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Hebrew Text
וַתֵּשֶׁב בְּאֵיתָן קַשְׁתּוֹ וַיָּפֹזּוּ זְרֹעֵי יָדָיו מִידֵי אֲבִיר יַעֲקֹב מִשָּׁם רֹעֶה אֶבֶן יִשְׂרָאֵל׃
English Translation
but his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made supple by the hands of the mighty God of Ya῾aqov; (from thence from the shepherd, the Stone of Yisra᾽el:)
Transliteration
Vateshev be'eytan kashto vayafozu zero'ei yadav midei avir Ya'akov misham ro'eh even Yisrael.
Hebrew Leining Text
וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב בְּאֵיתָן֙ קַשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַיָּפֹ֖זּוּ זְרֹעֵ֣י יָדָ֑יו מִידֵי֙ אֲבִ֣יר יַעֲקֹ֔ב מִשָּׁ֥ם רֹעֶ֖ה אֶ֥בֶן יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
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Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.
Understanding the Verse in Context
This verse is part of Yaakov's blessings to his sons in Bereishit 49:24, specifically referring to Yosef. The imagery of the bow and arms symbolizes strength and resilience, reflecting Yosef's ability to endure hardships and remain steadfast in his faith. The phrase "Mighty God of Yaakov" (Avir Yaakov) emphasizes that Yosef's strength ultimately derives from Hashem.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that "his bow abode in strength" (vateishev be'eitan kashto) refers to Yosef's unwavering commitment to Torah and mitzvot despite the trials he faced in Egypt. The "arms of his hands" being "made supple" (vayapozu zero'ei yadav) signifies that Yosef's success was not through his own power but through divine assistance—"from the hands of the Mighty One of Yaakov." Rashi also interprets "the shepherd, the Stone of Yisrael" (ro'eh even Yisrael) as a reference to Hashem, who guides and sustains the Jewish people like a shepherd.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (in his philosophical works) might highlight this verse as an example of divine providence (hashgacha pratit). Yosef's trials and triumphs demonstrate that even in exile, Hashem's hand directs events for the ultimate good of the Jewish people. The "Stone of Yisrael" can be understood as the unchanging foundation of faith, upon which the nation relies.
Midrashic Interpretations
Kabbalistic Insights
Kabbalistic sources, such as the Zohar, interpret "the arms of his hands" as channels of divine energy (sefirot), particularly Gevurah (strength) and Chesed (kindness), working in harmony. Yosef embodied this balance—strict justice in his leadership yet compassion toward his brothers.
Practical Lessons
This verse teaches that true strength comes from reliance on Hashem, especially during challenges. Like Yosef, one must remain steadfast in Torah values, trusting that divine providence will guide and sustain. The imagery of the shepherd and stone reminds us of Hashem's eternal protection over Klal Yisrael.