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Genesis 24:20 - Kindness beyond measure

Genesis 24:20 - בראשית 24:20

Hebrew Text

וַתְּמַהֵר וַתְּעַר כַּדָּהּ אֶל־הַשֹּׁקֶת וַתָּרָץ עוֹד אֶל־הַבְּאֵר לִשְׁאֹב וַתִּשְׁאַב לְכָל־גְּמַלָּיו׃

English Translation

And she hastened, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

Transliteration

Vatmaher vata'ar kadah el-hashoket vataratz od el-habe'er lish'ov vatish'av lechol-gemalav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתְּעַ֤ר כַּדָּהּ֙ אֶל־הַשֹּׁ֔קֶת וַתָּ֥רׇץ ע֛וֹד אֶֽל־הַבְּאֵ֖ר לִשְׁאֹ֑ב וַתִּשְׁאַ֖ב לְכׇל־גְּמַלָּֽיו׃
וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתְּעַ֤ר כַּדָּהּ֙ אֶל־הַשֹּׁ֔קֶת וַתָּ֥רׇץ ע֛וֹד אֶֽל־הַבְּאֵ֖ר לִשְׁאֹ֑ב וַתִּשְׁאַ֖ב לְכׇל־גְּמַלָּֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation of Rivkah's Actions

Rashi (Bereshit 24:20) explains that Rivkah's swiftness in drawing water for Eliezer's camels demonstrated her exceptional kindness (chesed). He notes that she "hastened" (וַתְּמַהֵר) to empty her pitcher, showing urgency in performing this act of hospitality. Rashi further comments that she "ran again" (וַתָּרָץ עוֹד) to the well, emphasizing her eagerness to go beyond the minimum requirement.

Midrashic Insights on Rivkah's Character

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) highlights that Rivkah's actions fulfilled the test Eliezer had devised to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak. The Midrash emphasizes that she not only offered water to Eliezer but went beyond by watering all his camels, showing extraordinary generosity. The phrase "for all his camels" (לְכָל־גְּמַלָּיו) indicates she drew water multiple times, as each camel could drink large quantities after a journey.

Rambam on the Virtue of Hastening to Perform Mitzvot

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:5) teaches that one should run to perform mitzvot, as exemplified by Rivkah's actions. Her haste (וַתְּמַהֵר) serves as a model for how we should approach opportunities for kindness. The Rambam would view this as demonstrating zerizut (alacrity) in fulfilling the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hosting guests).

Malbim on the Linguistic Nuances

The Malbim analyzes the precise language used: First she "emptied" (וַתְּעַר) her pitcher into the trough, then "ran again" (וַתָּרָץ עוֹד) showing repeated action. The term "וַתִּשְׁאַב" (and she drew) is in the imperfect form, suggesting continuous drawing until all camels were satisfied. This linguistic analysis reveals the completeness of her kind deed.

Practical Lessons from the Verse

  • The importance of zerizut (alacrity) in performing acts of kindness
  • Going beyond the minimum requirement when helping others
  • Demonstrating hospitality even to animals (tza'ar ba'alei chayim)
  • How character traits are revealed through everyday actions

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the actions of Rebecca and the significance of her kindness in drawing water for Eliezer's camels.
📖 Bava Metzia 87a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the characteristics of righteous individuals, using Rebecca's actions as an example of exceptional kindness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 24:20 teach us about Rivka's (Rebecca's) character?
A: Genesis 24:20 highlights Rivka's exceptional kindness (chesed) and diligence. According to Rashi, she not only gave water to Eliezer but went beyond the request by drawing water for all his camels—showing extraordinary generosity. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) praises her for this act, which demonstrated she was fitting to become a matriarch of the Jewish people.
Q: Why did Rivka run to draw water for the camels in Genesis 24:20?
A: Rivka's action showed her innate kindness and understanding of hospitality (hachnasat orchim). The Talmud (Ketubot 5b) teaches that hospitality is greater than receiving the Divine Presence. Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:2) explains that acts of kindness like Rivka's reflect the ways of our forefathers and are fundamental to Jewish values.
Q: How does Genesis 24:20 relate to finding a proper spouse in Judaism?
A: This verse is central to the Torah's lesson about choosing a spouse based on good character (middot tovot). Eliezer sought someone who embodied kindness, as Avraham's family valued. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) notes that Rivka's actions proved her worthy to join Avraham's household, teaching that deeds—not just lineage—determine a person's suitability for marriage.
Q: What is the significance of Rivka 'hastening' (וַתְּמַהֵר) in Genesis 24:20?
A: Rashi explains that Rivka's haste reflects her enthusiasm for doing kindness—a sign of a righteous person. The Talmud (Pesachim 4a) teaches that the righteous 'run' to mitzvot, showing eagerness to fulfill G-d's will. This contrasts with the lazy or reluctant attitude toward good deeds.
Q: Why does the Torah detail Rivka drawing water for camels in Genesis 24:20?
A: The detail emphasizes the extent of her effort. Camels drink large amounts (Rashi notes it was ten camels!), yet she volunteered without being asked. The Sforno adds that this showed her physical strength and capability—qualities needed to build the future Jewish nation. It teaches that true kindness goes beyond minimal requirements.