Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 29:19 mean when Lavan says it's better to give Rachel to Yaakov than to another man?
A: According to Rashi, Lavan recognized that Yaakov was a righteous and hardworking man, making him a preferable match for his daughter Rachel. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:12) adds that Lavan saw divine providence in Yaakov's arrival, as it was part of Hashem's plan for the future tribes of Israel to descend from this union.
Q: Why did Lavan tell Yaakov to 'stay with me' in Genesis 29:19?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 13b) explains that Lavan, known for his deceitful nature, wanted Yaakov to remain with him primarily for selfish reasons - to benefit from Yaakov's labor. Ramban notes that while Lavan presented this as familial kindness, his true intentions were exploitative, as later events with Leah and Rachel proved.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 29:19 about judging character?
A: The verse teaches us to recognize true righteousness, as even Lavan - who was generally wicked - could see Yaakov's virtues. However, as the Sforno points out, we must also be wary of those who may praise us while having ulterior motives, as Lavan did with Yaakov.
Q: How does Genesis 29:19 show Divine Providence in matchmaking?
A: The Malbim explains that this verse demonstrates how Hashem orchestrates shidduchim (matches), bringing Yaakov specifically to Lavan's house to marry Rachel, thereby fulfilling the divine plan for building the Jewish nation. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Moed Katan 18b) that matches are made in heaven.
Q: Why is this conversation between Lavan and Yaakov important in the Torah's narrative?
A: This moment sets the stage for the formation of the twelve tribes, as Rashi explains. The agreement leads to Yaakov marrying both Rachel and Leah, whose sons become the ancestors of the tribes of Israel. The Kli Yakar adds that it also begins the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham about his descendants becoming numerous.
Lavan's Statement in Context
The verse (Bereishit 29:19) records Lavan's response to Yaakov's request to marry Rachel after serving him for seven years. Lavan says, "It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: stay with me." This statement appears outwardly favorable, but traditional commentators reveal deeper layers of Lavan's deceitful character.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (ad loc.) notes that Lavan's words were insincere. Though he claimed it was "better" to give Rachel to Yaakov, he had no intention of honoring this agreement, as later evidenced by his substitution of Leah (Bereishit 29:23-25). Rashi emphasizes that Lavan's true motive was to keep Yaakov as a laborer, as hinted by his concluding words, "stay with me."
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Perspective (Rambam)
Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 3:5) discusses the legal implications of such agreements. While Yaakov's arrangement was valid (as he later married Rachel), Lavan's deception underscores the Torah's emphasis on honesty in business and marital dealings (Vayikra 19:11, 35-36).
Moral Lesson
Lavan's behavior serves as a contrast to the middah of emes (truth) that Yaakov embodies. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) identifies Lavan as the archetype of deceit, teaching the importance of transparency in interpersonal relationships.