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Genesis 45:28 - Jacob's revived hope fulfilled

Genesis 45:28 - בראשית 45:28

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל רַב עוֹד־יוֹסֵף בְּנִי חָי אֵלְכָה וְאֶרְאֶנּוּ בְּטֶרֶם אָמוּת׃

English Translation

and Yisra᾽el said, It is enough; Yosef my son is still alive: I will go and see him before I die.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Yisrael rav od-Yosef bni chai, elecha ve'er'enu beterem amut.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל רַ֛ב עוֹד־יוֹסֵ֥ף בְּנִ֖י חָ֑י אֵֽלְכָ֥ה וְאֶרְאֶ֖נּוּ בְּטֶ֥רֶם אָמֽוּת׃
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל רַ֛ב עוֹד־יוֹסֵ֥ף בְּנִ֖י חָ֑י אֵֽלְכָ֥ה וְאֶרְאֶ֖נּוּ בְּטֶ֥רֶם אָמֽוּת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Emotional Response

The verse (Bereishit 45:28) describes Yaakov Avinu's reaction upon hearing that Yosef is alive. Rashi explains that the phrase "רַב עוֹד־יוֹסֵף בְּנִי חָי" ("It is enough; Yosef my son is still alive") reflects Yaakov's overwhelming emotion. The word "רַב" (enough) indicates that Yaakov felt he had received sufficient divine kindness merely knowing Yosef was alive, even before seeing him.

Yaakov's Immediate Resolve

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:3) notes that Yaakov's declaration "אֵלְכָה וְאֶרְאֶנּוּ בְּטֶרֶם אָמוּת" ("I will go and see him before I die") demonstrates his urgency. Despite his advanced age, Yaakov was prepared to embark on the journey to Egypt immediately. The Kli Yakar adds that Yaakov feared delaying, lest he die before reuniting with Yosef—a concern rooted in his awareness of the decree that Avraham's descendants would be enslaved in a foreign land (Bereishit 15:13).

Spiritual Significance of the Reunion

  • Restoration of Divine Presence: The Seforno teaches that Yaakov's joy was not merely personal but also spiritual. With Yosef alive, the Shechinah (Divine Presence), which had departed from Yaakov during Yosef's absence, could now return.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Ramban connects this moment to Yosef's dreams (Bereishit 37:5-11), emphasizing that Yaakov now recognized their divine truth—Yosef's survival and rise to power were part of Hashem's plan.

Yaakov's Gratitude and Humility

The Malbim highlights that Yaakov's statement "רַב" (enough) reflects his humility. Despite enduring years of grief, Yaakov did not demand further blessings but expressed profound gratitude for the return of his son. This mirrors the middah (trait) of recognizing Hashem's kindness even in partial redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the emotional state of Jacob (Yisra᾽el) upon hearing that Joseph (Yosef) is still alive, illustrating the depth of a father's love for his son.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yaakov (Israel) mean when he says 'It is enough' in Genesis 45:28?
A: Rashi explains that Yaakov was expressing that the joy of hearing Yosef was alive was so overwhelming that it satisfied all his previous suffering. The phrase 'It is enough (Rav)' indicates that this news compensated for all his years of grief over Yosef's disappearance.
Q: Why was Yaakov so eager to see Yosef before dying?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah), Yaakov wanted to see Yosef to confirm that he had remained righteous despite being in Egypt. Additionally, he wished to bless him and ensure the continuity of the covenant before his death, as seen later in Genesis 48.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's reaction to hearing Yosef was alive?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 54b) teaches that one should recite a blessing upon hearing exceptionally good news, just as Yaakov expressed gratitude. This teaches us the importance of recognizing and thanking Hashem for moments of joy, even after periods of hardship.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment marks the emotional climax of the reconciliation story. Ramban notes that Yaakov's declaration shows the fulfillment of Yosef's dreams (Genesis 37) and demonstrates Divine Providence—how Hashem orchestrated events to reunite the family and sustain them during famine.
Q: Is there significance to Yaakov calling Yosef 'my son' in this verse?
A: Yes. Sforno explains that Yaakov emphasized 'my son' to express his paternal love and to contrast with the brothers' earlier betrayal (calling Yosef merely 'your brother' in Genesis 37). This reaffirms their bond after years of separation.