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Genesis 44:27 - Father's sorrow over lost son.

Genesis 44:27 - בראשית 44:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר עַבְדְּךָ אָבִי אֵלֵינוּ אַתֶּם יְדַעְתֶּם כִּי שְׁנַיִם יָלְדָה־לִּי אִשְׁתִּי׃

English Translation

And thy servant my father said to us, You know that my wife bore me two sons:

Transliteration

Va'yomer avdecha avi aleinu atem yedatem ki shnayim yalda li ishti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר עַבְדְּךָ֥ אָבִ֖י אֵלֵ֑ינוּ אַתֶּ֣ם יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם כִּ֥י שְׁנַ֖יִם יָֽלְדָה־לִּ֥י אִשְׁתִּֽי׃
וַיֹּ֛אמֶר עַבְדְּךָ֥ אָבִ֖י אֵלֵ֑ינוּ אַתֶּ֣ם יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם כִּ֥י שְׁנַ֖יִם יָֽלְדָה־לִּ֥י אִשְׁתִּֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

This verse (Genesis 44:27) is part of Yehuda's plea to Yosef (still unrecognized as their brother) to spare Binyamin from being taken as a slave. Yehuda recounts Yaakov's words, emphasizing the special bond between Yaakov and his two sons from Rachel—Yosef (presumed dead) and Binyamin—to evoke compassion.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that Yaakov referred to Rachel as "my wife" (ishti) rather than by name, despite her being deceased. This teaches that Yaakov maintained the sanctity of their marital bond even after her passing, honoring her as his primary wife. Additionally, Rashi explains that Yaakov's mention of "two sons" was a subtle reminder of the loss of Yosef, intensifying the emotional appeal to protect Binyamin.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (93:7): The phrase "my wife bore me" underscores Rachel's unique status as Yaakov's intended partner from the outset, distinguishing her from Leah, whom he married through deception. This elevates Binyamin's importance as Rachel's last surviving child.
  • Kli Yakar: Yaakov's wording ("you know") implies that the brothers were witnesses to Rachel's motherhood, hinting at their accountability for Yosef's disappearance and their duty to protect Binyamin.

Halachic and Ethical Themes

The Rambam (Hilchot Gezeila 5:13) derives from this narrative the principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life), as Yehuda risks himself for Binyamin. Yaakov's grief over Yosef serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sibling discord, reinforcing the Torah's emphasis on familial unity.

Literary Nuance

The repetition of "two sons" echoes the brothers' earlier deception involving Yosef's coat dipped in blood (Genesis 37:32), creating dramatic irony. Yehuda's speech forces the brothers to confront their past actions while appealing to Yosef's hidden identity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 44:27 and who is he referring to?
A: In Genesis 44:27, Judah is speaking to Joseph (though Joseph's identity is still hidden at this point). He is recounting what their father Jacob (referred to as 'my father') told them. Jacob mentioned that his wife bore him two sons—referring to Joseph and Benjamin, the two children of his beloved wife Rachel.
Q: Why does Jacob emphasize that his wife bore him two sons in this verse?
A: Jacob emphasizes this because Joseph was presumed dead (though he was actually in Egypt), leaving Benjamin as the only remaining son of Rachel. Jacob was deeply protective of Benjamin, as losing him would mean losing Rachel's last surviving child. This explains Judah's later plea to protect Benjamin (Genesis 44:30-34). Rashi notes that Jacob's grief over Joseph made him especially cautious about Benjamin.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's attachment to Benjamin in this verse?
A: This verse teaches the deep bond of a parent's love and the pain of loss. Jacob, having suffered the disappearance of Joseph, could not bear the thought of losing Benjamin. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 106a) discusses the importance of familial love and the responsibility to protect one's children. It also highlights the Jewish value of 'shalom bayit' (peace in the home) and caring for family members.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Joseph and his brothers?
A: This verse is part of Judah's plea to Joseph (still unrecognized) to spare Benjamin, showing how the brothers have changed since selling Joseph. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:7) explains that Judah's willingness to protect Benjamin demonstrates repentance and growth—unlike their earlier jealousy toward Joseph, they now prioritize their father's feelings and brotherly responsibility.