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Genesis 46:30 - Father's fulfilled life wish

Genesis 46:30 - בראשית 46:30

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־יוֹסֵף אָמוּתָה הַפָּעַם אַחֲרֵי רְאוֹתִי אֶת־פָּנֶיךָ כִּי עוֹדְךָ חָי׃

English Translation

And Yisra᾽el said to Yosef, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art still alive.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Yisrael el-Yosef amuta ha'pa'am acharei re'oti et-panecha ki odcha chai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֶל־יוֹסֵ֖ף אָמ֣וּתָה הַפָּ֑עַם אַחֲרֵי֙ רְאוֹתִ֣י אֶת־פָּנֶ֔יךָ כִּ֥י עוֹדְךָ֖ חָֽי׃
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֶל־יוֹסֵ֖ף אָמ֣וּתָה הַפָּ֑עַם אַחֲרֵי֙ רְאוֹתִ֣י אֶת־פָּנֶ֔יךָ כִּ֥י עוֹדְךָ֖ חָֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Emotional Declaration

The verse (Bereshit 46:30) records Yaakov's profound emotional response upon reuniting with Yosef after believing him dead for many years. Rashi explains that Yaakov was expressing that his life was now complete, having seen Yosef alive. The phrase "אמותה הפעם" ("Now let me die") does not indicate a literal wish for death, but rather a sense of fulfilled purpose - having witnessed this moment, Yaakov felt he could depart from this world in peace.

Spiritual Completion

The Kli Yakar offers a deeper interpretation, suggesting that Yaakov feared his spiritual perfection was incomplete while separated from Yosef. Seeing Yosef alive and righteous (despite his trials in Egypt) confirmed that the Divine Presence (Shechinah) still rested upon Yaakov's family. This spiritual reassurance allowed Yaakov to feel his mission was complete.

Chassidic Perspective

The Sefat Emet explains that Yaakov's statement reflects the principle that tzaddikim (righteous individuals) achieve their complete spiritual form when all their "parts" (in this case, his children) are united in holiness. The reunion with Yosef represented the restoration of Yaakov's complete spiritual self.

Grammatical Insight

Ibn Ezra notes the unusual phrasing "אחרי ראותי" ("after seeing") rather than the expected "כי ראיתי" ("for I have seen"). This suggests Yaakov was referring not just to the present moment of seeing Yosef, but to the ongoing reality that Yosef was alive - he could now die peacefully knowing Yosef would continue living.

  • Rashi: Yaakov's life was now complete after seeing Yosef alive
  • Kli Yakar: Reunion confirmed the continued presence of Divine Providence
  • Sefat Emet: Spiritual wholeness achieved through family unity
  • Ibn Ezra: Grammatical nuance emphasizes ongoing reality of Yosef's survival

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yaakov (Yisrael) mean when he says 'Now let me die' after seeing Yosef?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov was expressing that his life's purpose was fulfilled now that he saw Yosef alive. The Midrash explains that righteous people consider their mission complete when they see their prayers answered. Yaakov wasn't literally asking to die, but saying he could now be at peace.
Q: Why was seeing Yosef so important to Yaakov?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 5b) teaches that Yaakov suffered tremendously during the 22 years Yosef was gone, believing his son had died. Seeing Yosef alive proved his suffering had meaning. Rambam explains this shows how reuniting with loved ones brings profound spiritual completion.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish beliefs about life's purpose?
A: This moment demonstrates a key Jewish principle - that seeing one's descendants continue in righteousness gives life ultimate meaning (Pirkei Avos 4:22). Yaakov's joy at seeing Yosef alive and righteous represents every Jew's hope to see their spiritual legacy continue.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's reaction to seeing Yosef?
A: The Sforno teaches this shows the importance of family reunification and gratitude. Even after years of pain, Yaakov focused on the blessing of this moment. This teaches us to recognize and appreciate when our prayers are answered, especially regarding family.
Q: Why does Yaakov say 'because you are still alive' if he can see Yosef is alive?
A: Kli Yakar explains this emphasizes that Yosef remained spiritually alive - maintaining his Jewish identity in Egypt. For Yaakov, a child's physical survival matters less than their spiritual survival. This comforts parents worried about children in foreign environments.