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Genesis 47:6 - Egypt's finest for Jacob?

Genesis 47:6 - בראשית 47:6

Hebrew Text

אֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם לְפָנֶיךָ הִוא בְּמֵיטַב הָאָרֶץ הוֹשֵׁב אֶת־אָבִיךָ וְאֶת־אַחֶיךָ יֵשְׁבוּ בְּאֶרֶץ גֹּשֶׁן וְאִם־יָדַעְתָּ וְיֶשׁ־בָּם אַנְשֵׁי־חַיִל וְשַׂמְתָּם שָׂרֵי מִקְנֶה עַל־אֲשֶׁר־לִי׃

English Translation

the land of Miżrayim is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowst any able men among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.

Transliteration

Eretz Mitzrayim lefanekha hi bemeitav ha'aretz hoshev et-avikha ve'et-acheikha yeshvu be'eretz Goshen ve'im-yadata veyesh-bam anshei-chayil vesamtam sarei mikneh al-asher-li.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶ֤רֶץ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ לְפָנֶ֣יךָ הִ֔וא בְּמֵיטַ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ הוֹשֵׁ֥ב אֶת־אָבִ֖יךָ וְאֶת־אַחֶ֑יךָ יֵשְׁבוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֔שֶׁן וְאִם־יָדַ֗עְתָּ וְיֶשׁ־בָּם֙ אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֔יִל וְשַׂמְתָּ֛ם שָׂרֵ֥י מִקְנֶ֖ה עַל־אֲשֶׁר־לִֽי׃
אֶ֤רֶץ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ לְפָנֶ֣יךָ הִ֔וא בְּמֵיטַ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ הוֹשֵׁ֥ב אֶת־אָבִ֖יךָ וְאֶת־אַחֶ֑יךָ יֵשְׁבוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֔שֶׁן וְאִם־יָדַ֗עְתָּ וְיֶשׁ־בָּם֙ אַנְשֵׁי־חַ֔יִל וְשַׂמְתָּ֛ם שָׂרֵ֥י מִקְנֶ֖ה עַל־אֲשֶׁר־לִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 47:6) records Pharaoh's instructions to Yosef regarding the settlement of Yaakov and his family in Egypt. Pharaoh grants them the best land—Goshen—and even offers leadership positions to capable individuals among them to oversee his livestock. This reflects both Yosef's high standing in Egypt and Pharaoh's gratitude toward him.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that "the land of Egypt is before you" means Pharaoh granted Yosef full authority to settle his family wherever he deemed best. "In the best of the land" refers specifically to Goshen, which was fertile and ideal for shepherding, the occupation of Yaakov's family. Rashi also notes that "if you know any able men among them" implies that Pharaoh trusted Yosef’s judgment to appoint qualified individuals from his family as overseers.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:1) discusses the ethical treatment of foreigners, and this verse demonstrates how a righteous leader (Pharaoh, in this case) should act—providing for guests and recognizing their talents. Pharaoh’s offer to appoint capable men from Yisrael as officials aligns with the principle of utilizing skilled individuals for communal benefit.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 95:3) highlights that Goshen was set apart for Bnei Yisrael to maintain their distinct identity, preventing assimilation. This foreshadows the eventual exile and the importance of preserving Jewish tradition even in a foreign land.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayigash 13) suggests that Pharaoh’s offer to appoint leaders from Yaakov’s family was a test of loyalty—whether they would prioritize Egyptian interests or remain devoted to their own people. Yosef ensured they would not compromise their values.

Ibn Ezra's Explanation

Ibn Ezra emphasizes that "the best of the land" was Goshen because it was rich in pastureland, suitable for Bnei Yisrael’s flocks. He also notes that Pharaoh’s mention of "my cattle" indicates his personal livestock, showing his trust in Yosef’s family to manage royal assets.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sotah 11a) derives from this verse that one should honor guests by offering them the finest accommodations, as Pharaoh did for Yaakov’s family. Additionally, the appointment of qualified individuals teaches the importance of mesader kehunah u’malchut (proper leadership structure) in Jewish communal life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the land of Goshen' refer to in Genesis 47:6?
A: The land of Goshen was a fertile region in Egypt where Pharaoh allowed Yaakov (Jacob) and his family to settle. According to Rashi, it was the best part of Egypt, suitable for shepherding, which was the occupation of the Israelites. This separation also helped them maintain their distinct identity.
Q: Why did Pharaoh suggest appointing 'able men' from Yaakov's family as rulers over his cattle?
A: Pharaoh recognized the integrity and capability of Yosef (Joseph) and his family. The Midrash explains that the term 'able men' (anshei chayil) refers to trustworthy and skilled individuals. By appointing them to oversee his livestock, Pharaoh ensured proper management, as he trusted their honesty and expertise.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef settling his family in Goshen?
A: Yosef ensured his family lived separately in Goshen to protect their spiritual and cultural identity. The Rambam teaches that maintaining boundaries from foreign influences is crucial for preserving Torah values. This principle applies today in how Jewish communities uphold traditions while engaging with the broader world.
Q: Why was it important for Yaakov's family to dwell in 'the best of the land'?
A: Pharaoh honored Yosef by granting his family the finest land, showing gratitude for Yosef's service. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that Hashem rewards righteousness—Yosef's moral leadership earned his family dignity and sustenance. This highlights the importance of integrity in earning respect and provision.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish value of hakarat hatov (gratitude)?
A: Pharaoh's kindness to Yosef’s family demonstrates hakarat hatov—recognizing Yosef’s contributions to Egypt. Similarly, the Sages emphasize expressing gratitude, as seen later when the Israelites never rebelled against Pharaoh’s descendants (Midrash Shemot Rabbah 1:8). This teaches us to acknowledge and repay kindness.