Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is happening in Genesis 44:7?
A: In Genesis 44:7, Joseph's brothers are responding to his accusation that they stole his silver cup. They are shocked and deny the claim, saying, 'Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!' This occurs during the dramatic story where Joseph, now a ruler in Egypt, tests his brothers by framing Benjamin to see if they have changed since selling him into slavery.
Q: Why do Joseph's brothers say 'Far be it from your servants' in this verse?
A: Joseph's brothers say 'Far be it from your servants' (חָלִילָה לַעֲבָדֶיךָ) to strongly deny the accusation of theft. According to Rashi, this phrase expresses their horror at the idea of committing such a wrongful act, especially after they had just returned the money they found in their sacks from their previous trip (Genesis 43:21-22).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 44:7?
A: This verse teaches the importance of honesty and integrity. Joseph's brothers, who once acted deceitfully (by selling Joseph), now firmly reject the idea of theft. The Midrash highlights how they have grown morally, showing that repentance (תשובה) leads to a change in behavior. It reminds us to distance ourselves from wrongdoing and speak truthfully.
Q: How does Joseph's test relate to this verse?
A: Joseph's test in this scene is designed to see if his brothers have changed. By framing Benjamin (placing the cup in his sack), he checks whether they will abandon Benjamin as they once abandoned him. Their strong denial in this verse shows their newfound sense of responsibility, setting the stage for Judah's self-sacrifice later (Genesis 44:18-34). The Talmud (Chullin 92a) compares this to divine tests that refine a person's character.
Q: Why is the phrase 'Far be it' (חָלִילָה) significant in the Torah?
A: The term 'חָלִילָה' (Far be it) appears multiple times in the Torah (e.g., Genesis 18:25, Joshua 24:16) as a powerful rejection of sin or injustice. Rashi explains it conveys absolute refusal, as if saying, 'Let this thing be as forbidden as חולין (non-sacred things).' Here, the brothers use it to emphasize their innocence, showing how language can reflect moral conviction.
Context of the Verse
This verse appears in Bereshit (Genesis) 44:7, where Yosef's brothers respond to his accusation that they stole his silver goblet. The brothers express shock and indignation at the suggestion, declaring, "Far be it from thy servants to do according to this thing." The phrase "חָלִילָה" (chalilah) conveys strong moral revulsion, emphasizing their rejection of such behavior.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the brothers' response demonstrates their complete disbelief at the accusation. The term "chalilah" is used to express that the very idea of theft is abhorrent to them. Rashi connects this to their earlier statement (Bereshit 43:12), where they returned the money found in their sacks, proving their honesty. Their reaction here reinforces their commitment to righteousness, unaware that Yosef is testing them.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchot Gezeilah (Laws of Theft), highlights the severity of theft in Jewish law. The brothers' emphatic denial aligns with the Torah's strict prohibition against stealing (Vayikra 19:11). Their use of "chalilah" reflects a deep-seated aversion to wrongdoing, a principle Rambam emphasizes as essential for ethical conduct.
Midrashic Insights
Linguistic Analysis
The phrase "לָמָּה יְדַבֵּר אֲדֹנִי כַּדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה" ("Why does my lord say these words?") reflects their confusion and distress. The term "אֲדֹנִי" (my lord) shows their continued respect for Yosef (disguised as an Egyptian ruler), despite the false accusation. This mirrors the Jewish value of kavod ha'briyot (respect for others), even in challenging circumstances.
Halachic Implications
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) discusses the gravity of false accusations, linking them to the prohibition of motzi shem ra (slander). The brothers' reaction underscores the pain of being wrongly accused, a theme later codified in Jewish law regarding the careful handling of suspicions.