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Genesis 46:17 - Asher's hidden daughter's legacy?

Genesis 46:17 - בראשית 46:17

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי אָשֵׁר יִמְנָה וְיִשְׁוָה וְיִשְׁוִי וּבְרִיעָה וְשֶׂרַח אֲחֹתָם וּבְנֵי בְרִיעָה חֶבֶר וּמַלְכִּיאֵל׃

English Translation

And the sons of Asher; Yimna, and Yishva, and Yishvi, and Beri῾a, and Seraĥ their sister: and the sons of Beri῾a were Ḥever and Malki᾽el.

Transliteration

Uvnei Asher Yimnah v'Yishvah v'Yishvi u'Vri'ah v'Serach achotam uvnei Vri'ah Chever u'Malki'el.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵ֣י אָשֵׁ֗ר יִמְנָ֧ה וְיִשְׁוָ֛ה וְיִשְׁוִ֥י וּבְרִיעָ֖ה וְשֶׂ֣רַח אֲחֹתָ֑ם וּבְנֵ֣י בְרִיעָ֔ה חֶ֖בֶר וּמַלְכִּיאֵֽל׃
וּבְנֵ֣י אָשֵׁ֗ר יִמְנָ֧ה וְיִשְׁוָ֛ה וְיִשְׁוִ֥י וּבְרִיעָ֖ה וְשֶׂ֣רַח אֲחֹתָ֑ם וּבְנֵ֣י בְרִיעָ֔ה חֶ֖בֶר וּמַלְכִּיאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Commentary on the Sons of Asher (Bereishit 46:17)

The verse lists the descendants of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Yaakov, who went down to Egypt with his family. The names of Asher's children—Yimna, Yishva, Yishvi, Beri῾a, and Serach—carry significance in Jewish tradition, as do the names of Beri῾a's sons, Ḥever and Malki᾽el.

Significance of the Names

  • Yimna (יִמְנָה): Rashi explains that this name is related to the word yamin (right), symbolizing strength and blessing, as the right side is often associated with favor in Jewish thought.
  • Yishva (יִשְׁוָה) and Yishvi (יִשְׁוִי): These names may derive from the root shaveh (equal or level), possibly indicating balance or fairness in character.
  • Beri῾a (בְרִיעָה): The name can be linked to bara (to create) or beri’ut (health), suggesting vitality or divine creation.
  • Serach (שֶׂרַח): The inclusion of Serach, their sister, is notable. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:9) identifies her as the same Serach who later informed Yaakov that Yosef was alive, earning her a place of honor and longevity in Jewish tradition.

Beri῾a’s Sons: Ḥever and Malki᾽el

The sons of Beri῾a—Ḥever and Malki᾽el—are also significant:

  • Ḥever (חֶבֶר): This name means "connection" or "association," possibly indicating unity or a binding role within the tribe.
  • Malki᾽el (מַלְכִּיאֵל): Composed of melech (king) and El (G-d), this name reflects a recognition of divine kingship, a theme central to Jewish belief.

Historical and Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayechi 12) notes that the tribe of Asher was blessed with abundance, particularly in olive oil, as foretold in Moshe’s blessing (Devarim 33:24). The mention of Serach, a female descendant, highlights the importance of righteous women in Jewish history, as she played a key role in preserving family unity during the descent to Egypt.

Additionally, the Talmud (Sotah 13a) recounts that Serach was among the few who entered Gan Eden alive due to her righteousness, further emphasizing her unique status in Jewish tradition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the sons of Asher mentioned in Genesis 46:17?
A: The sons of Asher listed in Genesis 46:17 are Yimna, Yishva, Yishvi, Beri'a, and their sister Serach. Additionally, Beri'a had two sons named Hever and Malki'el. These names represent the founding families of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Q: Why is Serach mentioned separately as a sister in Genesis 46:17?
A: Serach is mentioned separately because she held a special status among the children of Asher. According to Midrashic tradition (e.g., Midrash Rabbah), Serach was exceptionally righteous and long-lived—some sources say she was the one who gently informed Jacob that Joseph was still alive in Egypt. Her unique mention highlights her importance in Jewish tradition.
Q: What is the significance of listing the descendants of Asher in Genesis 46:17?
A: Listing the descendants of Asher (and the other tribes) in Genesis 46:17 emphasizes the fulfillment of G-d's promise to Jacob that his family would become a great nation. It also establishes the lineage of the tribes of Israel, which later play key roles in Jewish history, inheritance in the Land of Israel, and tribal identities.
Q: How does the tribe of Asher connect to later Jewish tradition?
A: The tribe of Asher, descended from the sons listed in Genesis 46:17, later received a portion in the Land of Israel (Joshua 19:24-31). The Midrash (e.g., Bereishit Rabbah) also describes Asher's descendants as blessed with abundance, particularly olive oil, which was used for the Menorah in the Temple.
Q: Why are some names in the Torah repeated with slight variations (like Yishva and Yishvi)?
A: Minor variations in names (like Yishva and Yishvi) may reflect different traditions or dialects in recording genealogies. Rashi and other commentators sometimes explain that such variations can indicate nicknames, alternative spellings, or even different roles the individuals played within the family structure.