Exodus 1:8

Hebrew Bible

7 The Israelites, however, were fruitful, increased greatly, multiplied, and became extremely strong, so that the land was filled with them. 8 Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power over Egypt. 9 He said to his people, “Look at the Israelite people, more numerous and stronger than we are!

Onkelos Exodus 1:8

Targum

7 but the sons of Israel increased and propagated, and became great and very mighty, and the land was filled with them. 8 But a new king arose over Mizraim who did not fulfill the decrees of Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more numerous and stronger than we:

 Notes and References

"... Rather than translating the verse, Onkelos offers an original interpretation. Literally, the biblical text states that, 'A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.' Later talmudic interpretations, cited by Rashi, the eleventh-century commentator, attempt to explain the meaning of 'new king.' The targumist also tackles the problem associated with any king who would not 'know' of Joseph's accomplishments. Hence, in order not to disparage Joseph and his contributions to the Egyptian society, he suggests that the meaning of the text is that the new Pharaoh refused to 'fulfill Joseph's decrees' ..."

Drazin, Israel, and Stanley M. Wagner Onkelos on the Torah, Exodus: Understanding the Bible Text (p. 3) Gefen, 2006

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