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Genesis 45:3 - Revealed identity shocks brothers silent

Genesis 45:3 - בראשית 45:3

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף אֶל־אֶחָיו אֲנִי יוֹסֵף הַעוֹד אָבִי חָי וְלֹא־יָכְלוּ אֶחָיו לַעֲנוֹת אֹתוֹ כִּי נִבְהֲלוּ מִפָּנָיו׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to his brethren, I am Yosef: does my father yet live? And his brothers could not answer him; for they were terrified at his presence.

Transliteration

Vayomer Yosef el-echav ani Yosef ha'od avi chai velo yachlu echav la'anot oto ki nivhalu mipanav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֤ף אֶל־אֶחָיו֙ אֲנִ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף הַע֥וֹד אָבִ֖י חָ֑י וְלֹֽא־יָכְל֤וּ אֶחָיו֙ לַעֲנ֣וֹת אֹת֔וֹ כִּ֥י נִבְהֲל֖וּ מִפָּנָֽיו׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֤ף אֶל־אֶחָיו֙ אֲנִ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף הַע֥וֹד אָבִ֖י חָ֑י וְלֹֽא־יָכְל֤וּ אֶחָיו֙ לַעֲנ֣וֹת אֹת֔וֹ כִּ֥י נִבְהֲל֖וּ מִפָּנָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Revelation of Yosef

The verse (Bereishit 45:3) describes the dramatic moment when Yosef reveals his identity to his brothers after years of separation. Rashi explains that Yosef's declaration, "I am Yosef", was not merely an identification but a profound moral rebuke. By asking, "Does my father yet live?", Yosef was reminding them of their earlier deception when they presented his torn coat to Yaakov, causing their father immense grief. The brothers were struck with terror ("nibhalu mipanav") because they realized the gravity of their sin and Yosef's righteousness in not seeking revenge.

The Brothers' Silence

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 93:10) elaborates on why the brothers could not respond: their shame and fear paralyzed them. The Ramban adds that Yosef's sudden revelation—from a powerful Egyptian viceroy to their long-lost brother—left them stunned, unable to process the enormity of the situation. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) draws a parallel to the future Day of Judgment, when every person will stand in awe before the Divine presence, just as the brothers stood speechless before Yosef.

Yosef's Intentions

According to the Sforno, Yosef's question about Yaakov was not a literal inquiry (since he already knew his father was alive) but a gentle reproach: "How could you have caused our father such pain?" The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yosef's primary concern was reconciliation, not condemnation. His revelation was meant to lead to teshuvah (repentance) and familial healing, as seen in the subsequent verses where he comforts his brothers.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Power of Repentance: The brothers' silence marks the beginning of their acknowledgment of wrongdoing, a crucial step in teshuvah (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 2:2).
  • Divine Providence: Yosef's words highlight how all events were orchestrated by Hashem for a greater purpose (Bereishit 45:5-8).
  • Compassion Over Revenge: Despite his authority, Yosef chose mercy, modeling the ideal of middat harachamim (the attribute of mercy).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 4b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the emotional impact of divine revelation, comparing it to the brothers' reaction to Yosef's revelation.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the dramatic moments in biblical narratives and their emotional weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef ask if his father was still alive when he already knew?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef asked this question to gently rebuke his brothers. He was hinting, 'How could you sell me and cause such grief to our father?' The question wasn't for information but to make them reflect on their actions.
Q: Why couldn't Yosef's brothers answer him?
A: The Midrash explains they were overwhelmed with shame and fear when they realized this powerful ruler was their brother whom they had wronged. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) teaches that their silence demonstrated their deep remorse.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef revealing his identity to his brothers?
A: The Rambam teaches this shows the importance of forgiveness and family unity. Despite their past actions, Yosef focused on reconciliation. This teaches us to overcome grudges, especially with family, and recognize Divine Providence in difficult situations.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the brothers were terrified?
A: Rashi explains they feared Yosef would take revenge. But the Kli Yakar adds their terror came from suddenly recognizing how all their actions were part of Hashem's plan, showing them the gravity of opposing Divine will.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish beliefs about repentance?
A: The brothers' silence demonstrates true remorse, a key step in teshuvah (repentance). The Sforno notes their inability to speak showed they fully acknowledged their wrongdoing, teaching that proper repentance requires sincere regret and changed behavior.