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Genesis 50:4 - Yosef seeks Pharaoh's favor

Genesis 50:4 - בראשית 50:4

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַבְרוּ יְמֵי בְכִיתוֹ וַיְדַבֵּר יוֹסֵף אֶל־בֵּית פַּרְעֹה לֵאמֹר אִם־נָא מָצָאתִי חֵן בְּעֵינֵיכֶם דַּבְּרוּ־נָא בְּאָזְנֵי פַרְעֹה לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And when the days of his mourning were past, Yosef spoke to the house of Par῾o, saying, If now I have found favour in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Par῾o, saying,

Transliteration

Va'ya'avru yemei v'chito va'y'daber Yosef el-beit Par'oh lemor im-na matzati chen b'eineichem dabru-na b'oznei Par'oh lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּֽעַבְרוּ֙ יְמֵ֣י בְכִית֔וֹ וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יוֹסֵ֔ף אֶל־בֵּ֥ית פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אִם־נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם דַּבְּרוּ־נָ֕א בְּאׇזְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַיַּֽעַבְרוּ֙ יְמֵ֣י בְכִית֔וֹ וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יוֹסֵ֔ף אֶל־בֵּ֥ית פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אִם־נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם דַּבְּרוּ־נָ֕א בְּאׇזְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Completion of Yosef's Mourning Period

The verse states, "And when the days of his mourning were past", referring to Yosef's mourning for his father Yaakov. Rashi (Bereshit 50:4) explains that the mourning period lasted for 30 days, as derived from the parallel case of Moshe's mourning (Devarim 34:8). The Ramban adds that Yosef observed the full mourning period despite his high position in Egypt, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to honoring his father.

Yosef's Diplomatic Approach to Pharaoh's Court

Yosef addresses "the house of Pharaoh" rather than Pharaoh directly. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 100:8) suggests this reflects Yosef's wisdom in Egyptian court etiquette—he first sought the support of Pharaoh's advisors before making a direct request. The phrase "If now I have found favor in your eyes" mirrors Avraham's language to Bnei Cheit (Bereshit 23:4), showing Yosef's humility and diplomatic skill.

  • Rashbam's Insight: Yosef waited until after mourning to avoid mixing personal grief with state affairs.
  • Sforno's Perspective: The request to "speak in the ears of Pharaoh" implies Yosef sought intermediaries to ensure proper protocol.

Theological Implications of Yosef's Conduct

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yosef maintained his Jewish identity in Pharaoh's palace. His insistence on proper mourning—and his careful speech—demonstrates that he never assimilated into Egyptian culture. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) notes that Yosef's phrasing "if I have found favor" reflects his awareness that true success comes from Divine favor, not human approval.

Halachic Dimensions of Mourning

The Talmud (Moed Katan 20a) derives from this verse that formal mourning (avelut) concludes after 30 days. Rambam (Hilchot Avel 6:1) codifies this as halacha, showing how biblical narratives establish enduring Jewish practices. The phrase "days of mourning" (ימי בכיתו) uses the singular form, teaching (as noted by Malbim) that true mourning requires complete emotional engagement during the designated period.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef wait until after the mourning period to speak to Pharaoh's house?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef waited until the mourning period for his father Yaakov was over before approaching Pharaoh's court because it would have been disrespectful to conduct official business while still in a state of mourning. Jewish law (halacha) prioritizes proper respect for the deceased and their mourning period.
Q: What does 'if I have found favor in your eyes' teach us about Yosef's character?
A: The Midrash notes that Yosef, despite being second-in-command to Pharaoh, humbly requests rather than demands assistance. This reflects the Jewish value of speaking gently and showing proper respect, even when in a position of power. The Rambam teaches that humility is a key character trait to develop.
Q: Why did Yosef ask others to speak to Pharaoh instead of going directly himself?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 34b) explains that Yosef followed proper protocol by working through Pharaoh's advisors rather than approaching the king directly with his request about burying Yaakov. This teaches the importance of derech eretz (proper conduct) and respecting governmental procedures, even for important matters.