share torah logo

Genesis 45:12 - Brothers reunited through divine providence

Genesis 45:12 - בראשית 45:12

Hebrew Text

וְהִנֵּה עֵינֵיכֶם רֹאוֹת וְעֵינֵי אָחִי בִנְיָמִין כִּי־פִי הַמְדַבֵּר אֲלֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Binyamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you.

Transliteration

Ve'hine eineikhem ro'ot ve'einei achi Viniamin ki-fi ham'dabeir aleikhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִנֵּ֤ה עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ רֹא֔וֹת וְעֵינֵ֖י אָחִ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ין כִּי־פִ֖י הַֽמְדַבֵּ֥ר אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃
וְהִנֵּ֤ה עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ רֹא֔וֹת וְעֵינֵ֖י אָחִ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ין כִּי־פִ֖י הַֽמְדַבֵּ֥ר אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 45:12) appears during Yosef's emotional revelation to his brothers in Egypt, where he discloses his true identity after years of separation. Yosef seeks to convince his brothers that he is indeed their long-lost brother by emphasizing that they can see with their own eyes—and through Binyamin's presence—that it is truly him speaking.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Yosef specifically mentions Binyamin because Binyamin was not involved in selling him into slavery. Therefore, Binyamin's presence serves as an impartial witness to Yosef's identity. Additionally, Rashi notes that Yosef spoke to them in Hebrew (לשון הקודש), proving his lineage, as Egyptians would not have known the holy language.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra (Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra) highlights that Yosef's mention of "your eyes see" is a call for empirical verification. The brothers could physically observe that Yosef was the same person they had known, and Binyamin—who shared a mother with Yosef (Rachel)—would recognize familial resemblance, further confirming his identity.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:10) elaborates that Yosef showed them his circumcision (ברית מילה) as proof of his Israelite identity. Since Egyptians did not practice circumcision at that time, this would have been undeniable evidence. The mention of Binyamin is significant because, as Rachel's other son, he shared this covenantal sign with Yosef.

Rambam's Psychological Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in his philosophical works emphasizes the human need for certainty. Yosef understood that his brothers would struggle to believe such an improbable reunion. By invoking their sight and Binyamin's recognition, he provided sensory and emotional proof to overcome their skepticism.

Practical Lessons

  • Verification in Relationships: Yosef teaches the importance of clear, tangible evidence when rebuilding trust.
  • Role of Witnesses: Binyamin’s presence as an uninvolved party underscores the Torah’s value of impartial testimony (עדות).
  • Power of Language: Speaking Hebrew reinforced Yosef’s identity, showing how language preserves cultural and spiritual heritage.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 45:12 mean when Yosef says 'it is my mouth that speaks to you'?
A: Yosef is reassuring his brothers that he is truly their brother by emphasizing that they can see and hear him directly. Rashi explains that Yosef wanted to prove his identity by speaking Hebrew (their shared language) and showing he was circumcised. This was to convince them he was not an Egyptian ruler pretending to be Yosef.
Q: Why does Yosef specifically mention Binyamin in Genesis 45:12?
A: Binyamin was Yosef's only full brother (both sons of Rachel), so their bond was especially strong. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 93:10) notes that Yosef showed Binyamin extra affection and wanted to comfort him personally, as Binyamin had no part in selling Yosef into slavery.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef revealing himself to his brothers in Genesis 45:12?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:10) teaches that Yosef's behavior models forgiveness. Despite his brothers' wrongdoing, he reassured them with kindness. This teaches the importance of letting go of grudges and repairing family bonds, especially when the other party shows remorse.
Q: How does Genesis 45:12 show the importance of direct communication?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 97a) derives from this verse that certain matters require personal verification ('seeing and hearing'). Yosef didn't rely on messengers but spoke directly to resolve doubts. This highlights Judaism's emphasis on clear, firsthand communication to avoid misunderstandings.