Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef (Joseph) cry in Genesis 45:2?
A: Yosef cried because he was overcome with emotion when revealing his true identity to his brothers. According to Rashi, his weeping expressed both joy at reuniting with his family and sorrow for the pain his brothers felt upon realizing their past actions toward him.
Q: Why did the Egyptians and Pharaoh's household hear Yosef crying?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef's cry was exceptionally loud because it carried deep emotional weight—both for his brothers and for the fulfillment of Hashem's plan. The Egyptians heard it because Yosef, as viceroy, was a prominent figure, and his emotional outburst drew attention.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef crying in front of his brothers?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yosef's tears demonstrate the importance of forgiveness and emotional honesty. Despite his brothers' earlier betrayal, Yosef showed compassion, teaching us to let go of grudges and embrace reconciliation when possible.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment marks the climax of Yosef's journey—from being sold into slavery to rising to power in Egypt. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) highlights how Yosef's weeping signifies the fulfillment of his dreams (Genesis 37) and the beginning of the Jewish people's descent to Egypt, setting the stage for the Exodus.
Q: Is there significance to the fact that both the Egyptians and Pharaoh's household heard Yosef?
A: Yes, the Torah emphasizes this to show that Yosef's revelation was a public turning point. The Kli Yakar explains that it demonstrated Yosef's integrity—he did not hide his identity as a Hebrew, even in the Egyptian royal court, showing loyalty to his family and faith.
The Nature of Yosef's Weeping
Rashi (Bereshit 45:2) explains that Yosef's weeping was exceptionally loud because he was overcome with emotion upon revealing his identity to his brothers. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:12) adds that this weeping was a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Avraham at the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts), where Hashem foretold that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own.
Why the Egyptians and Pharaoh's Household Heard
The Ramban (Bereshit 45:2) suggests that the entire palace heard Yosef's weeping because it was unusual for the viceroy of Egypt to display such raw emotion. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) teaches that significant emotional expressions from righteous individuals carry spiritual weight and can reverberate beyond their immediate surroundings.
The Deeper Meaning of "וישמע בית פרעה"
The Malbim highlights that Pharaoh's household "hearing" signifies more than just auditory perception—it implies acceptance and acknowledgment. This aligns with the principle in Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 5) that major events in Jewish history are often accompanied by reactions from the surrounding nations, demonstrating Divine Providence.