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Genesis 44:18 - Judah's bold plea before viceroy

Genesis 44:18 - בראשית 44:18

Hebrew Text

וַיִּגַּשׁ אֵלָיו יְהוּדָה וַיֹּאמֶר בִּי אֲדֹנִי יְדַבֶּר־נָא עַבְדְּךָ דָבָר בְּאָזְנֵי אֲדֹנִי וְאַל־יִחַר אַפְּךָ בְּעַבְדֶּךָ כִּי כָמוֹךָ כְּפַרְעֹה׃

English Translation

Then Yehuda came near to him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thy anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Par῾o.

Transliteration

Vayigash elav Yehuda vayomer bi adoni yedaber-na avdecha davar be'oznei adoni ve'al-yichar ap'cha be'avdecha ki kamocha k'Faroh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ אֵלָ֜יו יְהוּדָ֗ה וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ בִּ֣י אֲדֹנִי֒ יְדַבֶּר־נָ֨א עַבְדְּךָ֤ דָבָר֙ בְּאׇזְנֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י וְאַל־יִ֥חַר אַפְּךָ֖ בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֥י כָמ֖וֹךָ כְּפַרְעֹֽה׃
וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ אֵלָ֜יו יְהוּדָ֗ה וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ בִּ֣י אֲדֹנִי֒ יְדַבֶּר־נָ֨א עַבְדְּךָ֤ דָבָר֙ בְּאׇזְנֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י וְאַל־יִ֥חַר אַפְּךָ֖ בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֥י כָמ֖וֹךָ כְּפַרְעֹֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yehuda's Approach to Yosef

The verse (Bereishit 44:18) describes Yehuda's bold approach to Yosef, whom he still believes to be the Egyptian viceroy. Rashi explains that Yehuda was prepared for one of three outcomes: to persuade Yosef through words, to fight if necessary, or to die in the attempt to save Binyamin. This demonstrates Yehuda's leadership and willingness to take responsibility, a trait he displayed earlier when he guaranteed Binyamin's safety to Yaakov.

The Phrase "כִּי כָמוֹךָ כְּפַרְעֹה"

Yehuda's statement "for you are like Pharaoh" has been interpreted in several ways by our commentators:

  • Rashi: Explains that Yehuda was saying "Just as Pharaoh makes decrees and does not fulfill them (referring to Yosef's earlier promise to return Binyamin), so too you." This was a respectful but pointed criticism of Yosef's broken promise.
  • Ramban: Suggests it was a compliment meaning "You are as great as Pharaoh in authority," intended to flatter Yosef and put him in a favorable mood.
  • Sforno: Interprets it as "Just as one cannot appeal Pharaoh's decrees, so too we cannot appeal yours," emphasizing the finality of Yosef's decisions.

Yehuda's Diplomatic Approach

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 93:6) notes how Yehuda carefully crafted his words:

  • He begins with respect ("בי אדני") to soften Yosef's heart
  • Requests permission to speak ("ידבר נא עבדך דבר") rather than demanding
  • Preemptively asks for Yosef not to be angry ("ואל יחר אפך")

This demonstrates important principles of effective communication and conflict resolution, showing that even when making difficult requests, one should do so with wisdom and respect.

The Transformation of Yehuda

The Talmud (Sotah 10b) contrasts this Yehuda with the one who failed to take responsibility for Tamar. Here we see his complete transformation into a true leader who is willing to stand up for his brother. The Or HaChaim notes that Yehuda's willingness to risk his life for Binyamin atoned for his earlier failures regarding Yosef's sale.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Judah's humility and his approach to Joseph, highlighting the importance of humility and diplomacy in difficult situations.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the proper way to approach a superior, emphasizing Judah's respectful demeanor as a model for interpersonal conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yehuda mean when he says 'for you are even as Pharaoh' in Genesis 44:18?
A: Yehuda is showing respect to Yosef (who he does not yet recognize as his brother) by comparing him to Pharaoh in power and authority. Rashi explains that Yehuda is acknowledging Yosef's high status, just as Pharaoh was the ruler of Egypt. This teaches the importance of showing proper respect to those in positions of authority.
Q: Why does Yehuda approach Yosef in Genesis 44:18?
A: Yehuda approaches Yosef to plead for Binyamin's release after Yosef's silver cup was found in Binyamin's sack. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) highlights Yehuda's courage and leadership in taking responsibility, fulfilling his promise to Yaakov to protect Binyamin. This demonstrates the Jewish value of taking responsibility for others.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda's words 'let not your anger burn against your servant'?
A: Yehuda models how to speak with humility and diplomacy when addressing someone in power. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that soft speech can turn away anger, as seen in Yehuda's careful wording to avoid provoking Yosef. This teaches us the importance of measured speech in difficult situations.
Q: How does Yehuda's approach to Yosef in this verse relate to repentance (teshuvah)?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) notes that Yehuda demonstrates true repentance by taking responsibility—contrasting his earlier failure with Tamar (Genesis 38). Here, he courageously stands up for Binyamin, showing personal growth. This illustrates how teshuvah involves correcting past mistakes through action.