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Genesis 26:35 - Rebellious daughters-in-law torment parents.

Genesis 26:35 - בראשית 26:35

Hebrew Text

וַתִּהְיֶיןָ מֹרַת רוּחַ לְיִצְחָק וּלְרִבְקָה׃

English Translation

and they were a grief of mind to Yiżĥaq and to Rivqa.

Transliteration

Vatihyena morat ruach l'Yitzhak ul'Rivka

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתִּהְיֶ֖יןָ מֹ֣רַת ר֑וּחַ לְיִצְחָ֖ק וּלְרִבְקָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַתִּהְיֶ֖יןָ מֹ֣רַת ר֑וּחַ לְיִצְחָ֖ק וּלְרִבְקָֽה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 26:35) describes the distress caused to Yitzchak and Rivkah by the wives of their son Esav. The phrase "מֹרַת רוּחַ" (morat ruach) literally means "bitterness of spirit," indicating deep emotional anguish.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Esav's Hittite wives engaged in idol worship, which caused great distress to Yitzchak and Rivkah. He cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 67:8) that these women would burn incense to their idols, making their behavior a spiritual provocation in Yitzchak's household.

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that the grief was not only due to idolatry but also because these wives did not adopt the ways of Avraham's family. Their behavior clashed with the values of modesty and righteousness that defined Yitzchak and Rivkah's home.

Midrashic Interpretation

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Toledot 12) states that Rivkah was particularly pained because she had hoped her sons would marry within the family lineage, as Yitzchak had done.
  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (Chapter 32) emphasizes that the distress was mutual—Yitzchak and Rivkah were troubled by the wives' conduct, and the wives resented the strict moral standards of Yitzchak's household.

Halachic Implications

The Tur (Even HaEzer 16) cites this verse as a basis for the halachic principle that one should avoid marrying those who may bring "מֹרַת רוּחַ" into the home. The Shulchan Aruch (EH 16:1) later codifies this as a consideration in marital matches.

Spiritual Lesson

The Kli Yakar teaches that this episode demonstrates how the spiritual environment of a home can be affected by its members. The presence of those who oppose Torah values creates "bitterness of spirit," while harmony in values brings peace.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'grief of mind' mean in Genesis 26:35?
A: The phrase 'grief of mind' (מֹרַת רוּחַ) refers to the deep emotional distress that Yitzchak (Isaac) and Rivka (Rebecca) experienced because of their son Esav's (Esau's) wives. According to Rashi, these women worshipped idols and behaved immorally, causing great anguish to Yitzchak and Rivka.
Q: Why were Esav's wives a grief to Yitzchak and Rivka?
A: Esav's wives were from the Hittite people, who practiced idol worship and had immoral customs. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:8) explains that their behavior clashed with the values of Yitzchak and Rivka's household, which was dedicated to serving Hashem. This caused constant tension and sorrow for them.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 26:35?
A: This verse teaches the importance of choosing a spouse who shares the same spiritual values. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) emphasizes that one's environment—especially family—greatly influences their character. Esav's wives brought negativity into the home, showing how critical it is to marry someone who uplifts rather than harms one's spiritual life.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish family values today?
A: The grief caused by Esav's wives highlights the Torah's emphasis on building a Jewish home based on holiness and proper conduct. Today, Orthodox Judaism stresses the importance of marrying within the faith (endogamy) to maintain spiritual harmony, as taught in the Talmud (Kiddushin 68b) and Jewish law (Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer).