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Genesis 50:25 - Promise of future redemption

Genesis 50:25 - בראשית 50:25

Hebrew Text

וַיַּשְׁבַּע יוֹסֵף אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לֵאמֹר פָּקֹד יִפְקֹד אֱלֹהִים אֶתְכֶם וְהַעֲלִתֶם אֶת־עַצְמֹתַי מִזֶּה׃

English Translation

And Yosef took an oath of the children of Yisra᾽el, saying, God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.

Transliteration

Vayashba Yosef et-bnei Yisrael lemor pakod yifkod Elohim etkhem veha'alitem et-atzmotai mizeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּשְׁבַּ֣ע יוֹסֵ֔ף אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר פָּקֹ֨ד יִפְקֹ֤ד אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְהַעֲלִתֶ֥ם אֶת־עַצְמֹתַ֖י מִזֶּֽה׃
וַיַּשְׁבַּ֣ע יוֹסֵ֔ף אֶת־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר פָּקֹ֨ד יִפְקֹ֤ד אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְהַעֲלִתֶ֥ם אֶת־עַצְמֹתַ֖י מִזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Oath of Yosef

The verse describes Yosef making the children of Israel swear to carry his bones out of Egypt when they eventually leave. This oath is significant for several reasons, as explained by traditional commentators:

  • Rashi (Bereshit 50:25) explains that Yosef foresaw through divine inspiration that the Israelites would eventually be redeemed, and he wanted to ensure his remains would be taken to Eretz Yisrael. His insistence on an oath demonstrated his deep faith in the eventual fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham about the Exodus.
  • Ramban (Bereshit 50:25) adds that Yosef's request was not merely for personal burial in the Land of Israel, but also to strengthen the Israelites' belief in the future redemption. By making them swear to carry his bones, he ensured they would remember that their stay in Egypt was temporary.

The Double Language of "Pakod Yifkod"

The phrase "Pakod Yifkod" ("God will surely visit you") uses a doubled verb form, which our Sages derive additional meaning from:

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 17) teaches that this doubling hints at two future redemptions—the Exodus from Egypt and the final redemption in the days of Mashiach.
  • Talmud (Sotah 13a) notes that Moshe Rabbeinu later used this same phrase when speaking to the elders of Israel (Shemot 13:19), showing that he was fulfilling Yosef's request and emphasizing the continuity of the divine promise.

Why Bones and Not a Body?

Yosef specifically mentions his "atzamotai" (bones) rather than his body. Commentators explain:

  • Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 50:25) suggests this indicates Yosef's body would decompose in Egypt, but his bones would remain intact for transport.
  • Kli Yakar (Bereshit 50:25) offers a deeper insight: bones represent the enduring essence of a person (like the Hebrew word "etzem" meaning both "bone" and "essence"). Yosef wanted his spiritual legacy—his unwavering faith in Hashem's promises—to accompany Israel during their redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the fulfillment of Yosef's request to have his bones taken out of Egypt, highlighting the importance of keeping oaths and promises.
📖 Bava Batra 123a
Mentioned in a discussion about the merits of the tribes, particularly focusing on Yosef's righteousness and his request regarding his bones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef make the Israelites swear to take his bones out of Egypt?
A: Yosef wanted his bones to be buried in the Land of Israel, showing his deep connection to the Promised Land. According to Rashi, he foresaw through divine inspiration that the Israelites would eventually leave Egypt, and he wanted to ensure his remains would be taken with them. This also demonstrated his faith in Hashem's promise to bring the Jewish people out of Egypt (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 100:11).
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'Pakod Yifkod' ('God will surely visit you')?
A: The double language 'Pakod Yifkod' emphasizes certainty—Hashem would definitely redeem the Jewish people from Egypt. The Talmud (Sotah 13a) notes that this phrase became a code phrase among the Israelites in Egypt, signaling their future redemption. Moshe later used these same words when telling the Jewish people about their impending Exodus (Exodus 3:16).
Q: How was Yosef's oath about his bones fulfilled?
A: The Torah tells us in Exodus 13:19 that Moshe took Yosef's bones with them when leaving Egypt. The Midrash (Mechilta Bo) explains that while the Israelites were busy collecting Egyptian wealth during the Exodus, Moshe was occupied with fulfilling this sacred oath to carry Yosef's remains, showing the importance of keeping promises—especially those made to righteous individuals.
Q: Why didn't Yosef ask to be buried in Israel immediately after his death?
A: The Ramban explains that Yosef understood the Israelites would remain in Egypt for many years, and he didn't want his burial in Israel to make them feel settled in Egypt prematurely. By having his bones remain with them in Egypt, it served as a constant reminder that their stay was temporary and redemption would come (Ramban on Genesis 50:25).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's request about his bones?
A: Yosef teaches us the importance of maintaining connection to our heritage and homeland. Even as viceroy of Egypt, his ultimate loyalty was to the Land of Israel. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) also derives from here that one should be concerned about the proper burial of the righteous, as their merit can bring protection to the living.