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Genesis 44:26 - Brother's absence halts journey

Genesis 44:26 - בראשית 44:26

Hebrew Text

וַנֹּאמֶר לֹא נוּכַל לָרֶדֶת אִם־יֵשׁ אָחִינוּ הַקָּטֹן אִתָּנוּ וְיָרַדְנוּ כִּי־לֹא נוּכַל לִרְאוֹת פְּנֵי הָאִישׁ וְאָחִינוּ הַקָּטֹן אֵינֶנּוּ אִתָּנוּ׃

English Translation

And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man’s face, unless our youngest brother is with us.

Transliteration

Vanomer lo nukhal laredet im yesh achinu hakatan itanu veyaradnu ki lo nukhal lir'ot pnei ha'ish ve'achinu hakatan enenu itanu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַנֹּ֕אמֶר לֹ֥א נוּכַ֖ל לָרֶ֑דֶת אִם־יֵשׁ֩ אָחִ֨ינוּ הַקָּטֹ֤ן אִתָּ֙נוּ֙ וְיָרַ֔דְנוּ כִּי־לֹ֣א נוּכַ֗ל לִרְאוֹת֙ פְּנֵ֣י הָאִ֔ישׁ וְאָחִ֥ינוּ הַקָּטֹ֖ן אֵינֶ֥נּוּ אִתָּֽנוּ׃
וַנֹּ֕אמֶר לֹ֥א נוּכַ֖ל לָרֶ֑דֶת אִם־יֵשׁ֩ אָחִ֨ינוּ הַקָּטֹ֤ן אִתָּ֙נוּ֙ וְיָרַ֔דְנוּ כִּי־לֹ֣א נוּכַ֗ל לִרְאוֹת֙ פְּנֵ֣י הָאִ֔ישׁ וְאָחִ֥ינוּ הַקָּטֹ֖ן אֵינֶ֥נּוּ אִתָּֽנוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 44:26) is part of the narrative in which Yosef's brothers recount their earlier conversation with their father Yaakov before returning to Egypt with Binyamin. The brothers explain why they could not return to Egypt without their youngest brother, as demanded by the Egyptian ruler (Yosef, though they did not yet recognize him). The verse reflects their commitment to fulfilling the condition set by Yosef to see Binyamin.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the brothers emphasize their inability to "see the man's face" without Binyamin because Yosef had made it clear that they would not be permitted to purchase grain unless Binyamin accompanied them (Bereshit 43:3-5). Rashi highlights the brothers' adherence to their father's initial reluctance to send Binyamin and their eventual compliance due to the severity of the famine.

Rambam's Perspective on Moral Responsibility

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) discusses the importance of keeping one's word and fulfilling conditions in agreements. The brothers' insistence on bringing Binyamin demonstrates their commitment to honesty and integrity in their dealings with the Egyptian ruler, aligning with Torah values of trustworthiness in business and personal matters.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 5): The brothers' statement reflects their growing sense of responsibility toward Binyamin, as they had previously failed to protect Yosef. Their insistence on his presence shows their repentance and commitment to safeguarding their youngest brother.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (91:10): The phrase "we cannot see the man's face" alludes to the brothers' fear of divine judgment. They sensed that their past misdeeds were being revisited upon them, and they sought to rectify their actions by protecting Binyamin.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 204:7) rules that conditions in agreements must be upheld strictly. The brothers' adherence to Yosef's condition serves as a precedent for the halachic principle that one must honor the terms of a negotiated agreement, even under duress.

Symbolism of "Our Youngest Brother"

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that Binyamin represents the future of the Jewish people. The brothers' insistence on his inclusion signifies their recognition of the need to preserve the unity and continuity of the family, a foundational value in Jewish tradition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 44:26 mean in the story of Joseph and his brothers?
A: In Genesis 44:26, Joseph's brothers explain to their father Jacob why they cannot return to Egypt without their youngest brother Benjamin. According to Rashi, this verse shows their commitment to keeping their promise to the Egyptian ruler (Joseph, though they don't yet know his identity) that they would bring Benjamin next time. The brothers are explaining that seeing the Egyptian leader again is conditional upon bringing Benjamin.
Q: Why was it so important for Joseph to see his younger brother Benjamin?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah), Joseph had a special bond with Benjamin as they were the only sons of Rachel. The Talmud (Megillah 16b) also notes that Joseph wanted to test whether his brothers would protect Benjamin like they had failed to protect him. This verse shows how the brothers now took responsibility for their youngest brother.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 44:26 about keeping promises?
A: The verse teaches the importance of keeping one's word, a fundamental Jewish value. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:6) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling commitments. Here, the brothers show they've learned this lesson by insisting they must keep their promise to bring Benjamin, unlike when they deceived their father about Joseph's fate earlier in the story.
Q: How does Genesis 44:26 show the brothers' change of character?
A: This verse demonstrates significant growth in the brothers' character. Where they once sold Joseph (their brother from Rachel) and deceived their father, now they refuse to go without Benjamin (their other brother from Rachel). The Kli Yakar explains this shows their repentance and new commitment to family unity and honesty.
Q: Why did the brothers say they couldn't 'see the man's face' without Benjamin?
A: Rashi explains that 'seeing the man's face' means appearing before the Egyptian viceroy (Joseph). The brothers understood this as an absolute condition - they couldn't even present themselves before him without Benjamin. This reflects the Torah's principle of taking conditions seriously, as discussed in Talmudic laws of vows and conditions (Nedarim 27b).