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Genesis 44:22 - Father's life depends on son?

Genesis 44:22 - בראשית 44:22

Hebrew Text

וַנֹּאמֶר אֶל־אֲדֹנִי לֹא־יוּכַל הַנַּעַר לַעֲזֹב אֶת־אָבִיו וְעָזַב אֶת־אָבִיו וָמֵת׃

English Translation

And we said to my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.

Transliteration

Vanomer el-adoni lo-yukhal hana'ar la'azov et-aviv ve'azav et-aviv vamet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־אֲדֹנִ֔י לֹא־יוּכַ֥ל הַנַּ֖עַר לַעֲזֹ֣ב אֶת־אָבִ֑יו וְעָזַ֥ב אֶת־אָבִ֖יו וָמֵֽת׃
וַנֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־אֲדֹנִ֔י לֹא־יוּכַ֥ל הַנַּ֖עַר לַעֲזֹ֣ב אֶת־אָבִ֑יו וְעָזַ֥ב אֶת־אָבִ֖יו וָמֵֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 44:22) is part of the dialogue between Yehuda and Yosef, where Yehuda recounts the earlier conversation between Yaakov's sons and Yosef (who was still unrecognized by them). The brothers explain why Binyamin could not be separated from his father Yaakov, emphasizing the potential fatal consequences of such a separation.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וָמֵת" (and he would die) refers to Yaakov, not Binyamin. He cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:10) that Yaakov's soul was bound up with Binyamin's (as stated in Bereshit 44:30), and separation would cause Yaakov unbearable grief, leading to his death. Rashi also notes that the brothers exaggerated slightly by saying "his father would die" immediately, as they sought to evoke Yosef's compassion.

Rambam's Perspective on Family Bonds

Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:11-12) discusses the importance of honoring one's parents, which includes not causing them undue distress. The brothers' plea highlights the Torah's emphasis on the emotional and physical well-being of parents, particularly in old age. Separating Binyamin from Yaakov would violate this principle, as it would inflict severe anguish upon Yaakov.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 19b: The Talmud derives from this verse that causing a parent distress is akin to endangering their life, reinforcing the gravity of the mitzvah of honoring parents.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 5): The Midrash interprets the brothers' words as a prophetic hint about Yaakov's eventual descent to Egypt, where he would be reunited with Yosef and avoid death from sorrow.

Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Analysis

Ibn Ezra notes the phrasing "לֹא־יוּכַל הַנַּעַר" (the lad cannot) implies a moral and emotional incapacity, not just a physical one. Binyamin's role as Yaakov's sole remaining son from Rachel made his presence indispensable for Yaakov's emotional stability.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 240:5) rules that one must prioritize a parent's emotional needs when they are dependent, as derived from this verse. This underscores the Torah's sensitivity to familial bonds and the duty to preserve a parent's dignity and well-being.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 44:22 mean when it says 'the lad cannot leave his father'?
A: This verse refers to Benjamin, who could not leave his father Jacob because Jacob was deeply attached to him after losing Joseph. Rashi explains that Jacob's life was bound up with Benjamin's (Genesis 44:30), meaning separation would cause him extreme grief, possibly even death from sorrow.
Q: Why was Jacob so attached to Benjamin?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah), Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son from his beloved wife Rachel, who had died. After losing Joseph (Rachel's first son), Benjamin became especially precious to Jacob as the remaining child of Rachel. The Talmud (Megillah 16b) also notes Benjamin's special status.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 44:22 about family relationships?
A: The verse teaches the importance of honoring and caring for parents. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:3) derives from such verses that children must be sensitive to their parents' emotional needs. Benjamin's brothers understood that separating him from Jacob would cause unbearable pain, showing proper respect for their father's feelings.