The above verse tells of the dramatic reunion between Joseph and Jacob after more than twenty years of separation. Jacob thought that Joseph was dead and now he is reunited with his beloved son.

If you read the above verse, it is unclear exactly who is crying, Jacob or Joseph. One thing that is clear is that there is only one person crying at this extraordinary reunion.

Is it Jacob or Joseph?

The Biblical commentators struggle with this question and naturally it is a split decision. Some say it was Joseph weeping on Jacob while others say Jacob was weeping on Joseph.

While there are many suggestions, let’s examine two ideas.

The first opinion says that it was in fact Joseph who was crying at this emotion drenched reunion and not Jacob.

Why wasn’t Jacob crying? Was he not filled with emotions?

Jacob of course was overwhelmed with emotions but he, like Joseph, saw the hand of God in everything. There are no vacations from God even when he is being reunited with a son after all these years.

Jacob took the emotional energy of the moment and instead of letting his emotions control him, he took control of his emotions. He channeled the intensity of the moment, the unbridled raw emotion and controlled it. He focused it on his gratitude and love of God. It was God’s love that allowed for this reunion.

The second opinion says that in fact it was Jacob who was crying and not Joseph.

Why wasn’t Joseph crying? Was he not filled with emotions?

Yes, Joseph was emotional but not to the same extent that Jacob was. You cannot compare the love of parent for a child to the love of a child for a parent.

The moment a child is born and even before the birth, the parents are immediately engaged in loving the child. The child receives the unconditional love of his/her parents. It is only later that a child can develop true love for their parents.

There is nothing like a parent’s love for a child.

The Jewish Sages tell us that no one likes to be outdone by another person. The exceptions to this rule are parents and teachers.

Parents are filled with pride and joy when their children do better than them. Parents are not jealous of their children’s successes.

Bottom line is that a case can be made for both positions. I would suggest that God in His infinite wisdom chose a purposeful ambiguity in the text in order for us to learn multiple lessons.