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Genesis 50:5 - Honoring a father's final oath

Genesis 50:5 - בראשית 50:5

Hebrew Text

אָבִי הִשְׁבִּיעַנִי לֵאמֹר הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי מֵת בְּקִבְרִי אֲשֶׁר כָּרִיתִי לִי בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן שָׁמָּה תִּקְבְּרֵנִי וְעַתָּה אֶעֱלֶה־נָּא וְאֶקְבְּרָה אֶת־אָבִי וְאָשׁוּבָה׃

English Translation

My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Kena῾an there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come back.

Transliteration

Avi hishbi'ani lemor hineh anochi met bekivri asher kariti li be'eretz kena'an shamah tikbereni ve'atah e'eleh-na ve'ekberah et-avi ve'ashuvah.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָבִ֞י הִשְׁבִּיעַ֣נִי לֵאמֹ֗ר הִנֵּ֣ה אָנֹכִי֮ מֵת֒ בְּקִבְרִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר כָּרִ֤יתִי לִי֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן שָׁ֖מָּה תִּקְבְּרֵ֑נִי וְעַתָּ֗ה אֶֽעֱלֶה־נָּ֛א וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה אֶת־אָבִ֖י וְאָשֽׁוּבָה׃
אָבִ֞י הִשְׁבִּיעַ֣נִי לֵאמֹ֗ר הִנֵּ֣ה אָנֹכִי֮ מֵת֒ בְּקִבְרִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר כָּרִ֤יתִי לִי֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן שָׁ֖מָּה תִּקְבְּרֵ֑נִי וְעַתָּ֗ה אֶֽעֱלֶה־נָּ֛א וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה אֶת־אָבִ֖י וְאָשֽׁוּבָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 50:5) is part of Yosef's request to Pharaoh for permission to leave Egypt to bury his father, Yaakov, in the land of Canaan. Yaakov had made Yosef swear to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah, as recorded earlier in Genesis 47:29-31. The verse reflects Yosef's fulfillment of this oath and his deep respect for his father's final wishes.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yosef emphasizes "אָבִי הִשְׁבִּיעַנִי" ("my father made me swear") to show Pharaoh that this was not merely a personal request but a binding oath. By invoking the oath, Yosef demonstrates the gravity of his obligation. Rashi also notes that Yosef uses the phrase "בְּקִבְרִי אֲשֶׁר כָּרִיתִי לִי" ("in my grave which I have dug for myself") to indicate that Yaakov had prepared his burial place in advance, underscoring his intention to be buried in Eretz Canaan.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Avel 14:13) discusses the importance of honoring a parent's burial wishes, deriving from this verse that fulfilling such a request is a mitzvah. Yosef's insistence on burying Yaakov in Canaan highlights the significance of burial in Eretz Yisrael, a principle that remains central in Jewish law.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 96:5) teaches that Yaakov made Yosef swear because he foresaw that Pharaoh might resist letting Yosef leave Egypt. By framing it as an oath, Yosef could appeal to Pharaoh's respect for divine obligations.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayechi 16) suggests that Yaakov's burial in Canaan symbolized the future redemption of the Jewish people, as burial in the Land connects to the eventual resurrection of the dead.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 362) cites this verse as a source for the obligation to bury the dead promptly and in accordance with their wishes. Yosef's actions exemplify kibud av (honoring one's father), even after death, reinforcing the Torah's emphasis on familial and spiritual duties.

Linguistic Nuances

The phrase "וְעַתָּה אֶעֱלֶה־נָּא" ("Now therefore let me go up") uses the term "אֶעֱלֶה" ("go up"), which is often associated with ascending to Eretz Yisrael, reflecting its elevated spiritual status. Yosef's promise to return ("וְאָשׁוּבָה") also demonstrates his loyalty to Pharaoh while prioritizing his sacred duty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Jacob's burial and the oath Joseph took to bury him in the land of Canaan.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the importance of fulfilling oaths and the respect due to parents, particularly in the narrative of Joseph's actions regarding Jacob's burial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) want to be buried in Canaan?
A: Yaakov wanted to be buried in the land of Canaan because it is the Promised Land given by Hashem to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 96:5) explains that Yaakov knew the land of Canaan would be the future inheritance of his descendants, and being buried there connected him eternally to the holiness of the land. Additionally, Rashi notes that Yaakov made Yosef swear to bury him there to ensure his children would not abandon the land during the famine.
Q: What can we learn from Yosef keeping his oath to bury Yaakov in Canaan?
A: Yosef's commitment to fulfilling his father's request teaches the importance of honoring a parent's wishes, even after their passing. The Talmud (Kiddushin 31b) emphasizes the mitzvah of kibud av v'em (honoring one's father and mother), which extends beyond their lifetime. Yosef's actions also demonstrate the value of keeping one's word, as he went to great lengths to uphold his oath despite being a ruler in Egypt.
Q: Why did Yaakov dig his own grave in Canaan?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 96:5), Yaakov prepared his own burial place in advance to show his deep connection to the land of Canaan and his faith in Hashem's promise that his descendants would inherit it. Additionally, Rashi explains that by personally preparing his grave, Yaakov ensured that his burial would be carried out properly, without delay or dispute among his children.
Q: How does this verse relate to the Jewish value of burial in the Land of Israel?
A: This verse highlights the significance of burial in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), a value deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 5:11) teaches that being buried in the holy land has spiritual benefits. Yaakov's insistence on being buried in Canaan set a precedent for Jews throughout history who have sought to be buried in Eretz Yisrael, connecting them to the sanctity of the land and the legacy of our forefathers.
Q: Why did Yosef say 'I will come back' after burying Yaakov?
A: Yosef assured Pharaoh that he would return to Egypt after burying his father because, as the viceroy, he had responsibilities to the kingdom. Rashi explains that Yosef kept his word and returned, demonstrating his integrity. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) also notes that Yosef's return fulfilled the divine plan, as the Jewish people needed to remain in Egypt to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham about the Egyptian exile (Bereishit 15:13).