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Genesis 29:13 - Lavan's deceptive welcome?

Genesis 29:13 - בראשית 29:13

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כִשְׁמֹעַ לָבָן אֶת־שֵׁמַע יַעֲקֹב בֶּן־אֲחֹתוֹ וַיָּרָץ לִקְרָאתוֹ וַיְחַבֶּק־לוֹ וַיְנַשֶּׁק־לוֹ וַיְבִיאֵהוּ אֶל־בֵּיתוֹ וַיְסַפֵּר לְלָבָן אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, when Lavan heard the tidings of Ya῾aqov his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Lavan all these things.

Transliteration

Vayihi kishmoa Lavan et-shema Yaakov ben-achoto vayaratz likrato vaychabek-lo vaynashek-lo vayviehu el-beito vayisaper le-Lavan et kol-hadevarim ha'eleh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִי֩ כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ לָבָ֜ן אֶת־שֵׁ֣מַע <b>׀</b> יַעֲקֹ֣ב בֶּן־אֲחֹת֗וֹ וַיָּ֤רׇץ לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ וַיְחַבֶּק־לוֹ֙ וַיְנַשֶּׁק־ל֔וֹ וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ אֶל־בֵּית֑וֹ וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר לְלָבָ֔ן אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃
וַיְהִי֩ כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ לָבָ֜ן אֶת־שֵׁ֣מַע ׀ יַעֲקֹ֣ב בֶּן־אֲחֹת֗וֹ וַיָּ֤רׇץ לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ וַיְחַבֶּק־לוֹ֙ וַיְנַשֶּׁק־ל֔וֹ וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ אֶל־בֵּית֑וֹ וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר לְלָבָ֔ן אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Lavan's Reaction to Yaakov's Arrival

The verse describes Lavan's enthusiastic reception of Yaakov, which appears outwardly warm but is interpreted with caution by our commentators. Rashi (Bereshit 29:13) notes that Lavan ran to greet Yaakov because he assumed Yaakov was wealthy, based on the report of his arrival. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 70:13) elaborates that Lavan was motivated by greed, hoping to benefit from Yaakov's presumed riches.

The Kiss of Lavan

The Torah states that Lavan "embraced him and kissed him," yet our sages question his sincerity. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105a) teaches that the word וַיְנַשֶּׁק־לוֹ ("and he kissed him") can also be read as וַיְנַשְּׁכוֹ ("and he bit him"), hinting at Lavan's hidden hostility. The Ramban (Bereshit 29:11) explains that while Lavan feigned affection, his true nature as a deceiver would later become evident in his dealings with Yaakov.

Yaakov's Account to Lavan

The verse concludes with Yaakov telling Lavan "all these things." According to Sforno (Bereshit 29:13), Yaakov shared only necessary information about his journey, avoiding excessive details that might arouse Lavan's cunning nature. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeitzei 4) suggests Yaakov recounted the divine promise he received at Beit El, subtly asserting his protected status under Hashem's providence.

Lessons from the Encounter

  • Discernment in Relationships: The Or HaChaim (Bereshit 29:13) teaches that Yaakov's cautious interaction with Lavan models how to navigate relationships with potentially deceitful individuals while maintaining righteousness.
  • Hidden Meanings in Torah: The dual reading of וַיְנַשֶּׁק־לוֹ demonstrates the Torah's layered nature, where surface narratives often conceal deeper truths (Zohar 1:146b).
  • Divine Protection: Despite Lavan's ulterior motives, Yaakov's recounting of his experiences emphasizes that his journey was under divine supervision (Malbim, Bereshit 29:13).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lavan run to meet Yaakov?
A: According to Rashi, Lavan ran to meet Yaakov because he thought Yaakov might be carrying wealth or gifts (based on the jewelry Rivka had received earlier). The Midrash also suggests Lavan was known for his greed, so his enthusiasm was likely motivated by personal gain rather than pure familial love.
Q: What is the significance of Lavan embracing and kissing Yaakov?
A: The Torah's description of Lavan's outward affection (embracing and kissing) is viewed by commentators like the Ohr HaChaim as insincere. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) notes that the word 'וַיְנַשֶּׁק־לוֹ' (and he kissed him) has dots above it in the Torah scroll, hinting that Lavan's kiss was not genuine—he later showed his true intentions by deceiving Yaakov in business and marriage.
Q: Why did Yaakov tell Lavan 'all these things'?
A: Rashi explains that Yaakov recounted his journey honestly to show he came empty-handed, without wealth from his father's house. This was to preempt any suspicion from Lavan, who might otherwise assume Yaakov had money to exploit. Ramban adds that Yaakov's transparency reflected his trust in Hashem's protection rather than material possessions.
Q: How does this interaction between Lavan and Yaakov apply to us today?
A: This episode teaches us to be cautious of insincere flattery or sudden kindness, as Lavan's actions later proved deceitful. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) warns that people may disguise selfish motives with outward warmth. It also highlights Yaakov's integrity—he was upfront about his situation, modeling honesty even when dealing with untrustworthy individuals.