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Genesis 47:10 - Patriarch blesses Egyptian ruler

Genesis 47:10 - בראשית 47:10

Hebrew Text

וַיְבָרֶךְ יַעֲקֹב אֶת־פַּרְעֹה וַיֵּצֵא מִלִּפְנֵי פַרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov blessed Par῾o, and went out from before Par῾o.

Transliteration

Vayvarekh Yaakov et-Paro vayetze milifnei Paro.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וַיֵּצֵ֖א מִלִּפְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה׃
וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וַיֵּצֵ֖א מִלִּפְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Blessing to Pharaoh

The verse states: "And Yaakov blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh" (Bereishit 47:10). This interaction raises several questions about the nature of Yaakov's blessing and its significance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 47:10) explains that Yaakov blessed Pharaoh with a blessing that the Nile River would rise to his feet (i.e., that Egypt would have abundant water and prosperity). This interpretation is based on the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 89:2), which states that Yaakov blessed Pharaoh because Pharaoh had sustained him during the famine.

The Significance of Yaakov Blessing Pharaoh

  • Reciprocity: The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 6) teaches that Yaakov blessed Pharaoh in return for Pharaoh's kindness in providing for Yaakov and his family during the famine. This reflects the Jewish value of hakarat hatov (recognizing and repaying kindness).
  • Spiritual Superiority: The Ramban (Bereishit 47:7) notes that Yaakov, as a tzaddik (righteous man), had the spiritual stature to bless Pharaoh, a powerful king. This demonstrates that true blessing comes from those connected to Hashem.
  • Fulfillment of Avraham’s Blessing: The Sforno (Bereishit 47:10) connects this moment to Hashem’s promise to Avraham that his descendants would be a blessing to the nations (Bereishit 12:2). Yaakov’s blessing to Pharaoh actualizes this promise.

Yaakov's Departure from Pharaoh

The phrase "and went out from before Pharaoh" is interpreted by the Kli Yakar (Bereishit 47:10) as indicating that Yaakov did not overstay his welcome. He recognized the boundaries of a royal audience and left respectfully once his purpose was fulfilled. This teaches the importance of derech eretz (proper conduct) even in interactions with non-Jewish leaders.

Broader Lessons

  • Blessing Through Righteousness: The Or HaChaim (Bereishit 47:10) emphasizes that a tzaddik’s blessing carries divine power, as seen when Yaakov, despite being a stranger in Egypt, could bless its ruler.
  • Gratitude: The act of blessing Pharaoh underscores the obligation to express gratitude, even to those outside the covenant, when they perform acts of kindness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov bless Pharaoh?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov blessed Pharaoh as a gesture of gratitude for allowing his family to settle in Egypt during the famine. Additionally, the Midrash explains that Yaakov, as a righteous person, had the spiritual power to bless others, and he used this opportunity to bless Pharaoh for his kindness.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov blessing Pharaoh instead of the other way around?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 16a) teaches that this demonstrates the spiritual superiority of Yaakov over Pharaoh. Normally, kings bless their subjects, but here, the righteous Yaakov blesses Pharaoh, showing that true greatness comes from righteousness and closeness to Hashem, not just worldly power.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov blessing Pharaoh?
A: The Rambam teaches that we should always show gratitude to those who help us, even if they are powerful figures like Pharaoh. Yaakov's blessing teaches us the importance of acknowledging kindness and responding with our own blessings and good wishes, embodying the Jewish value of hakarat hatov (recognizing the good).
Q: How does this verse relate to the Jewish people's experience in Egypt?
A: The Sforno explains that this moment foreshadows the future relationship between the Jewish people and Egypt. Yaakov's blessing shows that initially, there was mutual respect, but later, as the verse says 'a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Yosef' (Exodus 1:8), this relationship deteriorated, leading to our enslavement.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yaakov 'went out from before Pharaoh'?
A: Rashi notes that this teaches us proper etiquette when leaving a king's presence - one shouldn't turn their back, but rather walk backwards respectfully. The Kli Yakar adds that this also symbolizes Yaakov's spiritual independence - though he stood before Pharaoh, he remained separate in his values and mission.