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Genesis 27:46 - Rivkah's plea for purity

Genesis 27:46 - בראשית 27:46

Hebrew Text

וַתֹּאמֶר רִבְקָה אֶל־יִצְחָק קַצְתִּי בְחַיַּי מִפְּנֵי בְּנוֹת חֵת אִם־לֹקֵחַ יַעֲקֹב אִשָּׁה מִבְּנוֹת־חֵת כָּאֵלֶּה מִבְּנוֹת הָאָרֶץ לָמָּה לִּי חַיִּים׃

English Translation

And Rivqa said to Yiżĥaq, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Ḥet: if Ya῾aqov take a wife of the daughters of Ḥet, such as these, of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life be to me?

Transliteration

Vatomer Rivka el-Yitzchak katzti bechayay mipnei benot Chet im-lokeach Yaakov isha mibenot-Chet ka'ele mibenot ha'aretz lama li chayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רִבְקָה֙ אֶל־יִצְחָ֔ק <small>קַ֣</small>צְתִּי בְחַיַּ֔י מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנ֣וֹת חֵ֑ת אִם־לֹקֵ֣חַ יַ֠עֲקֹ֠ב אִשָּׁ֨ה מִבְּנֽוֹת־חֵ֤ת כָּאֵ֙לֶּה֙ מִבְּנ֣וֹת הָאָ֔רֶץ לָ֥מָּה לִּ֖י חַיִּֽים׃
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רִבְקָה֙ אֶל־יִצְחָ֔ק קַ֣צְתִּי בְחַיַּ֔י מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנ֣וֹת חֵ֑ת אִם־לֹקֵ֣חַ יַ֠עֲקֹ֠ב אִשָּׁ֨ה מִבְּנֽוֹת־חֵ֤ת כָּאֵ֙לֶּה֙ מִבְּנ֣וֹת הָאָ֔רֶץ לָ֥מָּה לִּ֖י חַיִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rivka's Distress Over the Daughters of Ḥet

Rivka expresses deep anguish to Yitzḥak regarding the prospect of Yaakov marrying a woman from the daughters of Ḥet. Her statement, "קַצְתִּי בְחַיַּי" ("I am weary of my life"), reflects her profound distress over the moral and spiritual influence these women might have on Yaakov and future generations. The daughters of Ḥet were idol worshippers, and Rivka feared their corrupting influence, as seen in the behavior of Esav's wives (Rashi on Bereishit 26:34-35).

The Concern for Yaakov's Future

Rivka's concern was not merely personal but rooted in the divine promise that Yaakov would carry forward the covenant of Avraham. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:2) explains that Rivka foresaw the spiritual danger of intermarriage, which could undermine Yaakov's role as the inheritor of the blessings. Her words, "לָמָּה לִּי חַיִּים" ("what good shall my life be to me?"), indicate that her life's purpose was tied to ensuring the continuity of a righteous lineage.

Contrast with the Daughters of the Land

Rivka emphasizes that the daughters of Ḥet were "כָּאֵלֶּה מִבְּנוֹת הָאָרֶץ" ("such as these, of the daughters of the land"), highlighting their unsuitability for Yaakov. The Ramban (on Bereishit 26:35) notes that the term "כָּאֵלֶּה" ("such as these") refers to their idolatrous practices, which were antithetical to the values of Avraham's household. Rivka's plea underscores the importance of marrying within a spiritually compatible family to preserve the covenant.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

  • Marriage and Spiritual Compatibility: The Torah later prohibits intermarriage with the Canaanite nations (Devarim 7:3), reinforcing Rivka's concern. The Sforno explains that such unions risk assimilation and the loss of Jewish identity.
  • Parental Responsibility: Rivka's intervention demonstrates the obligation of parents to guide their children toward proper marriages, as emphasized in the Talmud (Kiddushin 29a).
  • The Value of a Righteous Partner: The Midrash Tanchuma (Chayei Sarah 4) teaches that a spouse can either elevate or diminish one's spiritual stature, making Rivka's plea a timeless lesson in choosing a life partner wisely.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 113a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of certain sins and the despair expressed by Rivka (Rebecca).
📖 Yevamot 63b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of marrying within one's own community and the distress caused by unsuitable marriages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Rivkah (Rebecca) so upset about Yaakov marrying a daughter of Chet (Heth)?
A: Rivkah was distressed because the daughters of Chet (Heth) were Canaanites who followed idolatrous practices (Rashi on Genesis 27:46). She wanted Yaakov to marry someone from her own family who shared the values of Avraham and Yitzchak's household, not someone influenced by the immoral ways of Canaan (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 67:8).
Q: What does Rivkah mean when she says 'I am weary of my life'?
A: Rivkah's statement expresses her deep anguish at the thought of Yaakov marrying a Canaanite woman. The phrase 'I am weary of my life' (קַצְתִּי בְחַיַּי) shows how strongly she felt about maintaining spiritual purity in the family lineage (Ramban on Genesis 27:46). She saw this as a matter of spiritual survival for the future of the Jewish people.
Q: Why was it so important for Yaakov to marry within the family?
A: Marrying within the family (from Rivkah and Yitzchak's relatives in Aram) ensured that Yaakov's wife would share the same monotheistic beliefs and moral values. The Torah later forbids intermarriage with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3), and Rivkah understood this principle early on (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 36b). This was crucial for maintaining the spiritual legacy of Avraham and Sarah.