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Genesis 44:11 - Brothers' sacks reveal truth?

Genesis 44:11 - בראשית 44:11

Hebrew Text

וַיְמַהֲרוּ וַיּוֹרִדוּ אִישׁ אֶת־אַמְתַּחְתּוֹ אָרְצָה וַיִּפְתְּחוּ אִישׁ אַמְתַּחְתּוֹ׃

English Translation

Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack.

Transliteration

Vaymaharu vayoridu ish et-amtahto artza vayift'khu ish amtahto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְמַהֲר֗וּ וַיּוֹרִ֛דוּ אִ֥ישׁ אֶת־אַמְתַּחְתּ֖וֹ אָ֑רְצָה וַֽיִּפְתְּח֖וּ אִ֥ישׁ אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃
וַֽיְמַהֲר֗וּ וַיּוֹרִ֛דוּ אִ֥ישׁ אֶת־אַמְתַּחְתּ֖וֹ אָ֑רְצָה וַֽיִּפְתְּח֖וּ אִ֥ישׁ אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 44:11) appears in the narrative of Yosef's brothers returning to Egypt, where Yosef had his silver goblet placed in Binyamin's sack to test them. The brothers, unaware of the setup, hastily open their sacks to prove their innocence when accused of theft.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "וַיְמַהֲרוּ וַיּוֹרִידוּ" ("they speedily took down") that the brothers acted with urgency to demonstrate their confidence in their innocence. Their swiftness indicated they had nothing to hide, as they believed no stolen item would be found in their possession.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the repetition of "אִישׁ אַמְתַּחְתּוֹ" ("every man his sack") emphasizes that each brother independently and eagerly opened his own sack. This shows their collective willingness to prove their honesty, reinforcing their unity in this moment of distress.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 92:8) highlights the brothers' haste as a sign of their teshuvah (repentance) for having sold Yosef. Their eagerness to clear Binyamin's name contrasts with their earlier indifference toward Yosef, demonstrating their moral growth.

Rambam's Ethical Lesson

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot De'ot teaches that the brothers' actions exemplify the importance of zerizut (alacrity) in defending one's integrity. Their swift response reflects the Torah's ideal of proactive righteousness when faced with false accusations.

Chassidic Perspective

The Sefat Emet (Rav Yehudah Aryeh Leib of Gur) interprets their haste as symbolic of spiritual readiness. Just as they quickly opened their sacks to reveal the truth, a Jew must be prepared to "open" their heart to divine service without delay.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 44:11?
A: In Genesis 44:11, Joseph's brothers quickly lower their sacks to the ground and open them after being accused of stealing Joseph's silver goblet. This occurs when Joseph (still unrecognized by them) tests his brothers by having his steward search their bags.
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers quickly open their sacks?
A: According to Rashi, the brothers opened their sacks quickly to show they had nothing to hide, demonstrating their innocence regarding the accusation of theft. Their haste showed confidence that no stolen item would be found (Rashi on Genesis 44:11).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 44:11?
A: This verse teaches the importance of transparency and acting with integrity when falsely accused. The brothers' immediate cooperation shows how righteous people respond to suspicion—with openness rather than defensiveness (based on Talmudic principles of honest conduct).
Q: Why is this moment significant in Joseph's story?
A: This scene is a critical part of Joseph testing his brothers' character development. After previously selling Joseph, they now stand united and act righteously when confronted—showing their growth (as explained in Midrash Bereishit Rabbah).
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish values?
A: This incident reflects key Jewish values: (1) The presumption of innocence until proven guilty (based on Torah law), and (2) The importance of willingly submitting to scrutiny when necessary (as discussed in Talmudic interpretations of proper conduct).