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Genesis 48:22 - Jacob's mysterious extra inheritance

Genesis 48:22 - בראשית 48:22

Hebrew Text

וַאֲנִי נָתַתִּי לְךָ שְׁכֶם אַחַד עַל־אַחֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר לָקַחְתִּי מִיַּד הָאֱמֹרִי בְּחַרְבִּי וּבְקַשְׁתִּי׃

English Translation

Moreover I have given to thee one portion more than thy brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Emori with my sword and with my bow.

Transliteration

Va'ani natati lekha shekhem ahad al-akhekha asher lakachti miyad ha'emori becharvi uvkashti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲנִ֞י נָתַ֧תִּֽי לְךָ֛ שְׁכֶ֥ם אַחַ֖ד עַל־אַחֶ֑יךָ אֲשֶׁ֤ר לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙ מִיַּ֣ד הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י בְּחַרְבִּ֖י וּבְקַשְׁתִּֽי׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַאֲנִ֞י נָתַ֧תִּֽי לְךָ֛ שְׁכֶ֥ם אַחַ֖ד עַל־אַחֶ֑יךָ אֲשֶׁ֤ר לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙ מִיַּ֣ד הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י בְּחַרְבִּ֖י וּבְקַשְׁתִּֽי׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Genesis 48:22) is part of Yaakov Avinu's blessing to Yosef before his passing. Yaakov grants Yosef an additional portion ("Shechem echad") beyond what his brothers receive. This refers to the city of Shechem, which Yaakov acquired through his efforts.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "Shechem echad" refers to the city of Shechem, which Yaakov acquired through his "sword and bow"—meaning his wisdom and prayers (as the sword and bow are metaphors for Torah study and tefillah). Rashi also notes that this portion was taken from the Emori (Amorites) when Yaakov fought to protect his family after the incident with Dinah (Genesis 34).

Ibn Ezra's Interpretation

Ibn Ezra suggests that "Shechem echad" refers not only to the physical city but also to an extra portion of inheritance in the Land of Israel. He emphasizes that Yaakov's acquisition was legitimate, as it was obtained through battle ("with my sword and bow").

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (97:6): The "sword and bow" symbolize Yaakov's spiritual weapons—his Torah and mitzvot—through which he merited victory over his enemies.
  • Sforno: Yaakov is emphasizing that this portion was earned through his own efforts, not inherited, and thus he has the right to designate it to Yosef.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Nachalot 2:14) discusses how Yaakov's granting of an extra portion to Yosef establishes a precedent that a father may distribute his estate unequally among his sons if he chooses, provided it is done with clear intent.

Symbolism of Shechem

Shechem holds significance as the place where Yosef was later buried (Joshua 24:32) and where the tribes of Israel gathered to renew their covenant with Hashem. This reinforces the idea that Yosef's descendants held a special connection to this land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 60b
The verse is discussed in the context of Jacob's blessings to his sons, particularly regarding the portion given to Joseph. The Talmud explores the meaning of 'with my sword and with my bow' and whether it refers to literal weapons or spiritual means.
📖 Berakhot 4a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the merits of the patriarchs and the inheritance of the land of Israel, highlighting Jacob's role in securing the portion for his descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 48:22 mean when it says 'one portion more than thy brothers'?
A: This verse refers to the extra portion of land that Yaakov (Jacob) gave to Yosef (Joseph) through his sons Ephraim and Menashe. Rashi explains that this 'portion' (Shechem) was a special inheritance beyond what the other tribes received, symbolizing Yosef's righteousness and leadership during difficult times.
Q: Why did Yaakov say he took Shechem 'with my sword and with my bow'?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 97:6) explains that 'sword and bow' refer not to physical weapons, but to Yaakov's spiritual strength—his prayers and wisdom. Alternatively, Ramban suggests it may allude to the purchase of Shechem (Genesis 33:19) and the later battle with the Emori (Genesis 34).
Q: How does this verse connect to the tribe of Yosef's future inheritance?
A: This verse foreshadows the double portion Yosef received in Eretz Yisrael through his two sons, Ephraim and Menashe, each becoming separate tribes (unlike the other brothers). The Talmud (Bava Batra 123a) discusses how this fulfilled Yaakov's promise of an extra portion.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov giving Yosef an extra portion?
A: The Meshech Chochmah teaches that this highlights the importance of recognizing and rewarding moral courage. Yosef resisted temptation in Egypt (Genesis 39) and sustained his family during famine, so Yaakov honored him accordingly—showing that spiritual merit brings lasting blessings.
Q: Is the city of Shechem mentioned here the same as in other Torah stories?
A: Yes, this is the same Shechem where Avraham first stopped in Canaan (Genesis 12:6), Dinah was wronged (Genesis 34), and Yehoshua later gathered Bnei Yisrael (Joshua 24:1). Rashi notes its strategic and spiritual significance in Jewish history.