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Genesis 50:8 - Family unites for final journey

Genesis 50:8 - בראשית 50:8

Hebrew Text

וְכֹל בֵּית יוֹסֵף וְאֶחָיו וּבֵית אָבִיו רַק טַפָּם וְצֹאנָם וּבְקָרָם עָזְבוּ בְּאֶרֶץ גֹּשֶׁן׃

English Translation

And all the house of Yosef, and his brothers, and his father’s house: only their little ones, and their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen.

Transliteration

Vechol beit Yosef ve'echav uveit aviv rak tapam vetzonam uvkaram azvu be'eretz Goshen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכֹל֙ בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֔ף וְאֶחָ֖יו וּבֵ֣ית אָבִ֑יו רַ֗ק טַפָּם֙ וְצֹאנָ֣ם וּבְקָרָ֔ם עָזְב֖וּ בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן׃
וְכֹל֙ בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֔ף וְאֶחָ֖יו וּבֵ֣ית אָבִ֑יו רַ֗ק טַפָּם֙ וְצֹאנָ֣ם וּבְקָרָ֔ם עָזְב֖וּ בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 50:8) describes the departure of Yaakov's family from Egypt to accompany his body for burial in the Cave of Machpelah in Chevron. The Torah emphasizes that only the children, flocks, and herds remained in Goshen, while the adults—the entire household of Yosef, his brothers, and Yaakov’s household—went up to Eretz Yisrael for the burial.

Rashi’s Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 50:8) notes that the phrase "וְכֹל בֵּית יוֹסֵף" ("all the house of Yosef") includes not only Yosef’s immediate family but also his servants and attendants. The phrase "וְאֶחָיו" ("and his brothers") refers to the other sons of Yaakov, while "וּבֵית אָבִיו" ("and his father’s household") includes the extended family, such as the families of Yaakov’s sons.

Why Only the Children and Livestock Stayed

  • Protection of the Young: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 100:9) explains that the children were left behind because the journey was arduous, and it was safer for them to remain in Goshen under Egyptian care.
  • Economic Considerations: The livestock remained to ensure the family’s livelihood would not be disrupted. Ramban (Bereishit 50:8) suggests that leaving the animals behind also demonstrated trust in Hashem’s promise that they would return to Egypt afterward.
  • Egyptian Suspicion: The Sforno notes that taking all possessions might have raised suspicions among the Egyptians that the Israelites intended to flee permanently, which could have led to conflict.

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar (Bereishit 50:8) highlights that the separation between those who went to bury Yaakov and those who stayed symbolizes the distinction between spiritual and material concerns. The adults, who were responsible for fulfilling the mitzvah of burial, prioritized this sacred duty, while the children and livestock—representing physical and future concerns—remained behind.

Connection to Future Redemption

The Or HaChaim (Bereishit 50:8) sees a deeper message: just as Yosef and his brothers temporarily left Egypt for a holy purpose but returned, so too would their descendants later leave Egypt permanently for the ultimate redemption. The verse thus foreshadows Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 50:8 mean when it says they left their little ones and flocks in Goshen?
A: This verse describes that when Yaakov's family went to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah, they left their young children and livestock behind in Goshen (Rashi on Genesis 50:8). This shows they made proper arrangements to care for their dependents before traveling for the burial.
Q: Why is it significant that Yosef's brothers are mentioned separately from 'his father's house' in this verse?
A: The Torah specifies 'his brothers' separately to show that despite their past conflicts, they were now fully reconciled and united in honoring their father (Bereishit Rabbah 100:9). The phrase 'his father's house' likely refers to other family members beyond the brothers.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Yosef's family handled Yaakov's burial?
A: We learn the importance of properly honoring parents even after their passing (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 199:1). Though they had to travel far, they made sure their children and livestock would be cared for, showing responsibility alongside honoring their father.
Q: Why did they leave their flocks in Goshen instead of bringing them?
A: They left the livestock because this was a solemn funeral procession, not a migration (Ramban on Genesis 50:8). Additionally, Goshen was fertile land ideal for grazing (Genesis 47:6), so it made sense to leave their valuable herds there with caretakers.
Q: How does this verse show the unity of Yaakov's family?
A: The phrase 'all the house of Yosef, and his brothers, and his father's house' demonstrates that despite past divisions, the family was now completely united in mourning and honoring Yaakov (Sforno on Genesis 50:8). This unity fulfilled Yaakov's final wishes for his children.