share torah logo

Genesis 49:29 - Final resting place request

Genesis 49:29 - בראשית 49:29

Hebrew Text

וַיְצַו אוֹתָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם אֲנִי נֶאֱסָף אֶל־עַמִּי קִבְרוּ אֹתִי אֶל־אֲבֹתָי אֶל־הַמְּעָרָה אֲשֶׁר בִּשְׂדֵה עֶפְרוֹן הַחִתִּי׃

English Translation

And he charged them, and said to them, I am to be gathered to my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of ῾Efron, the Ḥittite,

Transliteration

Va'yetzav otam va'yomer alehem ani ne'esaf el-ami kivru oti el-avotai el-hame'ara asher bisdeh Efron ha'Chiti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְצַ֣ו אוֹתָ֗ם וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ אֲנִי֙ נֶאֱסָ֣ף אֶל־עַמִּ֔י קִבְר֥וּ אֹתִ֖י אֶל־אֲבֹתָ֑י אֶ֨ל־הַמְּעָרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בִּשְׂדֵ֖ה עֶפְר֥וֹן הַֽחִתִּֽי׃
וַיְצַ֣ו אוֹתָ֗ם וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ אֲנִי֙ נֶאֱסָ֣ף אֶל־עַמִּ֔י קִבְר֥וּ אֹתִ֖י אֶל־אֲבֹתָ֑י אֶ֨ל־הַמְּעָרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בִּשְׂדֵ֖ה עֶפְר֥וֹן הַֽחִתִּֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 49:29) records Yaakov Avinu's final instructions to his sons regarding his burial. It occurs at the conclusion of his blessings to the twelve tribes, just before his passing. The request to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah reflects Yaakov's deep connection to his ancestors and the sanctity of the land of Israel.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "I am to be gathered to my people" that this refers to the soul's reunion with its ancestors in the afterlife (Olam HaBa). He notes that this expression is used for righteous individuals, whereas for the wicked, the Torah uses language of being "cut off." Rashi also explains that Yaakov emphasized burial with his fathers to ensure his children would honor this request, as he feared they might prefer to bury him in Egypt.

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that Yaakov's insistence on burial in Eretz Yisrael demonstrates his belief in techiyas hameisim (resurrection of the dead). He wanted to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah - the resting place of Adam and Chava, Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivka - to be among the righteous who will be resurrected when Mashiach comes.

Midrashic Perspectives

  • The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 96:5) states that Yaakov was particularly insistent about being buried in the Cave of Machpelah because he had purchased it (through Avraham) from Efron the Hittite, making it his legal inheritance.
  • Another Midrashic teaching notes that Yaakov's use of the term "my people" rather than "my fathers" hints at his reunion with both his ancestors and all righteous souls in the World to Come.

Halachic Significance

The Rambam (Hilchos Avel 14:13) derives from this verse the importance of fulfilling a dying person's burial requests. Yaakov's detailed instructions about the exact location ("the cave in the field of Efron the Hittite") teach us to be precise in carrying out such final wishes.

Symbolic Meaning

Chassidic commentators (such as the Sefas Emes) explain that Yaakov's burial request represents the eternal Jewish connection to Eretz Yisrael. Even while living in Egypt, Yaakov ensured his ultimate return to the Holy Land, symbolizing that a Jew's true home is always in Israel.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Jacob's burial instructions and the honor shown to him by his sons.
📖 Bava Batra 123a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the inheritance of the land and the significance of burial with one's ancestors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I am to be gathered to my people' mean in Genesis 49:29?
A: The phrase 'I am to be gathered to my people' refers to Jacob's impending death. According to Rashi, it means that his soul will join his ancestors in the afterlife. This expression is commonly used in the Torah to describe passing away with dignity and being reunited with one's forefathers.
Q: Why did Jacob specifically request to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah?
A: Jacob wanted to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah (the field of Efron the Hittite) because it was the burial place of his ancestors—Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and his wife Leah. The Midrash teaches that being buried there connects a person to the merits of the righteous and symbolizes eternal connection to the Land of Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's burial request in Genesis 49:29?
A: Jacob's request teaches the importance of honoring family traditions and maintaining a connection to one's heritage. The Rambam (Hilchot Avel 12:1) emphasizes that proper burial is a great mitzvah, and Jacob’s instructions show his concern for continuity and respect for his ancestors.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Efron the Hittite in this verse?
A: The Torah mentions Efron the Hittite to remind us that the Cave of Machpelah was legally purchased by Abraham (as described in Genesis 23), ensuring it would forever belong to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this detail reinforces the legitimacy of the Jewish claim to the burial site.
Q: How does Jacob's burial request apply to Jewish practice today?
A: Jacob’s request sets a precedent for the Jewish value of proper burial (Kevurah) in ancestral land. Today, many Jews still wish to be buried in Israel or near family, following this tradition. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 47a) teaches that burial brings comfort to the soul, and Jacob’s example highlights the importance of preparing for burial with dignity.