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Genesis 46:27 - Seventy souls form Israel's foundation?

Genesis 46:27 - בראשית 46:27

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי יוֹסֵף אֲשֶׁר־יֻלַּד־לוֹ בְמִצְרַיִם נֶפֶשׁ שְׁנָיִם כָּל־הַנֶּפֶשׁ לְבֵית־יַעֲקֹב הַבָּאָה מִצְרַיְמָה שִׁבְעִים׃

English Translation

And the sons of Yosef, who were born him in Miżrayim, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Ya῾aqov who came into Miżrayim were seventy.

Transliteration

Uvnei Yosef asher yulad lo bemitzrayim nefesh shnayim kol hanefesh leveit Yaakov haba'a mitzrayma shiv'im.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵ֥י יוֹסֵ֛ף אֲשֶׁר־יֻלַּד־ל֥וֹ בְמִצְרַ֖יִם נֶ֣פֶשׁ שְׁנָ֑יִם כׇּל־הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ לְבֵֽית־יַעֲקֹ֛ב הַבָּ֥אָה מִצְרַ֖יְמָה שִׁבְעִֽים׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וּבְנֵ֥י יוֹסֵ֛ף אֲשֶׁר־יֻלַּד־ל֥וֹ בְמִצְרַ֖יִם נֶ֣פֶשׁ שְׁנָ֑יִם כׇּל־הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ לְבֵֽית־יַעֲקֹ֛ב הַבָּ֥אָה מִצְרַ֖יְמָה שִׁבְעִֽים׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of "Two Souls"

The verse states that Yosef had two sons born to him in Mitzrayim, referred to as "two souls" (נֶפֶשׁ שְׁנָיִם). Rashi (Bereshit 46:27) explains that the term "souls" is used to emphasize that despite being born in the impurity of Mitzrayim, they remained righteous and untainted by their surroundings. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayigash 12) further elaborates that these two souls, Ephraim and Menashe, were considered equal to entire tribes, foreshadowing their future status as founders of tribes in Israel.

The Total Count of Seventy Souls

The verse concludes by stating that all the souls of Yaakov's household who descended to Mitzrayim totaled seventy. Ramban (Bereshit 46:15) notes that this number carries deep significance, as it parallels the seventy nations of the world (based on Bereshit 10) and the seventy elders who would later assist Moshe (Bamidbar 11:16). The Talmud (Sotah 12a) connects this to the idea that Bnei Yisrael's descent to Mitzrayim was part of a divine plan to elevate the spiritual potential of humanity.

Yosef's Role in the Counting

Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 46:27) points out that Yosef and his two sons are included in the count of seventy, even though Yosef was already in Mitzrayim. This teaches that Yosef's family was inseparable from the rest of Bnei Yisrael, despite his high status in Mitzrayim. The Sforno adds that this unity was crucial for the future redemption, as it ensured that all of Yaakov's descendants would merit leaving Mitzrayim together.

The Symbolism of Seventy

  • Completion: The number seventy represents completeness in Jewish thought, as seen in the seventy languages (Sanhedrin 17b) and seventy facets of Torah (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15).
  • Foundation for Nationhood: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:1) teaches that the seventy souls correspond to the seventy roots of the Jewish people, from which the nation would grow.
  • Divine Providence: The Baal HaTurim notes that the gematria of "יַעֲקֹב" (Yaakov) is 182, which is 70 (the souls) + 112 (the years of Yosef's life before Yaakov descended), showing hashgachah pratit in the timing of their descent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the number of Jacob's descendants who went down to Egypt, emphasizing the significance of the number seventy.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the enumeration of Jacob's family members who came to Egypt, highlighting the role of Joseph's sons in making up the total count of seventy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yosef's sons were born in Egypt?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Yosef's sons were born in Egypt to highlight how Yosef remained faithful to Jewish tradition despite living in a foreign land. Rashi explains that even in Egypt, Yosef maintained his righteousness and raised his children according to the ways of his fathers, Yaakov and Yitzchak.
Q: Why does the verse say 'two souls' instead of just 'two people'?
A: The term 'nefesh' (soul) is used to show that each person is a complete world with their own spiritual significance. The Midrash teaches that every Jewish soul is precious and contributes uniquely to the Jewish people, so the Torah counts them as individual souls rather than just numbers.
Q: Why is it important that the total number of Yaakov's family was seventy?
A: Seventy represents completeness and the foundation of the Jewish nation. The Talmud (Sotah 12a) compares the seventy souls to the seventy nations of the world, showing that the Jewish people would grow into a nation that influences all of humanity. Rambam also notes that seventy is a significant number in Jewish tradition, representing unity and diversity within the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish identity today?
A: This verse reminds us that Jewish identity is passed down through generations, just as Yaakov's family grew in Egypt. The Sforno teaches that even in exile, the Jewish people maintained their unique identity, which is a lesson for Jews today to preserve their heritage regardless of where they live.
Q: Why does the Torah count Yaakov's family when they went to Egypt?
A: Counting the family shows the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would become a great nation (Bereishit 15:5). Rashi explains that this count also prepares us for the later census in the Torah, showing how the Jewish people grew from seventy souls to a vast nation.