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Genesis 29:18 - Love's labor for Rachel

Genesis 29:18 - בראשית 29:18

Hebrew Text

וַיֶּאֱהַב יַעֲקֹב אֶת־רָחֵל וַיֹּאמֶר אֶעֱבָדְךָ שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים בְּרָחֵל בִּתְּךָ הַקְּטַנָּה׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov loved Raĥel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Raĥel thy younger daughter.

Transliteration

Va'ye'ehav Yaakov et Rachel va'yomer e'evodcha sheva shanim b'Rachel bit'cha hak'tana.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת־רָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אֶֽעֱבׇדְךָ֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים בְּרָחֵ֥ל בִּתְּךָ֖ הַקְּטַנָּֽה׃
וַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת־רָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אֶֽעֱבׇדְךָ֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים בְּרָחֵ֥ל בִּתְּךָ֖ הַקְּטַנָּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Love for Rachel

The verse states, "וַיֶּאֱהַב יַעֲקֹב אֶת־רָחֵל" ("And Yaakov loved Rachel"), emphasizing the depth of Yaakov's affection. Rashi explains that Yaakov recognized Rachel's righteousness and suitability as a partner in building the future of Klal Yisrael. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:12) notes that Rachel's humility and modesty, traits of the Imahot (Matriarchs), made her especially beloved to Yaakov.

The Offer of Seven Years of Labor

Yaakov's declaration, "אֶעֱבָדְךָ שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים בְּרָחֵל בִּתְּךָ הַקְּטַנָּה" ("I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter"), reflects both his devotion and his understanding of Lavan's character. The Ramban (Bereishit 29:18) observes that Yaakov specified "your younger daughter" to avoid ambiguity, as Lavan was known for deceit (as later seen in the switch to Leah). The Talmud (Megillah 13b) teaches that these seven years passed quickly for Yaakov because of his love for Rachel, illustrating the principle that love lightens labor.

The Significance of Seven Years

  • Symbolic Completeness: The number seven represents spiritual completion (as in the seven days of Creation). Yaakov's seven years of labor parallel a full cycle of dedication.
  • Parallel to Later History: The Sforno notes that these seven years foreshadow the future seven-year periods in Jewish history, such as the seven years of plenty and famine in Yosef's time.
  • A Lesson in Commitment: The Kli Yakar highlights that Yaakov's willingness to work for Rachel demonstrates the ideal of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) for building a Jewish home.

Rachel as the "Younger Daughter"

The phrase "בִּתְּךָ הַקְּטַנָּה" ("your younger daughter") is interpreted by the Ba'al HaTurim as hinting at Rachel's future role as the mother of Binyamin and Yosef, whose descendants would include key leaders like Shaul HaMelech and Mashiach ben Yosef. The Or HaChaim adds that Rachel's humility ("smallness") made her worthy of being a matriarch, as the Jewish people are sustained through humility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 13b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing Jacob's love for Rachel and his willingness to work for her, illustrating themes of love and dedication.
📖 Bava Batra 123a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the merits of Jacob's children, particularly focusing on Rachel and Leah, and the circumstances of their marriages to Jacob.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov offer to work for seven years to marry Rachel?
A: Yaakov offered to work for seven years because he deeply loved Rachel and wanted to marry her. According to Rashi, this shows the sincerity of his love—the seven years felt like just a few days to him because of his strong feelings (Rashi on Genesis 29:20).
Q: Why does the verse specify that Rachel was the 'younger daughter'?
A: The Torah specifies that Rachel was the younger daughter to highlight the contrast with her older sister, Leah. This detail becomes important later when Lavan deceives Yaakov by giving him Leah instead of Rachel (Genesis 29:23-25). The Midrash also teaches that this emphasizes Rachel's humility and modesty, traits valued in Jewish tradition.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's willingness to work for Rachel?
A: Yaakov's dedication teaches the importance of perseverance and effort in achieving meaningful goals. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) notes that true love and commitment require sacrifice. This applies to relationships, Torah study, and mitzvot—valuable things in life often require hard work and patience.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish marriage (kiddushin)?
A: Yaakov's agreement to work for Rachel is an early example of kiddushin (betrothal) in the Torah. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishut 3:5) explains that a man can betroth a woman through labor, money, or a document—just as Yaakov did by working for Lavan. This established a model for Jewish marriage customs.
Q: Why did Yaakov say 'I will serve you seven years' instead of proposing marriage directly?
A: According to traditional commentators, Yaakov followed proper protocol by speaking to Rachel's father first, rather than approaching Rachel directly. The Sforno explains that this demonstrates derech eretz (proper conduct) and respect for family structure—important values in Jewish tradition when arranging a marriage.