Genesis 37:11 - Brothers' jealousy sparks destiny

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Hebrew Text

וַיְקַנְאוּ־בוֹ אֶחָיו וְאָבִיו שָׁמַר אֶת־הַדָּבָר׃

English Translation

And his brothers envied him

Transliteration

Vaykan'u-bo echav ve'aviv shamar et-hadavar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְקַנְאוּ־ב֖וֹ אֶחָ֑יו וְאָבִ֖יו שָׁמַ֥ר אֶת־הַדָּבָֽר׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse "וַיְקַנְאוּ־בוֹ אֶחָיו" ("And his brothers envied him") appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 37:11, describing the reaction of Yosef's brothers after he shares his prophetic dreams with them. This envy ultimately leads to their plot against him, setting in motion the events that bring Yosef to Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary on the Verse

Rashi explains that the brothers' envy stemmed from Yosef's dreams, which implied his future leadership over them. They saw his dreams as arrogance or delusions of grandeur, particularly because Yaakov (their father) seemed to favor Yosef, as evidenced by the ketonet passim (coat of many colors). Rashi notes that the Torah emphasizes their jealousy as the root cause of their later actions against Yosef.

The Rambam's Perspective on Envy

Rambam (Maimonides), in Hilchot De'ot, discusses the destructive nature of envy (kinah), classifying it as one of the negative traits that distance a person from proper ethical conduct. The brothers' envy of Yosef serves as a cautionary tale about how unchecked jealousy can lead to severe consequences, including strife within families.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 84:9) elaborates on the brothers' mindset, stating that their jealousy was not merely about Yosef's dreams but also about their father's apparent favoritism. The Midrash contrasts their reaction with Yaakov's response—"וְאָבִיו שָׁמַר אֶת־הַדָּבָר" ("and his father kept the matter in mind")—suggesting that Yaakov, as a prophet, recognized the divine significance of Yosef's dreams.

Lessons from the Talmud

The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) teaches that parental favoritism can lead to discord among siblings, as seen in this episode. The Gemara warns against showing preferential treatment to one child over others, as it can ignite jealousy and conflict.

Key Takeaways

The brothers' envy was rooted in Yosef's dreams and perceived favoritism from Yaakov.
Rashi highlights jealousy as the driving force behind their later actions.
Rambam warns of the moral dangers of envy in interpersonal relationships.
The Midrash contrasts the brothers' impulsive jealousy with Yaakov's contemplative response.
The Talmud underscores the importance of fairness in parenting to avoid sibling rivalry.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55a

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing dreams and their interpretations, relating to the story of Joseph and his brothers.

📖 Sanhedrin 102a

The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the consequences of envy and strife among brothers, using Joseph's story as an example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Joseph's brothers envy him?
A: Joseph's brothers envied him because he received special attention from their father Jacob, including the gift of the 'coat of many colors,' and because he shared dreams that suggested he would rule over them (Genesis 37:3-11). Rashi explains that their jealousy stemmed from Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams.

Q: What does it mean that Jacob 'kept the matter in mind' (שָׁמַר אֶת־הַדָּבָר)?
A: When the Torah says Jacob 'kept the matter in mind,' it means he remembered and reflected on Joseph's dreams. Rashi explains that Jacob waited to see if the dreams would come true, understanding they might be prophetic. The Midrash adds that Jacob recognized the divine nature of the dreams but did not share this with Joseph's brothers to avoid further conflict.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the jealousy of Joseph's brothers?
A: The jealousy of Joseph's brothers teaches the dangers of envy (קִנְאָה) and its destructive consequences. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) warns that jealousy can lead to strife and even sin, as seen when Joseph's brothers later sold him into slavery. Jewish ethics, as discussed in works like Rambam's 'Hilchot De’ot,' emphasize overcoming negative traits like envy through self-improvement and gratitude.

Q: How does this verse relate to family relationships in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights the importance of harmony within families. The Torah shows how favoritism (like Jacob's toward Joseph) can create tension. Jewish tradition, as discussed in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 1:6), stresses fair treatment of others and avoiding actions that might provoke jealousy. The story reminds us to foster unity and communication in family relationships.