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Genesis 47:8 - Pharaoh inquires Jacob's age

Genesis 47:8 - בראשית 47:8

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל־יַעֲקֹב כַּמָּה יְמֵי שְׁנֵי חַיֶּיךָ׃

English Translation

And Par῾o said to Ya῾aqov, How old art thou?

Transliteration

Va'yomer Par'o el-Ya'akov, kamah yemei shnei chayecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֑ב כַּמָּ֕ה יְמֵ֖י שְׁנֵ֥י חַיֶּֽיךָ׃
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֑ב כַּמָּ֕ה יְמֵ֖י שְׁנֵ֥י חַיֶּֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Question to Yaakov

The verse (Bereishit 47:8) states: "וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל־יַעֲקֹב כַּמָּה יְמֵי שְׁנֵי חַיֶּיךָ" ("And Pharaoh said to Yaakov, How old art thou?"). This interaction between Pharaoh and Yaakov invites deeper analysis from traditional Jewish commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that Pharaoh was struck by Yaakov's aged appearance, as Yaakov's hardships had caused him to appear older than his years. Rashi cites Bereishit Rabbah (95:1), which explains that Pharaoh asked this question because Yaakov's face showed the toll of his suffering—particularly the years of mourning for Yosef. This aligns with the earlier verse (Bereishit 42:38), where Yaakov says, "You will bring my gray head down to Sheol in sorrow."

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 95:1) elaborates that Pharaoh, accustomed to the youthful vigor of his own people (who were blessed with longevity due to Egypt's fertile land), was astonished at Yaakov's aged demeanor. The Midrash contrasts Yaakov's life of trials with the relative ease of Egyptian life, emphasizing that Yaakov's appearance reflected his spiritual and physical struggles.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not directly comment on this verse, his principles in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) suggest that Pharaoh's question may reflect a broader philosophical inquiry into the nature of human life. Yaakov's response (in the next verse, "Few and evil have been the days of my life") underscores the Torah's theme that a meaningful life is measured by righteousness, not merely by years.

Yaakov's Humility

Yaakov's reply (Bereishit 47:9) highlights his humility. The Talmud (Chullin 89b) teaches that Yaakov referred to his years as "few" despite living longer than his fathers (Avraham and Yitzchak) because he recognized that life's value lies in serving Hashem, not in mere longevity. This aligns with the principle in Pirkei Avot (4:17): "Better one hour of repentance and good deeds in this world than all the life of the World to Come."

Key Lessons

  • Appearance vs. Reality: Yaakov's aged appearance reflected his spiritual struggles, teaching that external signs of hardship can indicate inner growth.
  • Humility: Yaakov's response models humility, emphasizing that true greatness lies in recognizing one's shortcomings before Hashem.
  • Life's Purpose: The exchange reminds us that life's value is measured by devotion to Torah and mitzvot, not merely by years lived.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Pharaoh ask Jacob his age?
A: According to Rashi, Pharaoh noticed that Jacob looked much older than his years due to the hardships he endured (like the loss of Joseph). This prompted Pharaoh to ask about his age. The Midrash also suggests Pharaoh was surprised because Jacob's father Isaac lived to 180, yet Jacob appeared much older than his actual age at the time (130 years).
Q: What is the significance of Jacob's answer about his life being 'few and difficult'?
A: Jacob responded that his years were 'few and difficult' (Genesis 47:9), teaching that a righteous person like Jacob valued his years not by quantity but by their spiritual quality. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) explains that tzaddikim (righteous people) consider their days 'few' because they constantly strive for more mitzvot and spiritual growth.
Q: How does this conversation between Pharaoh and Jacob apply to us today?
A: This exchange teaches that life's value isn't measured by length alone, but by how we use our time for meaningful purposes. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva) emphasizes that every person should view their days as limited and fill them with Torah study and good deeds, just as Jacob reflected on his life's spiritual journey.
Q: Why does the Torah include this seemingly simple question from Pharaoh?
A: The Torah includes this detail to highlight the contrast between Jacob's perspective (focused on spiritual struggles) and Pharaoh's worldly view. The Sforno explains that Pharaoh represented physical power, while Jacob embodied spiritual strength. Their conversation underscores the Torah's emphasis on valuing spiritual accomplishments over mere longevity.