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Genesis 44:16 - Guilt confessed before Yosef

Genesis 44:16 - בראשית 44:16

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוּדָה מַה־נֹּאמַר לַאדֹנִי מַה־נְּדַבֵּר וּמַה־נִּצְטַדָּק הָאֱלֹהִים מָצָא אֶת־עֲוֺן עֲבָדֶיךָ הִנֶּנּוּ עֲבָדִים לַאדֹנִי גַּם־אֲנַחְנוּ גַּם אֲשֶׁר־נִמְצָא הַגָּבִיעַ בְּיָדוֹ׃

English Translation

And Yehuda said, What shall we say to my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord’s bondmen, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Yehuda mah-no'mar la'Adoni mah-n'daber umah-nitz'tadak ha'Elohim matza et-avon avadeicha hinenu avadim la'Adoni gam-anachnu gam asher-nimtza hagavi'a b'yado.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוּדָ֗ה מַה־נֹּאמַר֙ לַֽאדֹנִ֔י מַה־נְּדַבֵּ֖ר וּמַה־נִּצְטַדָּ֑ק הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים מָצָא֙ אֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ הִנֶּ֤נּוּ עֲבָדִים֙ לַֽאדֹנִ֔י גַּם־אֲנַ֕חְנוּ גַּ֛ם אֲשֶׁר־נִמְצָ֥א הַגָּבִ֖יעַ בְּיָדֽוֹ׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוּדָ֗ה מַה־נֹּאמַר֙ לַֽאדֹנִ֔י מַה־נְּדַבֵּ֖ר וּמַה־נִּצְטַדָּ֑ק הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים מָצָא֙ אֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ הִנֶּ֤נּוּ עֲבָדִים֙ לַֽאדֹנִ֔י גַּם־אֲנַ֕חְנוּ גַּ֛ם אֲשֶׁר־נִמְצָ֥א הַגָּבִ֖יעַ בְּיָדֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yehuda's Admission of Guilt

In this verse (Bereishit 44:16), Yehuda acknowledges the brothers' culpability before Yosef (who they do not yet recognize). The phrase "הָאֱלֹהִים מָצָא אֶת־עֲוֺן עֲבָדֶיךָ" ("God has found out the iniquity of thy servants") reflects Yehuda's recognition of divine justice at work. Rashi explains that Yehuda is admitting that Hashem has orchestrated events to bring their past sins to light—specifically, their sale of Yosef into slavery. The brothers now perceive their predicament as divine retribution.

The Concept of Middah K'neged Middah

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 92:8) highlights the principle of מידה כנגד מידה (measure for measure): just as the brothers deceived their father with a goat's blood (Bereishit 37:31), they are now confronted with Yosef's goblet (associated with wine, which resembles blood). The Sforno adds that their false accusation against Yosef (claiming he was torn by a wild beast) is now mirrored in their being accused of theft.

Yehuda's Leadership and Repentance

Ramban notes that Yehuda's confession marks a turning point in his character development. Earlier, he had proposed selling Yosef (Bereishit 37:26-27), but now he takes responsibility for Binyamin and the brothers. The Talmud (Sotah 7b) connects this to the broader theme of תשובה (repentance), as Yehuda demonstrates sincere remorse by offering himself and his brothers as slaves—showing his willingness to accept consequences.

The Goblet as a Symbol

The Malbim explains that the גָּבִיעַ (goblet) was not merely a drinking vessel but a tool Yosef used for divination (Bereishit 44:5). Its discovery in Binyamin's sack represents a test of the brothers' loyalty—would they abandon Binyamin as they once abandoned Yosef? Yehuda's response, offering collective servitude, proves their unity and growth.

  • Rashi: Views the verse as an admission of collective guilt for the sale of Yosef.
  • Ramban: Emphasizes Yehuda's moral transformation and acceptance of responsibility.
  • Sforno: Focuses on the poetic justice of the brothers' predicament mirroring their earlier actions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 7b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the concept of confession and repentance, illustrating Judah's admission of guilt and his plea for mercy.
📖 Sanhedrin 6b
The verse is cited in a discussion about divine justice and the acknowledgment of wrongdoing, highlighting Judah's recognition of God's role in uncovering their sin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yehuda mean when he says 'God has found out the iniquity of thy servants' in Genesis 44:16?
A: Yehuda is acknowledging that the brothers' current predicament (being accused of stealing Yosef's goblet) is a result of their past sin of selling Yosef into slavery. Rashi explains that Yehuda recognized this as divine justice (middah k'neged middah) - just as they caused their father pain with Yosef's 'bloody' coat, now they're experiencing pain through Binyamin's situation.
Q: Why did Yehuda take responsibility for all the brothers in Genesis 44:16?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 93:7) teaches that Yehuda had personally guaranteed Binyamin's safety to Yaakov. Additionally, the Talmud (Sotah 7b) notes Yehuda's leadership role - as the kingly tribe, he took responsibility for the group. His words 'we are my lord's bondmen' show his willingness to accept collective punishment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda's confession in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 1:1) derives from here the importance of admitting one's wrongdoings. Yehuda models proper repentance by: 1) Acknowledging the sin ('God has found out the iniquity'), 2) Accepting consequences ('we are my lord's bondmen'), and 3) Not making excuses - a key step in teshuvah (repentance).
Q: How does Yehuda's statement relate to the concept of divine providence?
A: The Sforno explains that Yehuda recognized hashgacha pratis (divine providence) at work - what seemed like random events (the goblet being found) was actually God orchestrating events to bring them to repentance for selling Yosef. This teaches that nothing happens by chance; everything is part of God's plan to guide us toward improvement.
Q: Why does Yehuda say 'what shall we say... how shall we clear ourselves' before confessing?
A: The Kli Yakar explains this three-part phrasing reflects the brothers' realization that: 1) They had no defense ('what shall we say'), 2) No justification ('what shall we speak'), and 3) No way to prove innocence ('how shall we clear ourselves'). This complete helplessness led them to recognize God's hand in the situation and confess.