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Genesis 45:4 - Revealing hidden brotherly love

Genesis 45:4 - בראשית 45:4

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף אֶל־אֶחָיו גְּשׁוּ־נָא אֵלַי וַיִּגָּשׁוּ וַיֹּאמֶר אֲנִי יוֹסֵף אֲחִיכֶם אֲשֶׁר־מְכַרְתֶּם אֹתִי מִצְרָיְמָה׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to his brothers, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Yosef your brother, whom you sold into Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Vayomer Yosef el-echav g'shu-na elay vayigashu vayomer ani Yosef acheichem asher-m'chartem oti Mitzrayma.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֧ף אֶל־אֶחָ֛יו גְּשׁוּ־נָ֥א אֵלַ֖י וַיִּגָּ֑שׁוּ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אֲנִי֙ יוֹסֵ֣ף אֲחִיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתִ֖י מִצְרָֽיְמָה׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֧ף אֶל־אֶחָ֛יו גְּשׁוּ־נָ֥א אֵלַ֖י וַיִּגָּ֑שׁוּ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אֲנִי֙ יוֹסֵ֣ף אֲחִיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתִ֖י מִצְרָֽיְמָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Revelation of Yosef to His Brothers

The verse (Bereishit 45:4) describes the climactic moment when Yosef reveals his identity to his brothers after years of separation. According to Rashi, Yosef's words, "גְּשׁוּ־נָא אֵלַי" ("Come near to me, I pray you"), were an invitation for them to approach closely so he could speak privately and reassure them. This was necessary because the brothers were terrified upon realizing his identity, fearing retribution for having sold him into slavery.

Yosef's Compassion and Reassurance

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 5) explains that Yosef sought to comfort his brothers by emphasizing "אֲנִי יוֹסֵף אֲחִיכֶם" ("I am Yosef your brother")—highlighting that despite their past actions, he still considered them family. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:10) notes that Yosef's behavior exemplifies the ideal of forgiveness and overcoming hatred, as he chose to reassure rather than condemn them.

The Brothers' Reaction and Yosef's Perspective

The Kli Yakar observes that Yosef's mention of "אֲשֶׁר־מְכַרְתֶּם אֹתִי מִצְרָיְמָה" ("whom you sold into Mitzrayim") was not to accuse them but to contextualize his rise to power as part of Hashem's divine plan. The Or HaChaim adds that Yosef was conveying that their actions, though wrongful, were ultimately directed by Providence to save their family during the famine.

Lessons in Divine Providence and Forgiveness

  • Hashgachah Pratit (Divine Providence): Yosef’s revelation underscores that human actions are ultimately guided by Hashem’s will (Bereishit Rabbah 91:7).
  • Forgiveness: Yosef models the importance of letting go of grievances, as emphasized in Pirkei Avot (1:12)—"Be of the disciples of Aharon, loving peace and pursuing peace."
  • Brotherly Unity: The reunion symbolizes the eventual reconciliation of the tribes, a theme later echoed in Jewish tradition regarding the ultimate unity of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef reveal his identity to his brothers at this moment?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Yosef waited until this moment to reveal himself because he wanted to see if his brothers showed remorse for selling him. When Yehudah stepped forward to protect Binyamin (Genesis 44:18-34), demonstrating their changed character, Yosef knew it was the right time.
Q: Why did Yosef say 'Come near to me' before revealing himself?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) explains that Yosef wanted to speak privately and intimately with his brothers. Additionally, Ramban suggests he wanted to show them he was circumcised (a sign of his Jewish identity) and to comfort them by speaking softly.
Q: How did the brothers react when Yosef said 'I am Yosef your brother'?
A: The Torah doesn't explicitly describe their reaction, but Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (93:10) states they were so shocked and ashamed they couldn't answer him. This teaches how powerful words of truth can be when spoken at the right moment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef revealing his identity to his brothers?
A: The Sages teach (Yoma 85b) that just as Yosef comforted his brothers after revealing himself, we should always seek to reconcile with others and heal relationships. This demonstrates the Jewish value of pursuing shalom (peace) even after difficult situations.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'whom you sold into Mitzrayim'? Wasn't Yosef being harsh?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef mentioned this fact not to shame his brothers, but to help them understand that everything was part of Hashem's plan to save their family from famine (as he explains in the next verse). This shows how seemingly bad events can ultimately be for the good.