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Genesis 50:21 - Joseph reassures with divine kindness

Genesis 50:21 - בראשית 50:21

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה אַל־תִּירָאוּ אָנֹכִי אֲכַלְכֵּל אֶתְכֶם וְאֶת־טַפְּכֶם וַיְנַחֵם אוֹתָם וַיְדַבֵּר עַל־לִבָּם׃

English Translation

Now therefore fear not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.

Transliteration

Ve'atah al-tira'u anokhi akhalkel etkhem ve'et-tapkhem vaynakhem otam vaydaber al-libam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּה֙ אַל־תִּירָ֔אוּ אָנֹכִ֛י אֲכַלְכֵּ֥ל אֶתְכֶ֖ם וְאֶֽת־טַפְּכֶ֑ם וַיְנַחֵ֣ם אוֹתָ֔ם וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר עַל־לִבָּֽם׃
וְעַתָּה֙ אַל־תִּירָ֔אוּ אָנֹכִ֛י אֲכַלְכֵּ֥ל אֶתְכֶ֖ם וְאֶֽת־טַפְּכֶ֑ם וַיְנַחֵ֣ם אוֹתָ֔ם וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר עַל־לִבָּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 50:21) appears at the conclusion of the story of Yosef and his brothers, after the death of Yaakov Avinu. The brothers, fearing retribution from Yosef now that their father has passed, approach Yosef with a fabricated message from Yaakov, pleading for mercy. Yosef responds with this compassionate reassurance.

Yosef's Reassurance

Rashi explains that Yosef's statement "I will nourish you and your little ones" demonstrates his complete forgiveness and commitment to sustain his brothers and their families. The term "אֲכַלְכֵּל" (achalkel) implies not merely providing basic sustenance, but ongoing, generous support (Rashi on Bereshit 50:21).

Comforting Their Hearts

The phrase "וַיְנַחֵם אוֹתָם וַיְדַבֵּר עַל־לִבָּם" ("he comforted them and spoke kindly to them") is interpreted by the Ramban (Nachmanides) as Yosef addressing their emotional distress. He not only assured them materially but also alleviated their guilt and anxiety through compassionate words (Ramban on Bereshit 50:21).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 17) highlights that Yosef's kindness extended even to their "little ones" (טַפְּכֶם), showing his concern for future generations, a trait of true righteousness.
  • Sforno notes that Yosef's reassurance was not conditional—he did not say "if you do X, I will sustain you," but rather promised unconditionally, reflecting his sincere forgiveness (Sforno on Bereshit 50:21).

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 2:10) derives from this episode that one must not remind a penitent person of their past wrongs. Yosef, as a model of forgiveness, avoided any reproach and instead focused on kindness and reconciliation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 50:21 mean when it says 'I will nourish you and your little ones'?
A: This verse is spoken by Yosef (Joseph) to his brothers after their father Yaakov's (Jacob's) death. Yosef reassures them that despite their earlier wrongdoing against him, he will continue to provide for them and their families in Egypt. Rashi explains that Yosef was promising to sustain them during the remaining years of famine.
Q: Why is it important that Yosef comforted his brothers in Genesis 50:21?
A: This moment is crucial because it demonstrates the complete forgiveness and compassion Yosef had for his brothers. The Talmud (Yoma 23a) teaches that Yosef's behavior serves as a model of overcoming hatred and bearing no grudge, fulfilling the Torah ideal of loving your fellow Jew.
Q: How does Yosef's promise to nourish his brothers apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:5-6) teaches that we should learn from Yosef's example to speak kindly and provide for others, especially family members. Even when we have been wronged, we should strive for reconciliation and support those in need.
Q: What does it mean that Yosef 'spoke to their hearts' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'spoke to their hearts' (וַיְדַבֵּר עַל־לִבָּם) means Yosef spoke words that comforted and reassured them. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 100:8) explains that Yosef used gentle, persuasive words to calm their fears and convince them of his sincere forgiveness.
Q: Why were Yosef's brothers afraid after their father died?
A: Rashi explains (on Genesis 50:15) that the brothers feared Yosef might now take revenge for their selling him into slavery, since their father - who loved Yosef dearly - was no longer alive to intervene. This verse shows Yosef dispelling those fears with kindness.