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Genesis 13:16 - Countless as earth's dust

Genesis 13:16 - בראשית 13:16

Hebrew Text

וְשַׂמְתִּי אֶת־זַרְעֲךָ כַּעֲפַר הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אִם־יוּכַל אִישׁ לִמְנוֹת אֶת־עֲפַר הָאָרֶץ גַּם־זַרְעֲךָ יִמָּנֶה׃

English Translation

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

Transliteration

Vesamti et-zar'akha ka'afar ha'aretz asher im-yukhal ish limnot et-afar ha'aretz gam-zar'akha yimaneh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשַׂמְתִּ֥י אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֖ כַּעֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֑רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֣ר <b>׀</b> אִם־יוּכַ֣ל אִ֗ישׁ לִמְנוֹת֙ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ גַּֽם־זַרְעֲךָ֖ יִמָּנֶֽה׃
וְשַׂמְתִּ֥י אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֖ כַּעֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֑רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ אִם־יוּכַ֣ל אִ֗ישׁ לִמְנוֹת֙ אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ גַּֽם־זַרְעֲךָ֖ יִמָּנֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

The verse (Bereshit 13:16) contains Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth. Rashi explains that this metaphor emphasizes the impossibility of counting Avraham's offspring, just as one cannot count the particles of dust on the earth. The comparison to dust also signifies that Avraham's descendants will inherit the land, as dust is intrinsically connected to the earth.

Symbolic Interpretation (Remez)

Ramban offers a deeper insight, suggesting that the comparison to dust alludes to the humility and resilience of the Jewish people. Just as dust is trodden upon yet endures, so too will Avraham's descendants withstand oppression and remain steadfast in their faith. Additionally, dust is a medium for growth—hinting that the Jewish people will be a source of blessing for the world.

Midrashic Perspective (Derash)

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 41:9) elaborates that the verse carries a dual promise:

  • Physical Proliferation: The Jewish people will multiply beyond human calculation, fulfilling the blessing of numerical abundance.
  • Spiritual Influence: Like dust scattered across the earth, Avraham's descendants will spread Torah and righteousness to all corners of the world.

Halachic Implication (Sod)

The Seforno connects this verse to the mitzvah of Yishuv Ha'aretz (settling the Land of Israel). Just as dust is inseparable from the earth, so too is the Jewish people's destiny tied to Eretz Yisrael. The promise of uncountable offspring is contingent upon their connection to the land, reinforcing the eternal bond between Am Yisrael and their inheritance.

Practical Lesson

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch teaches that this verse reminds the Jewish people of their mission: to be humble yet impactful, like dust—insignificant in appearance but essential for the world's sustenance. The promise of abundance is not merely about numbers but about fulfilling a divine purpose through Torah and mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 88b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings given to Abraham and the comparison of his descendants to the dust of the earth, emphasizing their innumerable nature.
📖 Berakhot 32a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the merits of the patriarchs and the promises made to them by God, particularly focusing on the promise of numerous descendants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 13:16 mean when it says Avram's descendants will be like the dust of the earth?
A: This verse means that Avram's (later called Avraham) descendants, the Jewish people, will be as numerous as the dust of the earth - uncountable. Rashi explains this shows both great quantity and that just as dust is trampled underfoot but endures, so too the Jewish people will survive despite oppression.
Q: Why is this promise to Avraham important in Judaism?
A: This promise is fundamental because it establishes the eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam teaches that this blessing shows our special relationship with G-d and our role as His chosen nation to fulfill Torah and mitzvot in the world.
Q: How does the comparison to dust teach us about the Jewish people?
A: The Midrash teaches that like dust: 1) The Jewish people are spread worldwide, 2) We are humble like dust, 3) Just as dust fertilizes growth, we bring spiritual growth to the world, and 4) Like dust outlasts all, we are an eternal nation.
Q: Has this promise about numerous descendants been fulfilled?
A: Yes, the Talmud (Berachos 13a) discusses how this was fulfilled both physically (with our large numbers) and spiritually (through converts who join the Jewish people). Throughout history, despite exile and persecution, the Jewish people have continued to survive and thrive.
Q: What practical lesson can we take from this verse today?
A: This teaches us to have faith in Hashem's eternal promises. Just as Avraham trusted in this blessing despite having no children at the time, we must trust in our special relationship with G-d. It also reminds us of our responsibility to live as proud Jews and continue our heritage.