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Genesis 44:13 - Brothers' guilt revealed dramatically.

Genesis 44:13 - בראשית 44:13

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרְעוּ שִׂמְלֹתָם וַיַּעֲמֹס אִישׁ עַל־חֲמֹרוֹ וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הָעִירָה׃

English Translation

Then they rent their clothes, and loaded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

Transliteration

Vayikr'u simlotam vaya'amos ish al-chamoro vayashuvu ha'irah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיִּקְרְע֖וּ שִׂמְלֹתָ֑ם וַֽיַּעֲמֹס֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל־חֲמֹר֔וֹ וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ הָעִֽירָה׃
וַֽיִּקְרְע֖וּ שִׂמְלֹתָ֑ם וַֽיַּעֲמֹס֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל־חֲמֹר֔וֹ וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ הָעִֽירָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bereshit (Genesis) 44:13, describing the reaction of Yosef's brothers after the goblet was found in Binyamin's sack. The brothers, realizing the gravity of the situation, tore their garments and returned to the city where Yosef (still unrecognized by them) resided.

Explanation of "וַיִּקְרְעוּ שִׂמְלֹתָם" (They Rented Their Clothes)

Rashi explains that tearing one's garments is a sign of mourning and distress, a common practice in biblical times upon hearing tragic news (see also Bereishit 37:34, where Yaakov tears his clothes upon seeing Yosef’s bloodstained coat). The Talmud (Moed Katan 26a) discusses the laws of kriah (rending garments) as an expression of grief. Here, the brothers demonstrate their anguish over Binyamin’s apparent guilt and the potential consequences.

Meaning of "וַיַּעֲמֹס אִישׁ עַל־חֲמֹרוֹ" (Loaded Every Man His Donkey)

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the brothers did not abandon their belongings but took them back to the city, indicating they did not flee in panic. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 92:8) suggests this reflects their resolve to face the situation rather than escape responsibility. The donkey, often a beast of burden, symbolizes their readiness to bear the weight of their predicament.

Significance of "וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הָעִירָה" (Returned to the City)

Malbim explains that their return to the city—despite the danger—shows their commitment to resolving the matter with the Egyptian ruler (Yosef). The Sforno adds that this act demonstrated their unity and loyalty to Binyamin, fulfilling their promise to Yaakov to protect him. This moment marks a turning point in their teshuvah (repentance) for their earlier mistreatment of Yosef.

Broader Themes

  • Repentance and Responsibility: The brothers' actions reflect their growth since selling Yosef, now showing care for Binyamin and accepting accountability (as discussed in Rambam’s Hilchot Teshuvah).
  • Divine Providence: The unfolding events are part of Hashem’s plan to reunite the family, as hinted in Yosef’s later words (Bereishit 45:5).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the brothers tear their clothes in Genesis 44:13?
A: In Jewish tradition, tearing one's clothes (kriah) is a sign of deep grief or distress. Rashi explains that the brothers tore their garments upon realizing that Binyamin (Benjamin) was accused of stealing Yosef's (Joseph's) goblet, which would cause great anguish to their father Yaakov (Jacob). This act reflects their emotional turmoil and the seriousness of the situation.
Q: What is the significance of loading their donkeys in Genesis 44:13?
A: The brothers loaded their donkeys to return to the city where Yosef (Joseph) was, as they could not abandon Binyamin (Benjamin). Ramban notes that this shows their unity and responsibility—they were prepared to face the consequences together rather than leave their youngest brother behind.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 44:13 about handling difficult situations?
A: The brothers' reaction teaches us the importance of facing challenges with unity and responsibility. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) discusses how hardships should be met with introspection and action. Here, the brothers didn't flee but returned to confront the problem, demonstrating courage and family loyalty.
Q: Why is the detail about returning to the city important in Genesis 44:13?
A: Returning to the city signifies accountability. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 92:8) highlights that the brothers didn't try to escape but chose to face Yosef (Joseph) again, showing their commitment to justice and their brother Binyamin (Benjamin). This mirrors the Jewish value of taking responsibility for one's actions.