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Genesis 50:20 - Divine plan overcomes human intent

Genesis 50:20 - בראשית 50:20

Hebrew Text

וְאַתֶּם חֲשַׁבְתֶּם עָלַי רָעָה אֱלֹהִים חֲשָׁבָהּ לְטֹבָה לְמַעַן עֲשֹׂה כַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה לְהַחֲיֹת עַם־רָב׃

English Translation

But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it to pass at this day that much people should be saved alive.

Transliteration

Ve'atem chashavtem alai ra'ah, Elohim chashavah letovah, lema'an asot kayom hazeh lehachayot am-rav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתֶּ֕ם חֲשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם עָלַ֖י רָעָ֑ה אֱלֹהִים֙ חֲשָׁבָ֣הּ לְטֹבָ֔ה לְמַ֗עַן עֲשֹׂ֛ה כַּיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּ֖ה לְהַחֲיֹ֥ת עַם־רָֽב׃
וְאַתֶּ֕ם חֲשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם עָלַ֖י רָעָ֑ה אֱלֹהִים֙ חֲשָׁבָ֣הּ לְטֹבָ֔ה לְמַ֗עַן עֲשֹׂ֛ה כַּיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּ֖ה לְהַחֲיֹ֥ת עַם־רָֽב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 50:20) is part of Yosef's response to his brothers after their father Yaakov's death. The brothers feared that Yosef would now take revenge for their earlier betrayal, but Yosef reassures them that although they intended harm, Hashem orchestrated events for the ultimate good of sustaining Bnei Yisrael during the famine.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi emphasizes that Yosef is acknowledging Divine Providence—while the brothers acted with malicious intent ("חֲשַׁבְתֶּם עָלַי רָעָה"), Hashem transformed their actions into a vehicle for salvation ("אֱלֹהִים חֲשָׁבָהּ לְטֹבָה"). Rashi notes that this reflects a recurring theme in Jewish thought: human actions are secondary to Hashem's overarching plan for the Jewish people.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:10), Rambam discusses how Hashem uses human free will to fulfill His divine plan. Yosef's statement illustrates this principle—the brothers exercised their free will to sell him, but Hashem guided the outcome to ensure the survival of Klal Yisrael. This aligns with the concept of hashgacha pratit (individual divine providence) over significant events in Jewish history.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereshit Rabbah (100:8) compares Yosef's words to David's in Tehillim (105:17), highlighting how persecution of tzaddikim ultimately leads to redemption. The Midrash stresses that Yosef's suffering was necessary to position him as Egypt's leader and sustainer of his family.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 10) teaches that Yosef's forgiveness models the ideal of mechilah (forgiveness) by recognizing Hashem's hand even in adversity.

Halachic Implications

The Chofetz Chaim (in Shemirat HaLashon) cites this verse to demonstrate how one should view interpersonal conflicts—with faith that Hashem transforms negative intentions into positive outcomes. This mindset fosters shalom (peace) and avoids grudges, as Yosef exemplified.

Philosophical Dimension

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the verse teaches bitachon (trust in Hashem): what appears as human malice is often part of a divine blueprint for collective benefit ("לְהַחֲיֹת עַם־רָב"). This idea recurs in Jewish history, where persecutions (e.g., the Egyptian exile) ultimately lead to redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 60b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing how one should accept both good and bad occurrences with joy, as everything is ultimately for the best, similar to how Joseph interpreted his brothers' actions.
📖 Pesachim 119a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the righteous and their ability to see the divine plan in events that initially appear negative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 50:20 mean?
A: Genesis 50:20 records Yosef (Joseph) speaking to his brothers, explaining that although they intended to harm him by selling him into slavery, Hashem orchestrated events for the ultimate good—to save many lives during the famine. This teaches that Hashem can transform human actions into part of a greater divine plan (Rashi, Ramban).
Q: Why is Genesis 50:20 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is a foundational lesson in bitachon (trust in Hashem). It shows that even seemingly negative events can be part of Hashem’s plan for a greater good, as seen in Yosef’s rise to power in Egypt to sustain Bnei Yisrael (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah).
Q: How can we apply Genesis 50:20 to our lives today?
A: We learn to trust that Hashem guides all events, even hardships, toward a hidden purpose. Like Yosef, we should strive to recognize divine providence in challenges (Rambam, Hilchot Dei’ot). This mindset helps us respond to difficulties with faith and resilience.
Q: What does 'God meant it for good' teach us about free will?
A: The verse highlights the balance between human free will (Yosef’s brothers chose to sin) and divine providence (Hashem redirected their actions for salvation). The Talmud (Chullin 7b) explains that Hashem allows free will but ultimately oversees history’s trajectory.
Q: How did Yosef’s perspective in this verse help him forgive his brothers?
A: Yosef saw his suffering as part of Hashem’s plan to save lives, which enabled him to forgive. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayigash) praises this as the pinnacle of overcoming resentment and recognizing divine wisdom in all circumstances.