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Genesis 24:2 - Oath by covenant sign?

Genesis 24:2 - בראשית 24:2

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם אֶל־עַבְדּוֹ זְקַן בֵּיתוֹ הַמֹּשֵׁל בְּכָל־אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ שִׂים־נָא יָדְךָ תַּחַת יְרֵכִי׃

English Translation

And Avraham said to the eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Avraham el-avdo zkan beito ha'moshel b'khol asher lo sim-na yadkha takhat yereikhi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֗ם אֶל־עַבְדּוֹ֙ זְקַ֣ן בֵּית֔וֹ הַמֹּשֵׁ֖ל בְּכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֑וֹ שִֽׂים־נָ֥א יָדְךָ֖ תַּ֥חַת יְרֵכִֽי׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֗ם אֶל־עַבְדּוֹ֙ זְקַ֣ן בֵּית֔וֹ הַמֹּשֵׁ֖ל בְּכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֑וֹ שִֽׂים־נָ֥א יָדְךָ֖ תַּ֥חַת יְרֵכִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Placing the Hand Under the Thigh

The verse describes Avraham instructing his servant Eliezer to place his hand under Avraham's thigh as part of an oath. This unusual gesture carries deep symbolic meaning in Jewish tradition.

  • Rashi (Bereshit 24:2) explains that this was the manner of taking an oath in ancient times, similar to how we hold a sacred object (like a Sefer Torah) when swearing today. The thigh represents the seat of strength and future generations.
  • Ramban (Bereshit 24:2) adds that this specifically refers to the brit milah (circumcision), as the thigh is near this sacred covenant. By invoking the covenant, Avraham was making this oath especially binding.
  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (59:8) connects this to the concept that one who takes an oath must be "holding" something holy, and for Avraham, his holiness was embodied in his fulfillment of the covenant of circumcision.

The Identity of the Servant

The verse refers to "the eldest servant of his house that ruled over all that he had." Traditional sources identify this as Eliezer, Avraham's trusted servant mentioned earlier (Bereshit 15:2).

  • Targum Onkelos translates this phrase as "the elder of his house," emphasizing Eliezer's seniority and trusted position.
  • Ibn Ezra notes that Eliezer's authority extended over all of Avraham's possessions, indicating his complete trustworthiness for this important mission to find a wife for Yitzchak.

The Context of the Oath

This oath was taken concerning finding a proper wife for Yitzchak from Avraham's family rather than from the Canaanites. The gravity of this mission required a solemn oath.

  • Sforno explains that Avraham wanted to ensure his servant would not deviate from his instructions, hence the need for such a strong oath.
  • Kli Yakar suggests that by invoking the covenant (through the thigh reference), Avraham was emphasizing that this mission was crucial for the continuation of the covenant's spiritual legacy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 61b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws of agency and the significance of the act of placing the hand under the thigh as a form of oath or solemn agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham ask his servant to place his hand under his thigh?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Kiddushin 61a), placing a hand under the thigh was a way of making a solemn oath in ancient times. The thigh represents the seat of strength and future generations (as it is near the organ of circumcision, the sign of Avraham's covenant with Hashem). This gesture showed the seriousness of the oath Avraham's servant was taking to find a wife for Yitzchak from Avraham's family.
Q: Who was Avraham's 'eldest servant' mentioned in this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources (Rashi, Bereishit Rabbah) identify this servant as Eliezer, Avraham's most trusted servant who managed all his affairs. The Torah describes him as 'the elder of his house who ruled over all that he had,' showing his high status and responsibility in Avraham's household.
Q: What is the significance of Avraham making his servant swear this oath?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 59:8) explains that Avraham wanted to ensure Yitzchak would marry someone from his own family (eventually Rivka) rather than from the Canaanites among whom they lived. This oath was crucial for maintaining spiritual purity and continuing the covenant through proper lineage. Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 8:1) later derives from this the importance of carefully choosing proper marriage partners.
Q: Why doesn't the Torah just say 'swear to me' instead of this unusual gesture?
A: The Talmud (Shevuos 38b) teaches that oaths in Torah times were often accompanied by physical acts to emphasize their seriousness. The Kli Yakar explains that this particular gesture connected the oath to the covenant of circumcision (represented by the thigh area), linking the servant's promise to Avraham's sacred bond with Hashem.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: This verse teaches several enduring Jewish values: 1) The importance of making serious commitments (like the servant's oath), 2) Being careful about who we marry (as Avraham was for Yitzchak), and 3) Showing respect to trusted individuals (as Avraham did with Eliezer). The Malbim notes that Avraham's detailed instructions model how we should carefully plan important life matters.