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Genesis 30:34 - Lavan's deceptive agreement revealed?

Genesis 30:34 - בראשית 30:34

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לָבָן הֵן לוּ יְהִי כִדְבָרֶךָ׃

English Translation

And Lavan said, Behold, would it might be according to thy word.

Transliteration

Vayomer Lavan hen lu yehi kidvarekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָבָ֖ן הֵ֑ן ל֖וּ יְהִ֥י כִדְבָרֶֽךָ׃
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָבָ֖ן הֵ֑ן ל֖וּ יְהִ֥י כִדְבָרֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Genesis 30:34) appears in the narrative of Yaakov's negotiations with Lavan regarding the division of livestock. Lavan agrees to Yaakov's proposal that the speckled and spotted sheep and goats, as well as the dark-colored lambs, would belong to Yaakov as his wages.

Lavan's Response: A Superficial Agreement

Rashi explains that Lavan's words, "הֵן לוּ יְהִי כִדְבָרֶךָ" ("Behold, would it might be according to thy word"), indicate a reluctant and insincere agreement. The term "לוּ" (would that) is often used in Tanach to express a wish that is unlikely to be fulfilled (see Rashi on Genesis 17:18). Lavan appears to consent, but his tone suggests he does not truly expect Yaakov's plan to succeed.

Lavan's Cunning Nature

Midrashic sources (e.g., Bereishit Rabbah 73:10) highlight Lavan's deceitful character. His response reflects his underlying intent to manipulate the situation. The Midrash compares Lavan to a snake that pretends to listen but is planning to strike. Despite his outward agreement, Lavan later attempts to change the terms repeatedly (Genesis 31:7), demonstrating his untrustworthiness.

Yaakov's Wisdom in the Agreement

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Yaakov's proposal was Divinely inspired, as later evidenced by the miraculous growth of the speckled and spotted flocks (Genesis 31:10-12). Lavan's reluctant agreement unwittingly set the stage for Yaakov's eventual prosperity, fulfilling Hashem's promise to Yaakov (Genesis 28:13-15).

Linguistic Nuances

  • "הֵן" (Behold) – Often used to introduce a statement with an element of surprise or irony (Ibn Ezra). Here, it underscores Lavan's feigned enthusiasm.
  • "לוּ" (Would that) – Implies doubt, as if Lavan is saying, "If only it would happen this way," hinting at his disbelief in Yaakov's success.

Moral Lesson

The Sforno teaches that this episode illustrates the principle that those who scheme against the righteous ultimately fail, as "the counsel of Hashem alone shall stand" (Proverbs 19:21). Lavan's insincerity contrasts with Yaakov's integrity, showing that honesty and trust in Hashem prevail.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Lavan mean when he says 'Behold, would it might be according to thy word' in Genesis 30:34?
A: Rashi explains that Lavan is reluctantly agreeing to Yaakov's proposal about dividing the flocks (Genesis 30:31-33). Though Lavan seems to accept the terms, his wording shows hesitation and lack of sincerity, foreshadowing his later attempts to deceive Yaakov (Genesis 31:7).
Q: Why is Lavan's response in Genesis 30:34 significant?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 73:13) highlights that Lavan's words reveal his dishonest character. While pretending to agree, he was already planning to change the terms later. This teaches us about being cautious in dealings with untrustworthy people, as Yaakov had to be with Lavan.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 30:34 about agreements between people?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 13b) derives from this verse that one should be clear and explicit in agreements to avoid misunderstandings. Yaakov learned from this experience with Lavan and later made clear contracts (Genesis 31:44-54). The verse teaches the importance of honesty and clarity in business dealings according to Jewish law (Choshen Mishpat 204).