Genesis 35:4 - Idols buried, purity restored

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּתְּנוּ אֶל־יַעֲקֹב אֵת כָּל־אֱלֹהֵי הַנֵּכָר אֲשֶׁר בְּיָדָם וְאֶת־הַנְּזָמִים אֲשֶׁר בְּאָזְנֵיהֶם וַיִּטְמֹן אֹתָם יַעֲקֹב תַּחַת הָאֵלָה אֲשֶׁר עִם־שְׁכֶם׃

English Translation

And they gave to Ya῾aqov all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Ya῾aqov hid them under the oak which was by Shekhem.

Transliteration

Vayitnu el-Yaakov et kol-elohay hanekhar asher b'yadam ve'et-hanezamim asher b'ozneyhem vayitmon otam Yaakov tachat ha'elah asher im-Shechem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֗ב אֵ֣ת כׇּל־אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַנֵּכָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּיָדָ֔ם וְאֶת־הַנְּזָמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּאׇזְנֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּטְמֹ֤ן אֹתָם֙ יַעֲקֹ֔ב תַּ֥חַת הָאֵלָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר עִם־שְׁכֶֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 35:4) describes the actions of Yaakov's household after the incident of Dinah in Shechem. Following the episode, Yaakov instructs his family to rid themselves of foreign idols and purify themselves before returning to Beit-El (Bethel), where he had previously made a vow to Hashem (Bereishit 28:20-22).

Removal of Foreign Gods

Rashi explains that the "strange gods" (אֱלֹהֵי הַנֵּכָר) refer to idols that were in the possession of Yaakov's household, possibly acquired during their time among the Canaanites. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:1) suggests that even Rachel had taken her father Lavan's terafim (household idols) when she left his home (Bereishit 31:19), and now, under Yaakov's leadership, the entire household relinquished them.

Significance of the Earrings

The earrings (נְזָמִים) are mentioned because they were often used in idol worship, as ornaments for pagan deities (see Ramban on this verse). The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 44a) discusses how jewelry could be associated with avodah zarah (idolatry), and thus, Yaakov ensured their removal as part of the spiritual purification process.

Yaakov's Action: Hiding the Idols

Yaakov did not destroy the idols but buried them under the oak tree near Shechem. Ramban explains that this was a deliberate act to prevent others from finding and misusing them. The oak tree (אֵלָה) is significant—some commentaries (Ibn Ezra) note that it was a well-known landmark, ensuring that no one would accidentally unearth the idols.

Spiritual Renewal

This episode marks a pivotal moment of teshuvah (repentance) for Yaakov's household. The removal of foreign gods symbolizes their recommitment to monotheism and the covenant with Hashem. The Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 35) connects this to the future commandment in Devarim (7:25-26) to destroy idols completely, showing Yaakov's foresight in distancing his family from spiritual contamination.

Lessons for Future Generations

Rejection of Idolatry: The Torah emphasizes the need to remove all traces of foreign worship, a theme later reinforced in the mitzvot of the Torah.
Leadership in Holiness: Yaakov's decisive action teaches that spiritual leaders must guide their households toward purity, even if it requires difficult measures.
Symbolic Burial: By burying the idols, Yaakov ensured they would not resurface—a lesson in permanently eliminating negative influences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 44a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prohibition of idol worship and the actions of Jacob in removing foreign gods from his household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 35:4 mean when it says they gave Yaakov their 'strange gods'?
A: The verse describes how Yaakov's family handed over their idolatrous objects ('strange gods') to him. According to Rashi, this shows their complete rejection of idol worship and commitment to serving Hashem alone. The earrings may have also been connected to idolatry, as some commentaries suggest they were used in pagan rituals.

Q: Why did Yaakov bury the idols under the oak tree?
A: The Midrash explains that Yaakov buried the idols to completely remove any trace of idolatry from his household. Burying them (rather than destroying them) ensured they couldn't be retrieved and used again. The oak tree near Shechem served as a landmark, possibly to remind future generations of this rejection of idolatry.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 35:4 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of removing all forms of idolatry - both physical objects and improper beliefs - from our lives. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah) derives from this that we must distance ourselves from anything that could lead to idol worship. On a deeper level, it shows the need to eliminate anything that comes between us and serving Hashem properly.

Q: Why is this verse about removing idols important in Judaism?
A: This event marks a crucial moment where Yaakov's family fully committed to monotheism. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 43b) discusses how this act established the principle of nullifying idols. It's significant because it shows our ancestors' rejection of the pagan practices common in that era and their dedication to Hashem.

Q: What do the earrings represent in this verse?
A: According to many commentators including Ibn Ezra, the earrings were likely amulets or ornaments used in idol worship. The Torah mentions them specifically because even items that seem harmless (like jewelry) can be spiritually dangerous if connected to idolatry. This teaches us to examine even mundane objects for any improper spiritual influences.