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Genesis 24:16 - Modest maiden's divine match foreshadowed

Genesis 24:16 - בראשית 24:16

Hebrew Text

וְהַנַּעֲרָ טֹבַת מַרְאֶה מְאֹד בְּתוּלָה וְאִישׁ לֹא יְדָעָהּ וַתֵּרֶד הָעַיְנָה וַתְּמַלֵּא כַדָּהּ וַתָּעַל׃

English Translation

And the girl was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Transliteration

Veha'na'ara tovat mareh me'od betulah ve'ish lo yeda'ah vayered ha'aynah vatemale kadah vata'al.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַֽנַּעֲרָ֗ טֹבַ֤ת מַרְאֶה֙ מְאֹ֔ד בְּתוּלָ֕ה וְאִ֖ישׁ לֹ֣א יְדָעָ֑הּ וַתֵּ֣רֶד הָעַ֔יְנָה וַתְּמַלֵּ֥א כַדָּ֖הּ וַתָּֽעַל׃
וְהַֽנַּעֲרָ֗ טֹבַ֤ת מַרְאֶה֙ מְאֹ֔ד בְּתוּלָ֕ה וְאִ֖ישׁ לֹ֣א יְדָעָ֑הּ וַתֵּ֣רֶד הָעַ֔יְנָה וַתְּמַלֵּ֥א כַדָּ֖הּ וַתָּֽעַל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis: Ruth 2:17

The verse describes Ruth's appearance, purity, and actions at the well. Orthodox Jewish commentators provide deep insights into each element of this passage.

1. "וְהַנַּעֲרָ טֹבַת מַרְאֶה מְאֹד" – "The girl was very fair to look upon"

Rashi explains that Ruth's beauty was not merely physical but reflected her inner righteousness (מדת חסידות). The Midrash (Ruth Rabbah 4:6) states that her "good appearance" (טובת מראה) alludes to her future lineage, as she would become the ancestress of King David and the Messianic line.

2. "בְּתוּלָה וְאִישׁ לֹא יְדָעָהּ" – "A virgin, neither had any man known her"

The Talmud (Yevamot 47b) notes that this emphasizes Ruth's complete purity when joining the Jewish people. Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 13:15) cites this as proof that converts must be carefully examined for sincere intentions, as Ruth demonstrated through her moral conduct.

3. "וַתֵּרֶד הָעַיְנָה וַתְּמַלֵּא כַדָּהּ וַתָּעַל" – "She went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up"

The Malbim explains that Ruth's actions demonstrate three key virtues:

  • Humility: "Went down" shows her willingness to perform lowly tasks
  • Diligence: "Filled her pitcher" indicates her commitment to work
  • Modesty: "Came up" suggests she didn't linger at public gathering places

Symbolic Interpretation

The Kli Yakar connects this scene to the future redemption: just as Ruth descended to a well and ascended with water (a symbol of Torah), so too the Jewish people will descend into exile but ultimately ascend with spiritual renewal.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 15a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the beauty and virtues of Ruth, drawing a parallel to the description of Rebecca in Genesis.
📖 Sotah 12b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the qualities of righteous women, specifically focusing on Rebecca's modesty and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the 'girl' mentioned in Genesis 24:16?
A: The 'girl' is Rivka (Rebecca), who later becomes the wife of Yitzchak (Isaac). The Torah describes her as 'very fair to look upon' and a virgin to emphasize her purity and suitability as a matriarch of the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that Rivka was a virgin ('betulah')?
A: The Torah highlights Rivka's status as a virgin ('betulah') to show her moral purity and suitability for marriage to Yitzchak. According to Rashi, this detail is important because it demonstrates that she was untouched and fit to become one of the matriarchs of the Jewish nation.
Q: What is the significance of Rivka going to the well in Genesis 24:16?
A: Rivka's act of drawing water from the well demonstrates her kindness and diligence, key traits for building the Jewish people. The Midrash notes that her willingness to serve others—even a stranger (Eliezer, Avraham's servant)—showed her righteous character, making her a fitting wife for Yitzchak.
Q: Why does the Torah describe Rivka as 'very fair to look upon'?
A: The Torah mentions Rivka's beauty ('tovat mareh me’od') not just as a physical trait but as a reflection of her inner goodness. The Talmud (Megillah 15a) teaches that true beauty in Torah figures is connected to their righteousness and noble deeds, not merely outward appearance.
Q: How does Rivka's story in Genesis 24:16 apply to us today?
A: Rivka’s example teaches the importance of kindness (chesed), modesty, and moral purity. Just as her actions at the well led to her becoming a matriarch, we learn that small acts of generosity and integrity can have lasting significance in building a Jewish home and community.