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Genesis 44:6 - Judah confronts Joseph's steward

Genesis 44:6 - בראשית 44:6

Hebrew Text

וַיַּשִּׂגֵם וַיְדַבֵּר אֲלֵהֶם אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה׃

English Translation

And he overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words.

Transliteration

Vayasigem vayedaber alehem et-hadevarim ha'eleh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּשִּׂגֵ֑ם וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֔ם אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
וַֽיַּשִּׂגֵ֑ם וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֔ם אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 44:6) describes Yosef's steward overtaking his brothers after they left Egypt and accusing them of stealing Yosef's goblet. This occurs during the dramatic unfolding of Yosef's reunion with his brothers, where he tests their character and repentance for selling him into slavery.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיְדַבֵּר אֲלֵהֶם אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה" ("and he spoke to them these same words") refers to the exact words Yosef had instructed his steward to say (Bereshit 44:4-5). Rashi emphasizes that the steward did not deviate from Yosef's script, showing the precision of Divine Providence in orchestrating events to bring about teshuvah (repentance) and reconciliation.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the steward overtook them quickly ("וַיַּשִּׂגֵם") because Yosef wanted the confrontation to happen while the brothers were still close to Egypt, preventing them from dispersing to their homes. This ensured they would return together to face the accusation, maintaining unity in their response.

Midrashic Interpretation (Bereshit Rabbah)

  • The Midrash highlights that the steward's words mirrored Yosef's to teach that heavenly messengers fulfill their missions exactly as instructed, just as human agents must carry out their duties faithfully.
  • It also suggests the brothers were overtaken swiftly to parallel how they had "overtaken" Yosef in hatred when they sold him—measure for measure.

Rambam's Ethical Lesson

In line with Hilchot Teshuvah, Rambam would view this episode as part of Yosef's orchestrated test of teshuvah. By having his steward repeat the accusation verbatim, Yosef forced his brothers to confront their past actions under similar circumstances (falsely accused, facing a powerful adversary), allowing them to demonstrate moral growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 44:6 and who is he speaking to?
A: In Genesis 44:6, it is Yosef (Joseph) who is speaking, and he is addressing his brothers. This occurs when Yosef's steward overtakes the brothers after Yosef's silver goblet was 'discovered' in Binyamin's sack (Rashi on Genesis 44:6).
Q: Why did Yosef have his steward overtake his brothers in this verse?
A: Yosef orchestrated this encounter to test his brothers' character and see if they had repented for selling him into slavery years earlier (Ramban on Genesis 44:1). The 'overtaking' was part of his plan to create a dramatic situation that would reveal their true feelings toward Binyamin (Benjamin) and their father Yaakov (Jacob).
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'these same words' in Genesis 44:6?
A: The phrase 'these same words' refers to the accusation that the brothers had stolen Yosef's silver goblet (Genesis 44:4-5). The repetition emphasizes the seriousness of the accusation and sets up the dramatic confrontation that follows, where Yehuda (Judah) steps forward to defend Binyamin (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 92:8).
Q: How does this verse connect to the larger story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This verse marks a critical turning point where Yosef begins testing whether his brothers have changed. The entire episode leads to Yehuda's passionate defense of Binyamin (Genesis 44:18-34), proving their repentance and paving the way for family reconciliation - a central theme in the Torah's teachings about teshuvah (repentance) and forgiveness.