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Genesis 48:17 - Right hand's hidden blessing?

Genesis 48:17 - בראשית 48:17

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא יוֹסֵף כִּי־יָשִׁית אָבִיו יַד־יְמִינוֹ עַל־רֹאשׁ אֶפְרַיִם וַיֵּרַע בְּעֵינָיו וַיִּתְמֹךְ יַד־אָבִיו לְהָסִיר אֹתָהּ מֵעַל רֹאשׁ־אֶפְרַיִם עַל־רֹאשׁ מְנַשֶּׁה׃

English Translation

And when Yosef saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Efrayim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Efrayim’s head to Menashshe’s head.

Transliteration

Va-yar Yosef ki-yashit aviv yad-yemino al-rosh Efrayim va-yera be-einav va-yitmoch yad-aviv le-hasir otah me-al rosh-Efrayim al-rosh Menashe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֣רְא יוֹסֵ֗ף כִּי־יָשִׁ֨ית אָבִ֧יו יַד־יְמִינ֛וֹ עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ אֶפְרַ֖יִם וַיֵּ֣רַע בְּעֵינָ֑יו וַיִּתְמֹ֣ךְ יַד־אָבִ֗יו לְהָסִ֥יר אֹתָ֛הּ מֵעַ֥ל רֹאשׁ־אֶפְרַ֖יִם עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃
וַיַּ֣רְא יוֹסֵ֗ף כִּי־יָשִׁ֨ית אָבִ֧יו יַד־יְמִינ֛וֹ עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ אֶפְרַ֖יִם וַיֵּ֣רַע בְּעֵינָ֑יו וַיִּתְמֹ֣ךְ יַד־אָבִ֗יו לְהָסִ֥יר אֹתָ֛הּ מֵעַ֥ל רֹאשׁ־אֶפְרַ֖יִם עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding Yosef's Reaction

The verse describes Yosef's distress when Yaakov Avinu places his right hand on Efrayim, the younger son, instead of Menashe, the firstborn. According to Rashi (Bereshit 48:17), Yosef was concerned because the right hand signifies greater blessing, and he believed Menashe, as the firstborn, was entitled to it. This reflects the Torah's principle of bechorah (firstborn rights), where the eldest traditionally receives a double portion (Devarim 21:17).

Yaakov's Intentional Act

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 97:3) explains that Yaakov's action was deliberate, guided by ruach hakodesh (divine inspiration). Just as Yaakov himself had received the blessings over his elder brother Eisav, he recognized that Efrayim was destined for greater spiritual prominence, as later seen in Yehoshua (Joshua), who descended from Efrayim. Ramban (Bereshit 48:19) adds that Yaakov's crossed hands symbolized the future hierarchy of the tribes, where Efrayim would lead the Northern Kingdom.

Yosef's Misunderstanding

The Talmud (Bava Basra 123a) discusses how Yosef, despite his greatness, erred in this instance by assuming his father had made a mistake. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 48:17) suggests that Yosef’s intervention stemmed from his humility—he did not want his younger son elevated above the elder, avoiding the discord he had experienced with his own brothers. However, Yaakov corrected him, teaching that divine wisdom sometimes supersedes human expectations.

Lessons in Divine Providence

  • Firstborn Status vs. Spiritual Merit: Yaakov’s action demonstrates that spiritual greatness is not determined solely by birth order, as seen with David Hamelech and other leaders.
  • Trust in Elders: Yosef’s attempt to "correct" Yaakov serves as a lesson in respecting the wisdom of parents and sages, even when their actions seem counterintuitive.
  • Hidden Divine Plan: The episode underscores that human perception is limited, and what may appear as a mistake could align with a higher divine plan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of the right hand in blessings and the precedence of Ephraim over Manasseh.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is mentioned in the context of Joseph's reaction to Jacob's blessing, illustrating the dynamics of familial relationships and divine will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef try to move Yaakov's hand from Efrayim's head?
A: Yosef thought his father Yaakov made a mistake by placing his right hand on Efrayim, the younger son, instead of Menashe, the firstborn. According to Rashi (Genesis 48:17), Yosef assumed the right hand should naturally bless the older son first, following the tradition of giving precedence to the firstborn.
Q: What does this verse teach us about blessings?
A: This verse teaches that blessings are not always determined by birth order. As the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 97:6) explains, Yaakov was guided by divine inspiration to place his right hand on Efrayim, showing that spiritual greatness is determined by merit, not just age. This mirrors how Yaakov himself received blessings over his older brother Eisav.
Q: How does this story apply to parenting or education today?
A: The story reminds us that each child has unique potential. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) teaches that educators and parents must recognize individual strengths, just as Yaakov saw greater future leadership in Efrayim. It also warns against assuming our judgment is always correct—Yosef learned that his father's insight was deeper than his own.