share torah logo

Genesis 24:37 - Sworn: No Canaanite brides.

Genesis 24:37 - בראשית 24:37

Hebrew Text

וַיַּשְׁבִּעֵנִי אֲדֹנִי לֵאמֹר לֹא־תִקַּח אִשָּׁה לִבְנִי מִבְּנוֹת הַכְּנַעֲנִי אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי יֹשֵׁב בְּאַרְצוֹ׃

English Translation

And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Kena῾ani, in whose land I dwell:

Transliteration

Vayashbieni adoni lemor lo-tikach isha livni mibnot hakna'ani asher anochi yoshev be'artzo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּשְׁבִּעֵ֥נִי אֲדֹנִ֖י לֵאמֹ֑ר לֹא־תִקַּ֤ח אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י מִבְּנוֹת֙ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּאַרְצֽוֹ׃
וַיַּשְׁבִּעֵ֥נִי אֲדֹנִ֖י לֵאמֹ֑ר לֹא־תִקַּ֤ח אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י מִבְּנוֹת֙ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּאַרְצֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:37) is part of the narrative where Avraham's servant, Eliezer, recounts his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. The verse reflects Avraham's insistence that Yitzchak not marry a Canaanite woman, despite dwelling in their land.

Avraham's Concern About Canaanite Marriages

Rashi explains that Avraham was deeply concerned about the moral and spiritual influence of the Canaanites. Though Avraham lived among them, he recognized their corrupt practices (based on Bereshit 15:16, which describes the "iniquity of the Amorite"). The Ramban adds that Avraham sought to ensure the purity of his descendants' lineage, as the Canaanites were steeped in idolatry and immorality.

The Prohibition Against Canaanite Marriages

  • Moral and Spiritual Danger: The Talmud (Kiddushin 68b) discusses how intermarriage with Canaanites would lead Yitzchak's offspring astray from Avraham's monotheistic teachings.
  • Lineage and Kedushah: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 59:8) emphasizes that Avraham wanted a wife from his own family (ultimately Rivka) to maintain the sanctity (kedushah) of the future Jewish nation.

Eliezer's Oath and Its Significance

The servant's oath underscores the seriousness of Avraham's directive. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:12) later codifies the prohibition against intermarriage with the seven Canaanite nations, rooted in this biblical precedent. The Sforno notes that Avraham's dwelling in Canaan did not imply approval of its inhabitants' ways—hence his insistence on separation in marriage.

Broader Implications for Jewish Identity

This verse establishes a foundational principle in Jewish tradition: the importance of maintaining spiritual and ethnic boundaries to preserve the Jewish people's unique mission. The Kli Yakar highlights that Avraham's choice to seek a wife from his homeland, rather than Canaan, reflects the ideal of building a nation set apart for divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 50a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the prohibition of intermarriage with the Canaanites and the importance of maintaining Jewish lineage.
📖 Kiddushin 68b
The verse is cited in a debate about the qualifications for marriage and the restrictions regarding the daughters of Canaan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham not want his son to marry a Canaanite woman?
A: Avraham was concerned that the Canaanite culture was morally corrupt and idolatrous (Rashi on Genesis 24:3). He wanted to ensure his descendants would maintain pure faith in Hashem and not be influenced by foreign beliefs.
Q: What is the significance of Avraham making his servant swear about this?
A: The oath showed how serious Avraham was about this matter. According to Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 10:4), intermarriage with idolatrous nations was forbidden to prevent spiritual corruption. The oath ensured his servant wouldn't compromise on this principle.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish marriage today?
A: This establishes the importance of marrying within the Jewish faith to maintain spiritual continuity. The Talmud (Kiddushin 68b) derives from this that Jewish identity follows the mother, showing why marrying Jewish women was crucial for Avraham's lineage.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'in whose land I dwell'?
A: Rashi explains this emphasizes that even though Avraham lived among the Canaanites, he remained separate from their ways. This teaches that physical proximity doesn't require adopting foreign values (Midrash Bereishis Rabbah 59:8).
Q: What can we learn from Avraham's insistence on this matter?
A: We learn the importance of safeguarding Jewish identity and values. As the Ramban explains (Genesis 24:3), Avraham understood that marriage partners influence future generations, so he took great care to ensure proper spiritual foundations for his descendants.