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Genesis 48:21 - Eternal promise: return to homeland

Genesis 48:21 - בראשית 48:21

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־יוֹסֵף הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי מֵת וְהָיָה אֱלֹהִים עִמָּכֶם וְהֵשִׁיב אֶתְכֶם אֶל־אֶרֶץ אֲבֹתֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And Yisra᾽el said to Yosef, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you back to the land of your fathers.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Yisrael el-Yosef hineh anochi met ve'hayah Elohim imachem ve'heshiv etchem el-eretz avoteichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף הִנֵּ֥ה אָנֹכִ֖י מֵ֑ת וְהָיָ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם וְהֵשִׁ֣יב אֶתְכֶ֔ם אֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ אֲבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף הִנֵּ֥ה אָנֹכִ֖י מֵ֑ת וְהָיָ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם וְהֵשִׁ֣יב אֶתְכֶ֔ם אֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ אֲבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Prophetic Words to Yosef

The verse (Bereishit 48:21) records Yaakov Avinu's final words to Yosef before his passing. Rashi explains that Yaakov was conveying a profound message about the future redemption of Bnei Yisrael from Egypt. The phrase "God shall be with you" indicates Divine protection during the exile, while "bring you back to the land of your fathers" refers to the eventual return to Eretz Yisrael.

The Nature of Yaakov's Statement

The Ramban notes that Yaakov's words function both as a blessing and a prophecy. When Yaakov says "Behold, I die," he acknowledges his impending death but reassures Yosef that Hashem's promise to the Avot will endure beyond his lifetime. The Sforno adds that this demonstrates Yaakov's emunah (faith) that the covenant with Avraham would be fulfilled through his descendants.

Grammatical Insights

The Kli Yakar highlights the unusual phrasing "Elohim imachem" (God shall be with you - plural) rather than speaking just to Yosef individually. This teaches that Yaakov was addressing all future generations, emphasizing that Divine providence would accompany the entire nation during their exile and redemption.

Midrashic Perspectives

  • Bereishit Rabbah (96:5) interprets "bring you back" as referring to both physical return to the land and spiritual return to the ways of the Avot.
  • The Ohr HaChaim notes that Yaakov specifically mentions "the land of your fathers" (plural) to include the merit of both Avraham and Yitzchak in the future redemption.
  • Malbim explains that Yaakov's statement contains the seeds of both the Egyptian exile and subsequent redemption, showing how they are interconnected in Divine providence.

Halachic Implications

The Chatam Sofer derives from this verse that even when facing death, a tzaddik's primary concern should be for the welfare and spiritual future of the Jewish people. This reflects Yaakov's role as the archetype of the caring patriarch who looks beyond his own life to the destiny of his descendants.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 16b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings given by Jacob to his sons, particularly focusing on the assurance of divine presence and return to the land of their fathers.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the promises made to the patriarchs and their fulfillment in the lives of their descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 48:21 mean when Yaakov says 'God shall be with you'?
A: In Genesis 48:21, Yaakov (Yisrael) reassures Yosef that even after his death, Hashem will continue to watch over the Children of Israel. Rashi explains that this is a prophetic promise that God will remain with them during their future exile in Egypt and ultimately bring them back to Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel).
Q: Why is Yaakov's statement in Genesis 48:21 important?
A: This verse is important because it contains Yaakov's final blessing and assurance to his family before his death. The Ramban notes that it emphasizes the eternal covenant between Hashem and the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, promising their eventual return to the Land of Israel despite future hardships.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov's words in Genesis 48:21?
A: We learn that even in difficult times, we must trust in Hashem's promises. The Midrash teaches that Yaakov's words instilled hope in his children during their exile, reminding them that their suffering in Egypt was temporary and redemption would come. This teaches us to maintain faith during challenges.
Q: How does Genesis 48:21 apply to Jewish people today?
A: Just as Yaakov assured his children of their eventual return to Eretz Yisrael, this verse reminds us of the eternal bond between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) connects such promises to our ongoing trust in Hashem's providence throughout Jewish history, including the modern return to Israel.
Q: Why does Yaakov mention 'the land of your fathers' in Genesis 48:21?
A: Yaakov emphasizes 'the land of your fathers' to connect Yosef and his brothers to the covenant made with Avraham and Yitzchak. Sforno explains that this reinforces the idea that Eretz Yisrael is the eternal inheritance of the Jewish people, passed down through the patriarchs, and not merely a temporary dwelling place.