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Genesis 47:3 - Honest shepherds reveal destiny

Genesis 47:3 - בראשית 47:3

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל־אֶחָיו מַה־מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶם וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה רֹעֵה צֹאן עֲבָדֶיךָ גַּם־אֲנַחְנוּ גַּם־אֲבוֹתֵינוּ׃

English Translation

And Par῾o said to his brothers, What is your occupation? And they said to Par῾o, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Par'o el-echayv ma-ma'aseychem va'yomru el-Par'o ro'eh tzon avadecha gam-anachnu gam-avoteynu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֛ה אֶל־אֶחָ֖יו מַה־מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶ֑ם וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֗ה רֹעֵ֥ה צֹאן֙ עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ גַּם־אֲנַ֖חְנוּ גַּם־אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ׃
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֛ה אֶל־אֶחָ֖יו מַה־מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶ֑ם וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֗ה רֹעֵ֥ה צֹאן֙ עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ גַּם־אֲנַ֖חְנוּ גַּם־אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Inquiry and the Brothers' Response

The verse (Bereshit 47:3) describes Pharaoh's question to Yosef's brothers about their occupation, to which they respond that they are shepherds, as were their fathers. This exchange holds deeper significance in Orthodox Jewish commentary.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that Pharaoh asked about their occupation because Yosef had instructed his brothers to emphasize their shepherding background. This was strategic for two reasons:

  • Shepherding was considered an abomination to the Egyptians (Bereshit 46:34), which would ensure they would be settled separately in Goshen, maintaining their distinct identity.
  • It demonstrated their commitment to their ancestral profession, showing they were not seeking political power or integration into Egyptian society.

Rambam's Perspective on Shepherding

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:39), Rambam explains that shepherding was chosen by the Avot because:

  • It allowed for solitude and contemplation of Hashem, away from urban distractions.
  • It cultivated traits of compassion and responsibility necessary for leadership.
  • It maintained their separation from idolatrous cultures, as shepherds lived apart from cities.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 95:4) elaborates that the brothers emphasized "also our fathers" to show:

  • Their commitment to mesorah (tradition), following in the footsteps of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
  • That shepherding wasn't just a livelihood but a spiritual legacy, as the Avot shepherded both flocks and people toward monotheism.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Kiddushin 82a) discusses why shepherding was considered a lowly occupation, yet the Avot embraced it:

  • While generally discouraged due to potential for theft (as flocks graze on others' land), the Avot were completely scrupulous in their dealings.
  • Their elevated status as prophets and leaders transformed shepherding into a noble pursuit when done with integrity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the humility of the tribes of Israel when they presented themselves before Pharaoh, emphasizing their honesty about being shepherds despite the Egyptian disdain for this occupation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Pharaoh ask Joseph's brothers about their occupation?
A: Pharaoh asked Joseph's brothers about their occupation because he wanted to know how they could contribute to Egypt. According to Rashi, this was a practical question to determine where they should settle and what resources they would need, as shepherds required grazing land for their flocks.
Q: Why did Joseph's brothers emphasize that they were shepherds like their fathers?
A: Joseph's brothers emphasized that they and their ancestors were shepherds to show their family's longstanding tradition. The Midrash explains that they wanted to maintain their distinct identity and avoid assimilation into Egyptian society, as shepherding was a humble and honest profession that kept them separate from Egyptian idolatrous practices.
Q: What can we learn from Joseph's brothers' response to Pharaoh?
A: We learn the importance of honesty and staying true to one's values. The brothers openly declared their occupation despite knowing that Egyptians despised shepherds (as Rashi notes). This teaches us to proudly uphold our traditions and not compromise our principles, even in unfamiliar or challenging environments.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish identity today?
A: Just as Joseph's brothers maintained their identity as shepherds in Egypt, Jews today are encouraged to preserve their heritage and values even in foreign cultures. The Rambam teaches that maintaining Jewish practices and ethics is essential, no matter where we live, ensuring continuity from generation to generation.
Q: Why did Pharaoh allow Joseph's family to settle in Goshen?
A: Pharaoh allowed them to settle in Goshen because it was fertile land suitable for shepherding (as explained by Rashi). Additionally, Goshen was separate from the main Egyptian population, which helped Joseph's family maintain their way of life without conflict, as shepherds were looked down upon by the Egyptians.