share torah logo

Genesis 50:14 - Yosef returns after burial

Genesis 50:14 - בראשית 50:14

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשָׁב יוֹסֵף מִצְרַיְמָה הוּא וְאֶחָיו וְכָל־הָעֹלִים אִתּוֹ לִקְבֹּר אֶת־אָבִיו אַחֲרֵי קָבְרוֹ אֶת־אָבִיו׃

English Translation

And Yosef returned to Miżrayim, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.

Transliteration

Vayashav Yosef Mitzrayma hu ve'echav vechol-ha'olim ito likbor et-aviv acharei kavro et-aviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֨שׇׁב יוֹסֵ֤ף מִצְרַ֙יְמָה֙ ה֣וּא וְאֶחָ֔יו וְכׇל־הָעֹלִ֥ים אִתּ֖וֹ לִקְבֹּ֣ר אֶת־אָבִ֑יו אַחֲרֵ֖י קׇבְר֥וֹ אֶת־אָבִֽיו׃
וַיָּ֨שׇׁב יוֹסֵ֤ף מִצְרַ֙יְמָה֙ ה֣וּא וְאֶחָ֔יו וְכׇל־הָעֹלִ֥ים אִתּ֖וֹ לִקְבֹּ֣ר אֶת־אָבִ֑יו אַחֲרֵ֖י קׇבְר֥וֹ אֶת־אָבִֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Return to Mitzrayim After Burial

The verse (Bereishit 50:14) describes Yosef and his brothers returning to Mitzrayim after burying Yaakov Avinu in Me'arat HaMachpelah. Rashi notes that the Torah emphasizes "הוּא וְאֶחָיו" ("he and his brethren") to highlight that despite the earlier tension between them, they were now united in fulfilling the mitzvah of kibud av (honoring their father). This demonstrates the power of reconciliation when brothers come together for a sacred purpose.

Completion of a Sacred Duty

The phrase "אַחֲרֵי קָבְרוֹ אֶת־אָבִיו" ("after he had buried his father") underscores that Yosef fully completed the burial process before returning. The Ramban explains that this teaches the importance of seeing a mitzvah through to its conclusion, as Yosef did not leave until every detail of Yaakov's burial was properly attended to in Chevron.

The Entire Entourage Returns

The inclusion of "וְכָל־הָעֹלִים אִתּוֹ" ("and all that went up with him") is significant. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 100:12) states that this refers not only to the brothers but also to the Egyptian dignitaries who accompanied them. Their participation demonstrated the honor accorded to Yaakov even by non-Jews, fulfilling the prophecy that "the nations shall bless themselves by you" (Bereishit 12:3).

Spiritual Implications of the Return

  • The Sforno observes that their return to Mitzrayim after the burial shows their acceptance of Divine Providence - they understood they still needed to fulfill their role in the unfolding exile.
  • The Kli Yakar notes that this verse hints at the future Exodus - just as they temporarily left Mitzrayim for a holy purpose and returned, so too would their descendants eventually leave permanently.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya emphasizes that their unified return foreshadowed the unity the Jewish people would need during the Egyptian bondage.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef and his brothers return to Egypt after burying their father?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, Yosef and his brothers returned to Egypt because that was where they were living at the time. Yosef was the viceroy of Egypt, and his brothers had settled there during the famine. Their return signifies the fulfillment of their duty to bury their father Yaakov in the Land of Israel, as he had requested, before resuming their lives in Egypt.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov being buried in the Land of Israel?
A: The Torah emphasizes the importance of burial in the Land of Israel, especially for the righteous like Yaakov. The Midrash explains that Yaakov made Yosef swear to bury him in Israel because he wanted to be connected to the holy land, which is considered the inheritance of the Jewish people. This also foreshadowed the eventual Exodus, showing that Egypt was only a temporary dwelling.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'all that went up with him' to bury Yaakov?
A: The Talmud and Midrash teach that 'all that went up with him' refers not only to Yosef's brothers but also to Egyptian dignitaries and a large procession. This shows the great honor given to Yaakov, as even non-Jews recognized his righteousness. Rambam notes that honoring parents is a fundamental mitzvah, and Yosef ensured his father received proper respect even after death.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef keeping his promise to bury Yaakov in Israel?
A: From Yosef's actions, we learn the importance of keeping promises, especially those made to parents. The Talmud (Kiddushin 31b) highlights honoring parents as one of the most serious mitzvot. Yosef, despite his high position in Egypt, prioritized fulfilling his father's wish, teaching us that family and mitzvot come before personal convenience or status.