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Genesis 31:18 - Jacob's wealth returns home

Genesis 31:18 - בראשית 31:18

Hebrew Text

וַיִּנְהַג אֶת־כָּל־מִקְנֵהוּ וְאֶת־כָּל־רְכֻשׁוֹ אֲשֶׁר רָכָשׁ מִקְנֵה קִנְיָנוֹ אֲשֶׁר רָכַשׁ בְּפַדַּן אֲרָם לָבוֹא אֶל־יִצְחָק אָבִיו אַרְצָה כְּנָעַן׃

English Translation

and he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had acquired, the cattle of his getting, which he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to Yiżĥaq his father in the land of Kena῾an.

Transliteration

Vayinhag et-kol-miknehu ve'et-kol-rekhusho asher rakhash mikne kin'yano asher rakhash b'Fadan Aram lavo el-Yitzchak aviv artza Kna'an.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּנְהַ֣ג אֶת־כׇּל־מִקְנֵ֗הוּ וְאֶת־כׇּל־רְכֻשׁוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָכָ֔שׁ מִקְנֵה֙ קִנְיָנ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָכַ֖שׁ בְּפַדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם לָב֛וֹא אֶל־יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן׃
וַיִּנְהַ֣ג אֶת־כׇּל־מִקְנֵ֗הוּ וְאֶת־כׇּל־רְכֻשׁוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָכָ֔שׁ מִקְנֵה֙ קִנְיָנ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָכַ֖שׁ בְּפַדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם לָב֛וֹא אֶל־יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Context

The verse (Bereshit 31:18) describes Yaakov's departure from Lavan's household, taking with him all his possessions as he returns to his father Yitzchak in Eretz Canaan. This marks the culmination of Yaakov's 20-year stay in Padan Aram, fulfilling his initial journey to find a wife and escape Esav's wrath.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "מִקְנֵה קִנְיָנוֹ" (the cattle of his getting) refers specifically to the livestock Yaakov acquired through his clever breeding strategies (Bereshit 30:37-43). The double language emphasizes that these were rightfully his, not taken unlawfully from Lavan. Rashi also notes that the Torah mentions "Paddan Aram" to contrast Yaakov's pure intentions with Lavan's deceit - while Lavan sought to exploit Yaakov, Yaakov only took what he earned honestly.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra observes that the verse stresses Yaakov's complete departure - he took all his possessions without leaving anything behind in Padan Aram. This demonstrates his final break from Lavan's influence and his full commitment to returning to his ancestral homeland.

Midrashic Interpretation (Bereshit Rabbah)

  • The Midrash highlights that Yaakov's wealth acquisition in Padan Aram fulfilled Yitzchak's blessing (Bereshit 28:3-4) that he would become a "congregation of nations" - his material success represented the spiritual potential of his future descendants.
  • It also notes that the phrase "to go to Yitzchak his father" shows Yaakov's filial piety - despite his wealth and family, he still honored his father by returning to him.

Ramban's Perspective

Ramban explains that the detailed accounting of Yaakov's possessions teaches that material wealth is only meaningful when acquired honestly and used for divine purposes. Yaakov's careful tracking of his property demonstrated his integrity, contrasting with Lavan's constant attempts to cheat him.

Halachic Implication (Choshen Mishpat)

Later halachic authorities derive from this verse that one must be scrupulous in business dealings, as Yaakov was careful to only take what rightfully belonged to him. The emphasis on his honest acquisition establishes an ethical standard for Jewish commercial conduct.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 31:18 mean?
A: Genesis 31:18 describes Yaakov (Jacob) leaving Lavan's household with all the livestock and possessions he acquired while living in Paddan-Aram, returning to his father Yitzchak (Isaac) in the land of Canaan. According to Rashi, this emphasizes Yaakov's fulfillment of his commitment to leave Lavan after acquiring wealth and starting his family, as promised to Hashem (Genesis 28:20-22).
Q: Why is it important that Yaakov took his possessions back to Canaan?
A: This verse highlights Yaakov's obedience to Hashem's command to return to his homeland (Genesis 31:3). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that Yaakov's wealth was rightfully earned despite Lavan's deception, showing Divine justice. Bringing his possessions to Canaan also fulfilled the promise that Avraham's descendants would inherit the land.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov gathering his livestock and property before leaving?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 91a) notes that Yaakov carefully accounted for all his possessions, teaching the importance of honesty and responsibility with one's wealth. Rambam (Hilchot Gezeila 5:1) derives from this that a person must safeguard their property ethically, even when relocating.
Q: How does this verse connect to Yaakov's earlier journey to Paddan-Aram?
A: Rashi explains that this verse parallels Yaakov's original journey (Genesis 28:5)—then he left Canaan empty-handed, but now returns with family and wealth, fulfilling Hashem's promise of protection and prosperity (Genesis 28:15). The Midrash Tanchuma emphasizes this as a lesson in Divine providence.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'the cattle of his getting'?
A: The phrase 'mikneh kinyano' (cattle of his acquisition) stresses that Yaakov's wealth was legally obtained. Ibn Ezra explains that this counters Lavan's later accusation of theft (Genesis 31:43)—the Torah clarifies Yaakov rightfully owned these through his labor and Hashem's blessing (Genesis 31:9).