Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef bow to his father Yaakov in Genesis 48:12?
A: Yosef bowed to his father Yaakov as a sign of deep respect and honor, fulfilling the mitzvah of honoring one's parents (Kibbud Av v'Em). The Talmud (Kiddushin 31b) teaches that honoring parents is a fundamental Torah obligation, and Yosef demonstrated this even as a powerful ruler in Egypt.
Q: What does 'brought them out from between his knees' mean in Genesis 48:12?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef had placed his sons Ephraim and Menashe between Yaakov's knees during the blessing ceremony (a traditional position for receiving blessings). When Yaakov was ready to bless them, Yosef respectfully moved them aside before bowing, showing proper deference to his father during this sacred moment.
Q: Why is Yosef's bowing in Genesis 48:12 significant for us today?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of showing respect to our elders and parents, even when we achieve high status. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:3) rules that one must honor parents regardless of one's own position in life, following Yosef's example of humility despite being viceroy of Egypt.
Q: How did Yosef bow according to Genesis 48:12?
A: The verse states Yosef bowed 'with his face to the earth' (apav aretzah), which the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 97:3) explains as complete prostration - the most humble form of bowing. This demonstrates the extent of Yosef's reverence for his father Yaakov.
Q: What lesson about family relationships can we learn from Genesis 48:12?
A: This verse teaches that family bonds and respect transcend time and circumstances. Despite being separated for many years and now holding great power, Yosef maintained his filial devotion. The Sforno notes this shows true righteousness - remaining humble and honoring parents even after achieving success.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 48:12) describes Yosef's actions when presenting his sons, Ephraim and Menashe, to his father Yaakov for a blessing. The phrase "וַיּוֹצֵא יוֹסֵף אֹתָם מֵעִם בִּרְכָּיו" ("And Yosef brought them out from between his knees") indicates that Yosef had been holding his sons close, possibly in a position of affection or preparation for the blessing.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 48:12) explains that Yosef had placed his sons between Yaakov's knees as a symbolic act of presenting them for adoption or inclusion among Yaakov's own sons. The phrase "מֵעִם בִּרְכָּיו" ("from between his knees") is interpreted as a reference to the act of hazakah (taking possession or formalizing a relationship), similar to the way a child is placed on the knees during a declaration of adoption (see Rashi on Bereshit 30:3).
Yosef's Bowing
The second part of the verse, "וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ לְאַפָּיו אָרְצָה" ("and he bowed himself with his face to the earth"), is understood by the Ramban (Bereshit 48:12) as an act of reverence and humility before Yaakov. This bowing reflects Yosef's recognition of Yaakov's spiritual stature and his role as the bearer of the patriarchal blessings. The Radak adds that this gesture was also an expression of gratitude for Yaakov's willingness to bless Ephraim and Menashe as his own sons.
Symbolism in the Act
Halachic Insights
The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:3) derives from this episode that honoring a parent includes acts of physical reverence, such as bowing, when appropriate. However, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 240:5) clarifies that such gestures must be balanced with the parent's dignity and the child's own honor.