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Genesis 46:6 - Jacob's descent to Egypt

Genesis 46:6 - בראשית 46:6

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְחוּ אֶת־מִקְנֵיהֶם וְאֶת־רְכוּשָׁם אֲשֶׁר רָכְשׁוּ בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן וַיָּבֹאוּ מִצְרָיְמָה יַעֲקֹב וְכָל־זַרְעוֹ אִתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Kena῾an; and came to Miżrayim, Ya῾aqov, and all his seed with him:

Transliteration

Vayikchu et-miknehem ve'et-rechusham asher rachshu be'eretz Kena'an vayavo'u Mitzraymah Ya'akov vechol-zar'o ito.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְח֣וּ אֶת־מִקְנֵיהֶ֗ם וְאֶת־רְכוּשָׁם֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר רָֽכְשׁוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ מִצְרָ֑יְמָה יַעֲקֹ֖ב וְכׇל־זַרְע֥וֹ אִתּֽוֹ׃
וַיִּקְח֣וּ אֶת־מִקְנֵיהֶ֗ם וְאֶת־רְכוּשָׁם֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר רָֽכְשׁוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ מִצְרָ֑יְמָה יַעֲקֹ֖ב וְכׇל־זַרְע֥וֹ אִתּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse describes Yaakov (Jacob) and his family taking their possessions and livestock acquired in the land of Canaan and journeying to Egypt. This marks the beginning of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt, a pivotal moment in Jewish history leading to the eventual enslavement and Exodus.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereshit 46:6) emphasizes that the phrase "which they had acquired in the land of Canaan" teaches that Yaakov and his family took only what they rightfully owned—not stolen or disputed property. This underscores the righteousness of the patriarchs, who were careful to avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing.

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the verse highlights the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham in the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts, Bereshit 15:13-14), where exile in a foreign land was foretold. The mention of their possessions demonstrates that they did not leave Canaan as impoverished refugees but as a prosperous family, in line with the divine assurance that they would emerge from exile with great wealth.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 94:4) comments on the phrase "Yaakov and all his seed with him", teaching that this includes not only his biological descendants but also the converts and servants who joined his household. This reflects the inclusive nature of the Jewish people, rooted in the patriarchal families.

Symbolism of Their Possessions

  • Cattle: Represents material wealth and sustenance, showing that they were prepared for self-sufficiency in Egypt.
  • Goods acquired in Canaan: Signifies their connection to the Promised Land, which they would eventually return to.

Halachic Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:3) derives from this verse that a Jew should not permanently settle outside of Eretz Yisrael unless compelled by necessity, as Yaakov only went to Egypt due to famine and divine instruction (Bereshit 46:3-4). This reinforces the centrality of the Land of Israel in Jewish life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) and his family move to Egypt with all their possessions?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Yaakov and his family brought all their possessions to Egypt to show that they intended to settle there temporarily, not permanently. This was because Hashem had promised Avraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:13-16). Bringing their possessions demonstrated their connection to Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What is the significance of listing the cattle and goods they took to Egypt?
A: The Torah emphasizes their cattle and possessions to show that despite moving to Egypt, they remained prosperous and maintained their distinct identity as shepherds (which was unusual in Egypt). Ramban explains this foreshadows how they would later leave Egypt with great wealth (Exodus 12:36), fulfilling Hashem's promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:14).
Q: Why does the Torah say 'Yaakov and all his seed with him' instead of just saying 'his family'?
A: The phrase 'all his seed' teaches that this included not just his children, but every individual descendant - emphasizing the beginning of the formation of Bnei Yisrael as a nation. The Talmud (Brachot 16a) learns from this that even unborn children in their mothers' wombs were part of this sacred group entering Egypt.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish history?
A: This verse marks the beginning of the Egyptian exile foretold to Avraham (Genesis 15:13). The Sforno explains that coming with all possessions showed their complete unity as a family - a lesson for all generations about maintaining Jewish unity even in exile. This unity would help them survive slavery and ultimately receive the Torah.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Yaakov taking his possessions to Egypt?
A: The Kli Yakar teaches that this teaches us to maintain our Jewish identity and connection to Torah values even when living in foreign lands. Just as Yaakov's possessions represented his distinct way of life, we must preserve our traditions wherever we live, while remembering our ultimate connection to Eretz Yisrael.