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Genesis 47:25 - Grateful slaves seek Pharaoh's favor

Genesis 47:25 - בראשית 47:25

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ הֶחֱיִתָנוּ נִמְצָא־חֵן בְּעֵינֵי אֲדֹנִי וְהָיִינוּ עֲבָדִים לְפַרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find favour in the sight of my lord, and we will be Par῾o’s servants.

Transliteration

Vayomru hecheyitanu nimtza-chen be'eynei adoni vehayinu avadim lefar'o.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ הֶחֱיִתָ֑נוּ נִמְצָא־חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י וְהָיִ֥ינוּ עֲבָדִ֖ים לְפַרְעֹֽה׃
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ הֶחֱיִתָ֑נוּ נִמְצָא־חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י וְהָיִ֥ינוּ עֲבָדִ֖ים לְפַרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 47:25) appears in the narrative of Yosef's governance over Egypt during the years of famine. After Yosef implements his economic policies—acquiring all of Egypt's land and people for Pharaoh in exchange for food—the people express gratitude for their survival and offer themselves as servants to Pharaoh.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "הֶחֱיִתָנוּ" (Thou hast saved our lives) reflects the people's acknowledgment that Yosef's wisdom and leadership preserved them from starvation. Rashi emphasizes that their declaration of loyalty to Pharaoh was a direct result of Yosef's policies, which ensured their survival.

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings) discusses the ethical implications of servitude and governance. While this verse describes voluntary servitude, Rambam would view it as a temporary measure under extreme circumstances (famine), not an ideal or permanent state. The people's willingness to become Pharaoh's servants was a pragmatic response to Yosef's lifesaving policies.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 90:5) elaborates that the people's statement "נִמְצָא־חֵן בְּעֵינֵי אֲדֹנִי" (let us find favour in the sight of my lord) reflects their recognition of Yosef's righteousness. Despite their reduced status, they sought to maintain a relationship of mutual respect, acknowledging Yosef as a conduit of divine providence.

Halachic Implications

  • The verse raises questions about voluntary servitude in Jewish law. The Talmud (Kiddushin 22a) discusses how servitude to a non-Jewish king (like Pharaoh) differs from servitude under Torah law, where certain protections apply to Hebrew servants.
  • The people's declaration highlights the principle of hakarat hatov (gratitude), as they express thanks for their survival, even at the cost of their freedom.

Moral Lesson

The Netziv (Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin) in Ha'amek Davar notes that this episode teaches the importance of humility and gratitude in times of crisis. The Egyptians, though subjugated, recognized Yosef's benevolence and responded with loyalty, setting an example of how one should respond to kindness—even from a position of dependency.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 47:25 mean when the people say they will be Pharaoh's servants?
A: In Genesis 47:25, the people express gratitude to Yosef (Joseph) for saving their lives during the famine and declare their willingness to serve Pharaoh. According to Rashi, this reflects their acknowledgment of Yosef's wisdom and leadership, as well as their acceptance of Pharaoh's authority in exchange for sustenance. The verse highlights the social and economic conditions of the time, where servitude was a means of survival.
Q: Why is Genesis 47:25 important in the story of Yosef (Joseph)?
A: Genesis 47:25 is important because it marks the fulfillment of Yosef's role as a provider during the famine. The Ramban explains that this verse demonstrates how Yosef's leadership not only saved Egypt but also solidified his position as a trusted ruler under Pharaoh. It sets the stage for the eventual settlement of the Israelites in Goshen, leading to the later events in Jewish history.
Q: What can we learn from the people's response in Genesis 47:25?
A: From Genesis 47:25, we learn the importance of hakarat hatov (recognizing kindness). The people acknowledge Yosef's lifesaving actions and respond with gratitude and loyalty. The Midrash teaches that this mirrors the proper attitude one should have toward those who help them, emphasizing humility and appreciation for divine providence through human agents.
Q: How does Genesis 47:25 apply to Jewish values today?
A: Genesis 47:25 applies to Jewish values today by teaching the principles of gratitude and mutual responsibility. The Talmud (Berachot 54b) states that one must bless HaShem for both good and challenging circumstances. Like the people in the verse, we are reminded to recognize and appreciate the kindness of others and to respond with integrity and commitment.
Q: Why did the people say they wanted to find favor in Yosef's sight in Genesis 47:25?
A: The people sought to find favor in Yosef's sight because he was the one who orchestrated their survival during the famine. Rashi explains that their statement reflects their dependence on his continued goodwill and leadership. This aligns with the Torah's emphasis on the importance of righteous leadership and the community's trust in those appointed to guide them.