Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'I am God Almighty' (El Shaddai) mean in Genesis 35:11?
A: The name 'El Shaddai' (אֵל שַׁדַּי) is one of the names of Hashem, often translated as 'God Almighty.' Rashi explains that it means Hashem is the One who said 'dai' (enough) to the world during Creation, setting limits to nature. It emphasizes His power to fulfill promises, as He is assuring Yaakov (Jacob) that He will uphold the covenant made with his fathers.
Q: Why does God repeat the command 'be fruitful and multiply' in Genesis 35:11?
A: The command 'be fruitful and multiply' (פְּרֵה וּרְבֵה) was first given to Adam and Noach, but here it is reaffirmed to Yaakov as part of the covenant. Ramban explains that this repetition emphasizes the special destiny of Yaakov’s descendants—the Jewish people—to become a great nation and fulfill their role in the world.
Q: What does 'a nation and a company of nations' refer to in Genesis 35:11?
A: The phrase 'a nation and a company of nations' (גּוֹי וּקְהַל גּוֹיִם) refers to the future tribes of Israel. Rashi explains that 'a nation' is Yehudah (Judah), who would produce kings, and 'a company of nations' refers to the tribes descended from Yosef (Joseph), who would also become powerful. This prophecy was fulfilled through the Twelve Tribes.
Q: How does the promise 'kings shall come from your loins' apply to Jewish history?
A: The promise that 'kings shall come from your loins' (וּמְלָכִים מֵחֲלָצֶיךָ יֵצֵאוּ) refers to the Davidic dynasty and later Jewish kings. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) connects this to King David and Mashiach (the Messiah), who will descend from Yaakov’s lineage. This highlights the Jewish people’s role in bringing righteous leadership to the world.
Q: Why is Genesis 35:11 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is crucial because it reaffirms the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people through Yaakov. It promises Jewish continuity, national greatness, and future kingship—foundational concepts in Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Berachot 13a) teaches that remembering these blessings strengthens our connection to our ancestors and our trust in divine promises.
Understanding the Divine Name "El Shaddai"
Rashi (Bereshit 17:1) explains that "El Shaddai" means "the One who is sufficient (שֶׁדַּי) to fulfill His promises." This name is used here because Hashem was about to fulfill His promise to Avraham regarding progeny. The Ramban adds that this name denotes Hashem's power to override nature, as the birth of Yitzchak was beyond natural possibility.
The Command to "Be Fruitful and Multiply"
The phrase "פְּרֵה וּרְבֵה" (be fruitful and multiply) echoes the original blessing given to Adam (Bereshit 1:28) and Noach (Bereshit 9:1). The Sforno notes that this repetition to Yaakov emphasizes that his descendants will inherit the land and fulfill the covenant. The Talmud (Yevamot 65b) derives from this verse that the mitzvah of procreation applies specifically to men.
"A Nation and a Company of Nations"
The promise "גּוֹי וּקְהַל גּוֹיִם" (a nation and a company of nations) is interpreted by Rashi as referring to Yaakov's descendants: the "nation" is Bnei Yisrael, and the "company of nations" includes the tribes of Efrayim and Menashe (from Yosef). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 47:6) expands that this alludes to future greatness where Yaakov's progeny will influence multiple nations.
"Kings Shall Come from Your Loins"
The phrase "וּמְלָכִים מֵחֲלָצֶיךָ יֵצֵאוּ" (kings shall come from your loins) is explained by the Radak as a prophecy about the Davidic dynasty and the future kings of Israel. The Kli Yakar connects this to the blessing given to Yehuda (Bereshit 49:10), showing that monarchy is an inherent part of Yaakov's legacy.