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Genesis 24:31 - Divine hospitality awaits you.

Genesis 24:31 - בראשית 24:31

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר בּוֹא בְּרוּךְ יְהוָה לָמָּה תַעֲמֹד בַּחוּץ וְאָנֹכִי פִּנִּיתִי הַבַּיִת וּמָקוֹם לַגְּמַלִּים׃

English Translation

And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; why dost thou stand outside? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

Transliteration

Va'yomer bo baruch Adonai lama ta'amod ba'chutz va'anochi piniti habayit u'makom lag'malim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר בּ֖וֹא בְּר֣וּךְ יְהֹוָ֑ה לָ֤מָּה תַעֲמֹד֙ בַּח֔וּץ וְאָנֹכִי֙ פִּנִּ֣יתִי הַבַּ֔יִת וּמָק֖וֹם לַגְּמַלִּֽים׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר בּ֖וֹא בְּר֣וּךְ יְהֹוָ֑ה לָ֤מָּה תַעֲמֹד֙ בַּח֔וּץ וְאָנֹכִי֙ פִּנִּ֣יתִי הַבַּ֔יִת וּמָק֖וֹם לַגְּמַלִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:31) appears in the narrative of Eliezer, Avraham's servant, seeking a wife for Yitzchak. It is spoken by Lavan, Rivka's brother, when he sees Eliezer standing outside their home. The verse reflects Lavan's hospitality and recognition of Eliezer as a representative of Hashem.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Lavan's words, "Come in, thou blessed of the Lord", demonstrate his eagerness to host Eliezer due to the visible blessings upon him (e.g., the camels laden with gifts). Rashi also notes that Lavan's mention of preparing "room for the camels" indicates his materialistic nature—his primary interest was in the wealth Eliezer brought, rather than the spiritual merit of hosting a righteous guest (Rashi on Bereshit 24:31).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:7) contrasts Lavan's hospitality with that of Avraham. While Avraham welcomed guests purely for the sake of kindness (chessed), Lavan's hospitality was motivated by ulterior motives, as hinted in his focus on the camels and material provisions.
  • Some commentaries suggest that Lavan's phrasing, "why dost thou stand outside?", reveals his superficial piety. True righteousness would not leave a guest waiting at all (Siftei Chachamim).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot De'ot (5:6), the Rambam discusses the importance of sincere hospitality. While Lavan's actions outwardly resemble kindness, his intentions lacked purity. This aligns with the Torah's emphasis on inner virtue over outward displays (see also Ramban on Bereshit 24:31).

Symbolism of the Camels

The gemalim (camels) are highlighted as a recurring motif in this narrative. The Kli Yakar notes that camels symbolize material wealth, and Lavan's focus on them foreshadows his later贪婪 behavior (e.g., his dealings with Yaakov in Bereshit 31). This contrasts with Eliezer's humility, who attributes all success to Hashem (Bereshit 24:27).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 24:31 and who is he talking to?
A: In Genesis 24:31, Lavan (Laban) is speaking to Eliezer, the servant of Avraham. Lavan is Rivka's (Rebecca's) brother, and he is welcoming Eliezer into their home after seeing the gifts Eliezer gave to Rivka (Rashi on Genesis 24:30-31).
Q: Why does Lavan call Eliezer 'blessed of the Lord' in this verse?
A: Lavan calls Eliezer 'blessed of the Lord' because he saw the expensive gifts Eliezer gave to Rivka and recognized that he must be a wealthy and important servant of Avraham, who was known as a man blessed by Hashem (Rashi on Genesis 24:31, based on Genesis 24:1).
Q: What is the significance of Lavan preparing room for the camels?
A: The mention of preparing room for the camels shows Lavan's hospitality, which was an important value in biblical times. It also demonstrates that Lavan recognized Eliezer's importance since camels were valuable animals, and providing for them showed respect for their owner (Ramban on Genesis 24:31).
Q: How does this verse relate to the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hospitality)?
A: This verse demonstrates the importance of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests) in Jewish tradition. Even though Lavan later shows negative traits, here he properly fulfills the mitzvah by inviting Eliezer in and preparing his home for both the guest and his animals (Talmud Shabbat 127a on the importance of hospitality).
Q: Why does the Torah include this detail about Lavan welcoming Eliezer?
A: The Torah includes this detail to show how Divine Providence worked to bring about the marriage of Yitzchak and Rivka. Even though Lavan had ulterior motives (as seen later), his initial hospitality allowed Eliezer to complete his mission from Avraham (Sforno on Genesis 24:31).