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Genesis 45:1 - Yosef reveals his true identity

Genesis 45:1 - בראשית 45:1

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־יָכֹל יוֹסֵף לְהִתְאַפֵּק לְכֹל הַנִּצָּבִים עָלָיו וַיִּקְרָא הוֹצִיאוּ כָל־אִישׁ מֵעָלָי וְלֹא־עָמַד אִישׁ אִתּוֹ בְּהִתְוַדַּע יוֹסֵף אֶל־אֶחָיו׃

English Translation

Then Yosef could not restrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And no man stood with him, while Yosef made himself known to his brethren.

Transliteration

Velo yachol Yosef lehitapek lechol hanitzavim alav vayikra hotziu kol ish me'alai velo amad ish ito behitvada Yosef el echav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־יָכֹ֨ל יוֹסֵ֜ף לְהִתְאַפֵּ֗ק לְכֹ֤ל הַנִּצָּבִים֙ עָלָ֔יו וַיִּקְרָ֕א הוֹצִ֥יאוּ כׇל־אִ֖ישׁ מֵעָלָ֑י וְלֹא־עָ֤מַד אִישׁ֙ אִתּ֔וֹ בְּהִתְוַדַּ֥ע יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶל־אֶחָֽיו׃
וְלֹֽא־יָכֹ֨ל יוֹסֵ֜ף לְהִתְאַפֵּ֗ק לְכֹ֤ל הַנִּצָּבִים֙ עָלָ֔יו וַיִּקְרָ֕א הוֹצִ֥יאוּ כׇל־אִ֖ישׁ מֵעָלָ֑י וְלֹא־עָ֤מַד אִישׁ֙ אִתּ֔וֹ בְּהִתְוַדַּ֥ע יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶל־אֶחָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Emotional Revelation

The verse describes Yosef's inability to restrain his emotions any longer before revealing his identity to his brothers. Rashi (Bereshit 45:1) explains that Yosef could no longer bear the thought of his brothers standing in shame before him, especially since they had already demonstrated sincere repentance for their earlier actions against him. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:7) adds that Yosef was moved by the sight of Binyamin, his full brother, and the fulfillment of his dreams.

Clearing the Room

Yosef commands all attendants to leave before revealing himself. Ramban (Bereshit 45:1) suggests this was to protect his brothers' dignity, ensuring no outsiders would witness their emotional reunion or learn of their past misdeeds. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) teaches that preserving another's honor is a great virtue, and Yosef acted accordingly.

The Significance of "No Man Stood With Him"

The phrase "no man stood with him" is interpreted by the Sforno (Bereshit 45:1) as emphasizing the private, intimate nature of this moment between Yosef and his brothers. The Kli Yakar adds that this solitude allowed for a pure reconciliation without external influences or distractions.

Yosef's Identification With His Brothers

  • The term "הִתְוַדַּע" (made himself known) implies more than simple recognition. The Malbim explains it as a deep reconnection, where Yosef reaffirmed his familial bond and shared heritage with his brothers.
  • Ibn Ezra notes that Yosef likely spoke to them in Hebrew, their native tongue, as further proof of his identity.
  • The Ohr HaChaim highlights that this moment fulfilled the divine plan, showing how Hashem orchestrates events for ultimate good, as Yosef himself later states (Bereshit 50:20).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of privacy and the proper conduct of leaders when dealing with personal matters.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing Yosef's emotional state and his ability to control himself before revealing his identity to his brothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why couldn't Yosef control his emotions in front of his brothers?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef could no longer hold back his emotions because he saw his brothers suffering from guilt and regret over selling him. The Midrash explains that he was especially moved when Yehudah spoke passionately about protecting Binyamin, showing the brothers had changed.
Q: Why did Yosef ask everyone to leave before revealing himself?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) teaches that Yosef wanted privacy to avoid embarrassing his brothers when revealing his identity. Rambam (Hilchot Dei'ot 6:8) also notes the importance of discretion in sensitive matters, especially when dealing with repentance and reconciliation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef revealing himself to his brothers?
A: The verse teaches the importance of forgiveness and family unity. Despite the brothers' earlier actions, Yosef focused on reconciliation. The Sages emphasize that this moment fulfilled divine providence (as Yosef says later in Genesis 45:5), showing how hardships can lead to greater good.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that 'no man stood with him' when Yosef revealed himself?
A: Rashi explains this emphasizes the complete privacy of the moment. The Meshech Chochmah adds that this detail highlights Yosef's wisdom—he ensured no outsiders would witness his brothers' shame or interfere with this sacred family reunion.
Q: How does this verse connect to the theme of repentance (teshuvah)?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1) teaches that true repentance is demonstrated when one avoids repeating a sin in a similar situation. Here, the brothers showed change by protecting Binyamin, prompting Yosef's revelation. This became a model for sincere reconciliation.