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Genesis 45:15 - Reconciliation through tears.

Genesis 45:15 - בראשית 45:15

Hebrew Text

וַיְנַשֵּׁק לְכָל־אֶחָיו וַיֵּבְךְּ עֲלֵיהֶם וְאַחֲרֵי כֵן דִּבְּרוּ אֶחָיו אִתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And he kissed all his brethren, and wept on them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

Transliteration

Vayenashk lekhol-echav vayevk alehem ve'acharei chen dibru echav ito.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְנַשֵּׁ֥ק לְכׇל־אֶחָ֖יו וַיֵּ֣בְךְּ עֲלֵהֶ֑ם וְאַ֣חֲרֵי כֵ֔ן דִּבְּר֥וּ אֶחָ֖יו אִתּֽוֹ׃
וַיְנַשֵּׁ֥ק לְכׇל־אֶחָ֖יו וַיֵּ֣בְךְּ עֲלֵהֶ֑ם וְאַ֣חֲרֵי כֵ֔ן דִּבְּר֥וּ אֶחָ֖יו אִתּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation of the Kissing and Weeping

Rashi (Bereshit 45:15) explains that Yosef kissed all his brothers, but the verse specifies "וַיֵּבְךְּ עֲלֵיהֶם" (wept on them) in plural, indicating he wept on Binyamin's neck alone. This follows the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:12) which states Yosef wept over the future destruction of the two Temples in Binyamin's territory (the Beit HaMikdash stood in Binyamin's portion). The brothers then spoke with him after seeing his sincere emotion.

Rambam on Reconciliation

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 2:10) teaches that true repentance requires appeasing those one has wronged. Here, Yosef's brothers initially feared retribution (Bereshit 45:3), but his emotional embrace demonstrated complete forgiveness, allowing proper dialogue ("דִּבְּרוּ אֶחָיו אִתּוֹ") to resume. This models the ideal resolution of conflict according to halacha.

Talmudic Insight on Brotherly Relations

The Talmud (Yoma 23a) derives from this verse that one should seek peace even with those who wronged them, as Yosef did with his brothers. The sequence - first physical affection (kissing), then emotional release (weeping), followed by verbal communication - shows the progression of true reconciliation.

Kli Yakar's Psychological Analysis

The Kli Yakar notes that the weeping came after the kissing, suggesting Yosef first overcame his anger through action (the kiss), which then allowed his pent-up emotions to surface. Only after this emotional catharsis could meaningful dialogue occur, teaching us that resolution often requires stages.

Malbim on the Dual Expressions

Malbim explains that "וַיְנַשֵּׁק" refers to physical kisses while "וַיֵּבְךְּ עֲלֵיהֶם" represents the deeper emotional outpouring. The brothers' subsequent speech shows their complete reconciliation - they could now converse normally after the tension was broken through these sincere displays of affection.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the proper way to greet others, emphasizing the importance of showing affection and reconciliation, as exemplified by Joseph's actions towards his brothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Joseph kiss his brothers and cry in Genesis 45:15?
A: According to Rashi, Joseph kissed his brothers and wept as an expression of deep emotion and reconciliation after revealing his identity. The tears showed his genuine forgiveness and love, despite their past actions against him (selling him into slavery). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 93:12) explains that Joseph cried because he foresaw the future destruction of the Temples, which would occur in the territories of his brothers' descendants.
Q: What is the significance of Joseph's brothers speaking to him after he kissed them?
A: The Torah emphasizes that only after Joseph showed affection (kissing and crying) did his brothers feel comfortable speaking to him. Ramban explains that this demonstrates how true reconciliation requires sincere gestures of love and forgiveness before normal communication can resume. The brothers were initially hesitant due to guilt, but Joseph's kindness opened the way for dialogue.
Q: How does Genesis 45:15 teach us about forgiveness?
A: This verse is a powerful lesson in forgiveness according to Jewish tradition. Joseph, despite suffering greatly at his brothers' hands, chose to embrace them with love. The Talmud (Yoma 23a) teaches that one who forgives like Joseph rises above revenge. The Sfat Emet adds that Joseph's tears purified the past, showing that true forgiveness involves emotional healing, not just words.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Joseph kissed 'all his brothers' specifically?
A: Rashi notes that the phrase 'all his brothers' teaches that Joseph showed equal love to each brother—even to Benjamin (his full brother) and to those who had wronged him. The Kli Yakar explains that this complete inclusivity prevented future division among the brothers, modeling how families should overcome past conflicts with unity.