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Genesis 46:31 - Yosef reunites family in Egypt

Genesis 46:31 - בראשית 46:31

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף אֶל־אֶחָיו וְאֶל־בֵּית אָבִיו אֶעֱלֶה וְאַגִּידָה לְפַרְעֹה וְאֹמְרָה אֵלָיו אַחַי וּבֵית־אָבִי אֲשֶׁר בְּאֶרֶץ־כְּנַעַן בָּאוּ אֵלָי׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to his brethren, and to his father’s house, I will go up, and tell Par῾o, and say to him, My brethren, and my father’s house, who were in the land of Kena῾an, are come to me;

Transliteration

Vayomer Yosef el-echav ve'el-beit aviv e'eleh ve'agidah le-Faroh ve'omrah elav achai uveit-avi asher be'eretz-Kena'an ba'u elai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֤ף אֶל־אֶחָיו֙ וְאֶל־בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֔יו אֶעֱלֶ֖ה וְאַגִּ֣ידָה לְפַרְעֹ֑ה וְאֹֽמְרָ֣ה אֵלָ֔יו אַחַ֧י וּבֵית־אָבִ֛י אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאֶֽרֶץ־כְּנַ֖עַן בָּ֥אוּ אֵלָֽי׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֤ף אֶל־אֶחָיו֙ וְאֶל־בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֔יו אֶעֱלֶ֖ה וְאַגִּ֣ידָה לְפַרְעֹ֑ה וְאֹֽמְרָ֣ה אֵלָ֔יו אַחַ֧י וּבֵית־אָבִ֛י אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאֶֽרֶץ־כְּנַ֖עַן בָּ֥אוּ אֵלָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Announcement to Pharaoh

The verse (Bereishit 46:31) describes Yosef's intention to inform Pharaoh of his family's arrival in Egypt. Rashi explains that Yosef's phrasing—"I will go up, and tell Pharaoh"—indicates respect for Pharaoh's royal status, as one "ascends" when approaching a king. This demonstrates Yosef's wisdom in diplomacy, ensuring his family's favorable reception.

The Significance of Mentioning "My Brethren and My Father's House"

Yosef emphasizes two groups: his brothers ("achai") and his father's household ("beit avi"). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:4) notes that Yosef strategically presented his family as shepherds (a lowly profession in Egyptian eyes) to avoid assimilation, ensuring they would settle separately in Goshen. Ramban adds that Yosef highlighted their unity to show they were a cohesive family deserving of land.

Yosef's Care for His Family

  • Protection from Assimilation: By securing Goshen, Yosef ensured his family could maintain their distinct identity (Sforno).
  • Honoring His Father: Yosef prioritized informing Pharaoh to arrange honorable treatment for Yaakov (Kli Yakar).
  • Fulfilling Dreams: The Malbim connects this moment to Yosef's earlier dreams, where his family bowed—now they depend on his influence.

The Phrase "Who Were in the Land of Canaan"

Ibn Ezra observes that Yosef stresses their origin to explain why they needed provisions—coming from famine-stricken Canaan. The Netziv adds that mentioning Canaan subtly reminded Pharaoh of Yosef's divine wisdom in predicting the famine, reinforcing his credibility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef say he would tell Pharaoh about his family coming to Egypt?
A: Yosef wanted to inform Pharaoh that his family had arrived so they could settle in Goshen, the best part of Egypt for shepherds (Rashi on Genesis 46:31). This also fulfilled Yosef's earlier promise to provide for his family during the famine (Genesis 45:10-11).
Q: Why does the verse mention 'my father’s house' separately from 'my brethren'?
A: The phrase 'my father’s house' includes all of Yaakov's household—women, children, and servants—while 'my brethren' refers specifically to Yosef's brothers (Ramban on Genesis 46:31). This shows Yosef's care for his entire family.
Q: What can we learn from Yosef’s approach to telling Pharaoh about his family?
A: Yosef teaches the importance of honesty and transparency when dealing with authority figures. By informing Pharaoh properly, he ensured his family would be welcomed respectfully (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayigash 13).
Q: Why did Yosef emphasize that his family came from Canaan?
A: Mentioning Canaan highlighted that they were shepherds (an occupation looked down upon in Egypt), which helped them settle separately in Goshen and avoid assimilation (Rashi on Genesis 46:34).
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish values about family?
A: Yosef’s actions show the Jewish ideal of family responsibility—prioritizing their welfare even when in a position of power (Talmud, Kiddushin 31a). His concern for their dignified settlement reflects the mitzvah of honoring family.