Deception Through Disguise in the Joseph Story to Complete Midah K'neged Midah

Abstract

This paper will examine the role of clothing and its relation to the theme of midah k'neged midah, often translated as a type of measure for measure punishment, as it unfolds in the Joseph story in Genesis. While Joseph’s brothers and father seem to receive proportional punishments for the sins that they commit, due to ambiguities in the story regarding God’s role, it is unclear who or what is driving this “measure for measure punishment” scheme. Is it Joseph, God, or perhaps simply nature’s equilibrium? This paper will  investigate each of these three possible mechanisms for the ultimate fulfillment of midah k'neged midah based on textual clues of divine presence and human agency. Based on a close textual reading and analysis, this paper will conclude that while divine intervention appears to play a role in providing Joseph with opportunities, ultimately, Joseph is the one who capitalizes on these opportunities in order to complete his revenge scheme. 

This narrative also illustrates the concept of maaseh avot siman l’banim (the actions of the forefathers are a sign for the children), representing how the mistakes of earlier generations have a cyclical effect on their descendents. This principle serves as a timeless warning to future generations, cautioning individuals to avoid past mistakes of their ancestors. Although the text contains many ambiguities, it seems clear that humans, like Joseph, certainly play some role in shaping their own destiny, and thus can hopefully break the cycle of sinning that began with the forefathers.