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Genesis 26:13 - Wealth through divine blessing.

Genesis 26:13 - בראשית 26:13

Hebrew Text

וַיִּגְדַּל הָאִישׁ וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֹךְ וְגָדֵל עַד כִּי־גָדַל מְאֹד׃

English Translation

And the man grew great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:

Transliteration

Vayigdal ha'ish vayeilech haloch v'gadel ad ki-gadal me'od.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּגְדַּ֖ל הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ הָלוֹךְ֙ וְגָדֵ֔ל עַ֥ד כִּֽי־גָדַ֖ל מְאֹֽד׃
וַיִּגְדַּ֖ל הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ הָלוֹךְ֙ וְגָדֵ֔ל עַ֥ד כִּֽי־גָדַ֖ל מְאֹֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis

The verse "וַיִּגְדַּל הָאִישׁ וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֹךְ וְגָדֵל עַד כִּי־גָדַל מְאֹד" describes the continuous growth and success of a man, emphasizing his increasing greatness. This phrase appears in Bereishit 26:13, referring to Yitzchak Avinu's prosperity in Gerar.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yitzchak's greatness was both material and spiritual. His wealth grew ("וַיִּגְדַּל"), and his influence expanded ("וַיֵּלֶךְ הָלוֹךְ וְגָדֵל"). The repetition of growth ("גדל") underscores that his success was Divinely ordained, as promised in Hashem's blessing (Bereishit 26:3-4).

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (64:6) highlights that Yitzchak's prosperity was unique—his crops yielded a hundredfold, a clear miracle demonstrating Hashem's favor.
  • The phrase "עַד כִּי־גָדַל מְאֹד" suggests his greatness surpassed even that of Avraham, as Yitzchak's blessings were uninterrupted by exile or hardship.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot De'ot (1:7), Rambam teaches that true greatness involves balance—material success must align with spiritual integrity. Yitzchak’s growth was not merely financial; his righteousness (tzedakah) and adherence to mitzvot elevated his stature.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet notes that Yitzchak’s growth was halachic ("הָלוֹךְ")—progressing step by step through Divine service. His greatness was earned through consistent effort in avodat Hashem, not sudden fortune.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is 'the man' referred to in Genesis 26:13?
A: The 'man' in this verse is Yitzchak (Isaac), the son of Avraham. The Torah describes how he prospered in the land of Gerar despite challenges, showing Hashem's fulfillment of His promise to Avraham's descendants (Rashi on Genesis 26:13).
Q: Why does the Torah repeat that Yitzchak 'grew great' multiple times in this verse?
A: The repetition emphasizes Yitzchak's continuous and extraordinary success. The phrase 'הָלוֹךְ וְגָדֵל' (growing increasingly) shows his blessings weren't momentary, but kept expanding beyond normal expectations (Sforno on Genesis 26:13).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak becoming 'very great' in Gerar?
A: This teaches that material success comes from Hashem when we follow His ways. Despite famine (Genesis 26:1) and hostility (26:14-15), Yitzchak's righteousness made him prosper—showing that blessings aren't dependent on circumstances (Ramban on Genesis 26:12-13).
Q: How did Yitzchak's 'greatness' manifest practically?
A: Midrashim explain his greatness included both spiritual and material success: He reopened Avraham's wells (symbolizing Torah teachings) and owned flocks, servants, and land—demonstrating that holiness and worldly success can coexist when aligned with Divine will (Bereishit Rabbah 64:6).
Q: Why is Yitzchak's growth mentioned right after Avimelech's command not to harm him (Genesis 26:11)?
A: This sequence shows that true protection comes from Hashem. While human decrees (like Avimelech's) may help temporarily, Yitzchak's ultimate greatness resulted from Hashem's blessing to Avraham's descendants (Rashi on Genesis 26:12-13, citing 'וַיִּזְרַע יִצְחָק... וַיְבָרֲכֵהוּ ה׳').