehuda's willingness to take accountability (seen earlier when he guaranteed Binyamin's safety) marks his growth from the episode with Tamar. This teaches the importance of stepping up during crises and keeping promises.
Q: Why does Yehuda refer to Binyamin as 'the lad' (הַנַּעַר)?
A: Though Binyamin was a grown man with children (Genesis 46:21), Yehuda calls him 'the lad' to evoke Yaakov's paternal compassion, as Rashi notes. It also underscores Binyamin's role as Yaakov's youngest and most protected son after Yosef's presumed death, making Yaakov's reluctance to send him more understandable.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: Yehuda's plea reflects key Jewish principles: (1) Pikuach Nefesh (saving lives)—prioritizing survival during famine; (2) Family unity—ensuring all generations ('we, you, and our little ones') are provided for; and (3) Responsibility—owning one's commitments, as Yehuda does for Binyamin. These values remain central in halachic decision-making.