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Genesis 44:8 - Honesty proves innocence

Genesis 44:8 - בראשית 44:8

Hebrew Text

הֵן כֶּסֶף אֲשֶׁר מָצָאנוּ בְּפִי אַמְתְּחֹתֵינוּ הֱשִׁיבֹנוּ אֵלֶיךָ מֵאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן וְאֵיךְ נִגְנֹב מִבֵּית אֲדֹנֶיךָ כֶּסֶף אוֹ זָהָב׃

English Translation

behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again to thee out of the land of Kena῾an: how then should we steal out of thy lord’s house silver or gold?

Transliteration

Hen kesef asher matzanu befi amtachoteinu heshivnu elekha me'eretz kena'an ve'eich nignov mibeit adonekha kesef o zahav.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֵ֣ן כֶּ֗סֶף אֲשֶׁ֤ר מָצָ֙אנוּ֙ בְּפִ֣י אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔ינוּ הֱשִׁיבֹ֥נוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וְאֵ֗יךְ נִגְנֹב֙ מִבֵּ֣ית אֲדֹנֶ֔יךָ כֶּ֖סֶף א֥וֹ זָהָֽב׃
הֵ֣ן כֶּ֗סֶף אֲשֶׁ֤ר מָצָ֙אנוּ֙ בְּפִ֣י אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔ינוּ הֱשִׁיבֹ֥נוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וְאֵ֗יךְ נִגְנֹב֙ מִבֵּ֣ית אֲדֹנֶ֔יךָ כֶּ֖סֶף א֥וֹ זָהָֽב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 44:8) is part of the brothers' plea to Yosef's steward after being accused of stealing his silver goblet. The brothers emphasize their honesty by pointing out that they previously returned the money found in their sacks—proof that they have no inclination toward theft.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 44:8) highlights the brothers' argument as a kal vachomer (a fortiori reasoning): If they returned money that was rightfully theirs (since Yosef had secretly placed it in their sacks), how much more so would they refrain from stealing outright! This demonstrates their integrity and the absurdity of the accusation.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the brothers' mention of returning the money from Canaan underscores their long journey back to Egypt—an act of great effort and sincerity. Their willingness to travel such a distance to correct what they believed was an error proves their commitment to honesty.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 92:8) connects this episode to the broader theme of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure). The brothers, who once sold Yosef for silver (Bereshit 37:28), are now tested with silver to demonstrate their repentance and changed character.

Rambam on Moral Integrity

In Hilchot De'ot (5:13), Rambam teaches that true righteousness is tested in moments of temptation. The brothers' refusal to keep the money—despite having plausible deniability—exemplifies the Torah's ideal of yashrut (uprightness) beyond strict legal obligation.

Practical Lessons

  • Honesty Beyond Requirement: The brothers went beyond the letter of the law by returning the money, teaching the value of lifnim mishurat hadin (beyond the strict requirement).
  • Consistency in Character: Their argument shows that integrity in small matters (returning money) builds trust in greater matters (resisting theft).
  • Repentance in Action: The Midrash implies that their handling of silver reflects their teshuvah for the sale of Yosef.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 44:8?
A: In Genesis 44:8, Joseph's brothers are defending themselves after being accused of stealing Joseph's silver cup. They explain that they had previously returned money they found in their sacks when they first bought grain in Egypt (Genesis 42:25-28), proving their honesty. They argue that it wouldn't make sense for them to steal now.
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers mention returning the money from their sacks?
A: The brothers mention returning the money (which Joseph had secretly placed in their sacks) to demonstrate their integrity. According to Rashi, this shows they had no history of theft and were honest people. Their argument is: if they returned money that could have been kept secretly, why would they blatantly steal now?
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 44:8 about honesty?
A: This verse teaches the importance of consistent honesty, even when no one is watching. The Midrash highlights that the brothers' commitment to returning the money (without knowing Joseph orchestrated it) sets an example of integrity. The Talmud (Shabbat 104a) states that acting with honesty leads to trustworthiness in all matters.
Q: How does this verse connect to the larger story of Joseph and his brothers?
A: This moment is part of Joseph's test for his brothers to see if they had changed since selling him into slavery. Ramban explains that Joseph wanted to see if they would protect Benjamin (the youngest brother) as they failed to protect him years earlier. Their protest about honesty shows their moral growth.
Q: Why is the phrase 'out of the land of Canaan' mentioned in this verse?
A: The brothers emphasize they returned the money 'from the land of Canaan' to show the great distance they traveled to correct what seemed like an error. According to Sforno, this highlights their extraordinary effort to act righteously, proving their commitment to honesty even at personal inconvenience.