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Genesis 32:11 - Humility before Divine kindness

Genesis 32:11 - בראשית 32:11

Hebrew Text

קָטֹנְתִּי מִכֹּל הַחֲסָדִים וּמִכָּל־הָאֱמֶת אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתָ אֶת־עַבְדֶּךָ כִּי בְמַקְלִי עָבַרְתִּי אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן הַזֶּה וְעַתָּה הָיִיתִי לִשְׁנֵי מַחֲנוֹת׃

English Translation

I am unworthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shown Thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Yarden; and now I am become two camps.

Transliteration

Katoneti mikol hachasadim umikol-ha'emet asher asita et-avdecha ki vemakli avarti et-hayarden haze ve'ata hayiti lishnei machanot.

Hebrew Leining Text

קָטֹ֜נְתִּי מִכֹּ֤ל הַחֲסָדִים֙ וּמִכׇּל־הָ֣אֱמֶ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִׂ֖יתָ אֶת־עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֣י בְמַקְלִ֗י עָבַ֙רְתִּי֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַזֶּ֔ה וְעַתָּ֥ה הָיִ֖יתִי לִשְׁנֵ֥י מַחֲנֽוֹת׃
קָטֹ֜נְתִּי מִכֹּ֤ל הַחֲסָדִים֙ וּמִכׇּל־הָ֣אֱמֶ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִׂ֖יתָ אֶת־עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֣י בְמַקְלִ֗י עָבַ֙רְתִּי֙ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַזֶּ֔ה וְעַתָּ֥ה הָיִ֖יתִי לִשְׁנֵ֥י מַחֲנֽוֹת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 32:11) is part of Yaakov Avinu's prayer to Hashem before his encounter with Esav. Yaakov expresses humility and gratitude for the blessings he has received, acknowledging his unworthiness of Hashem's kindness.

Yaakov's Humility

Rashi explains that Yaakov's statement "קָטֹנְתִּי" ("I am unworthy") reflects his deep humility. Despite being chosen by Hashem and receiving numerous blessings, Yaakov does not take them for granted. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 76:2) elaborates that Yaakov felt his merits had diminished due to the wealth and success he had acquired, making him unworthy of further kindness.

The Meaning of "חֲסָדִים" and "אֱמֶת"

  • חֲסָדִים (Mercies): Ramban explains that "חֲסָדִים" refers to the undeserved kindness Hashem shows even when a person lacks sufficient merit. Yaakov acknowledges that all the good in his life comes from Hashem's grace.
  • אֱמֶת (Truth): The Sforno interprets "אֱמֶת" as the fulfillment of Hashem's promises. Yaakov recognizes that Hashem's loyalty to His word—such as the blessings given to Avraham and Yitzchak—is unwavering, even when he feels unworthy.

"With My Staff I Crossed This Jordan"

Yaakov contrasts his past and present: when he fled from Esav, he had nothing but a staff (Bereshit 32:10), yet now he returns with great wealth and family. The Kli Yakar notes that this emphasizes Hashem's providence—Yaakov's success was not due to his own efforts but to divine blessing.

"Now I Have Become Two Camps"

Rashi explains that Yaakov divided his family and possessions into two groups (מַחֲנוֹת) as a strategic measure against Esav's potential attack. The Ohr HaChaim adds that this also reflects Yaakov's spiritual insight—he prepared both physically and through prayer, demonstrating his trust in Hashem's protection.

Spiritual Lesson

The verse teaches the importance of humility and recognizing that all blessings come from Hashem. As the Rambam writes (Hilchot De'ot 2:3), true greatness lies in acknowledging one's limitations and attributing success to divine favor rather than personal merit.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Jacob's humility and his acknowledgment of God's kindness, illustrating his modest self-assessment despite his significant blessings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yaakov mean when he says 'I am unworthy of all the kindness' in Genesis 32:11?
A: Yaakov is expressing deep humility before facing his brother Esav. According to Rashi, Yaakov acknowledges that all the blessings and protection he received from Hashem were undeserved gifts ('chesed'), recognizing his own unworthiness despite Hashem's constant faithfulness ('emet').
Q: Why does Yaakov mention crossing the Yarden with just a staff?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 76:2) explains that Yaakov contrasts his humble beginnings (fleeing from Esav with nothing but a walking stick) with his current wealth (two large camps of family and possessions). This highlights Hashem's kindness in multiplying his blessings, making him feel even more unworthy.
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov becoming 'two camps'?
A: Rashi explains that Yaakov prepared two groups as a practical strategy against potential attack from Esav (dividing his family to ensure survival), while also alluding to his spiritual legacy - the future division of Klal Yisrael into two kingdoms (Yehudah and Yisrael) while remaining one nation under Hashem.
Q: How can we apply Yaakov's prayer in our lives today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that Yaakov's humility is a model for our own prayers. Even when we've worked hard for our achievements (like Yaakov's 20 years of labor), we must recognize that everything comes from Hashem's kindness. This attitude protects us from arrogance and helps us face challenges with faith.
Q: Why does Yaakov use both 'chesed' (kindness) and 'emet' (truth) in his prayer?
A: The Malbim explains that 'chesed' refers to undeserved gifts (like protection from Lavan), while 'emet' refers to Hashem keeping His promises (such as the blessings given to Avraham). Yaakov acknowledges both aspects of Divine providence - that Hashem gives beyond what we deserve and remains faithful to His word.