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Genesis 29:29 - Lavan's manipulative gift revealed.

Genesis 29:29 - בראשית 29:29

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֵּן לָבָן לְרָחֵל בִּתּוֹ אֶת־בִּלְהָה שִׁפְחָתוֹ לָהּ לְשִׁפְחָה׃

English Translation

And Lavan gave to Raĥel his daughter Bilha his maid to be her handmaid.

Transliteration

Vayiten Lavan l'Rachel bito et Bilha shifchato lah l'shifcha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ לְרָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ אֶת־בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לָ֖הּ לְשִׁפְחָֽה׃
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ לְרָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ אֶת־בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לָ֖הּ לְשִׁפְחָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 29:29) describes how Lavan gave his daughter Rachel the maidservant Bilha as a wedding gift. This occurs after Yaakov marries both Leah and Rachel, and it parallels the earlier verse (Bereshit 29:24) where Lavan similarly gives Leah his maidservant Zilpa. The giving of maidservants was a customary practice in ancient times, signifying status and providing assistance in household duties.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereshit 29:29) explains that Lavan gave Bilha to Rachel as a shifcha (maidservant) to serve her, just as he had given Zilpa to Leah. Rashi emphasizes that this was a gesture of honor, ensuring that both daughters had attendants befitting their status. Additionally, Rashi notes that these maidservants later became secondary wives to Yaakov (as seen in Bereshit 30:3-9), which was a common practice among the Avot (forefathers) when primary wives were initially barren.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (74:13): The Midrash highlights that Bilha and Zilpa were actually Lavan's daughters from a concubine, making them half-sisters to Leah and Rachel. This explains why they were given as maidservants—they were of lower status due to their mother's position.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeitzei 12): Suggests that Lavan gave these maidservants with ulterior motives, intending to increase his influence over Yaakov's household. This aligns with Lavan's deceptive character as seen earlier in the parsha.

Halachic and Ethical Considerations

The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 1:7) discusses the laws regarding maidservants and emphasizes the ethical obligation to treat them with dignity. While the Torah permits servitude under certain conditions, it mandates kindness and fairness. The Avot modeled this behavior, as seen in how Yaakov later treated Bilha and Zilpa with respect, even elevating them to the status of mothers of tribes (Shevatim).

Symbolic Meaning

Some commentators, like the Kli Yakar, suggest that the giving of Bilha and Zilpa foreshadowed future events. Bilha, given to Rachel, later bore Dan and Naftali—tribes associated with struggle and perseverance, reflecting Rachel's initial barrenness and eventual triumph. This mirrors the broader theme of divine providence in the lives of the Imahos (matriarchs).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the relationship between Rachel and Bilhah, and how Laban gave Bilhah to Rachel as her handmaid.
📖 Sanhedrin 19b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the legal status of handmaids and the implications of Laban's actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lavan give Bilha to Rachel as a handmaid?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 29:29), Lavan gave Bilha to Rachel as a handmaid because it was customary in those times for wealthy fathers to provide their daughters with maidservants when they married. This was seen as a sign of honor and support for the bride in her new household.
Q: What was the role of a handmaid like Bilha in biblical times?
A: In biblical times, a handmaid (שִׁפְחָה) like Bilha served her mistress in various household tasks. According to the Talmud (Ketubot 61a), a handmaid's duties could include assisting with personal needs, childcare, and other domestic responsibilities. Later, Bilha would also become one of Jacob's secondary wives (Genesis 30:3-4).
Q: Is there any significance to Bilha being given specifically to Rachel?
A: Yes, the Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 74:13) notes that Rachel received Bilha as her handmaid, while Leah received Zilpah (Genesis 29:24). This set the stage for later events when both handmaids would bear children for Jacob when Rachel and Leah faced challenges with childbearing (Genesis 30). This shows Divine Providence in building the tribes of Israel.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish marriage customs?
A: This verse reflects ancient Near Eastern marriage customs where a bride's family would provide dowry items, including servants. The Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 13:1-2) discusses how Jewish law later formalized marriage agreements, but the basic concept of supporting a bride in her new home remains an important value in Jewish tradition.