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Genesis 29:32 - Divine compassion births hope

Genesis 29:32 - בראשית 29:32

Hebrew Text

וַתַּהַר לֵאָה וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ רְאוּבֵן כִּי אָמְרָה כִּי־רָאָה יְהוָה בְּעָנְיִי כִּי עַתָּה יֶאֱהָבַנִי אִישִׁי׃

English Translation

And Le᾽a conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Re᾽uven: for she said, Surely the Lord has looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

Transliteration

Va'tahar Lea va'teled ben va'tikra shmo Reuven ki amra ki-ra'a Adonai be'onyi ki ata ye'ehavani ishi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתַּ֤הַר לֵאָה֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ רְאוּבֵ֑ן כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֗ה כִּֽי־רָאָ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בְּעׇנְיִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה יֶאֱהָבַ֥נִי אִישִֽׁי׃
וַתַּ֤הַר לֵאָה֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ רְאוּבֵ֑ן כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֗ה כִּֽי־רָאָ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ בְּעׇנְיִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה יֶאֱהָבַ֥נִי אִישִֽׁי׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Reuven

The verse states: "וַתַּהַר לֵאָה וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ רְאוּבֵן כִּי אָמְרָה כִּי־רָאָה יְהוָה בְּעָנְיִי כִּי עַתָּה יֶאֱהָבַנִי אִישִׁי" ("And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuven: for she said, Surely the Lord has looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me").

Leah's Perspective and the Meaning of "Reuven"

Rashi explains that the name Reuven (רְאוּבֵן) is derived from Leah's declaration: "רָאָה יְהוָה בְּעָנְיִי" ("Hashem has seen my affliction"). Leah recognized that although Yaakov favored Rachel, Hashem saw her suffering and granted her this son. The name reflects her gratitude for divine compassion.

Leah's Hope for Yaakov's Love

Leah expresses the hope that "עַתָּה יֶאֱהָבַנִי אִישִׁי" ("now my husband will love me"). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 71:4) notes that Leah believed bearing a son would endear her to Yaakov. However, Ramban suggests that Leah's statement reveals her ongoing emotional struggle, as she still felt secondary to Rachel despite this blessing.

The Deeper Significance of "Reuven"

The Talmud (Berachot 7b) teaches that Leah was the first person to actively thank Hashem in the Torah. By naming her son Reuven, she acknowledged divine intervention in her life. The Sforno adds that Leah's recognition of Hashem's role in her pregnancy set a precedent for gratitude in Jewish tradition.

Leah's Affliction (עָנְיִי)

Rashi and Ibn Ezra explain that Leah's עָנְיִי ("affliction") refers to her distress over being the less-favored wife. The Or HaChaim suggests that her suffering was compounded by the fact that she was originally destined to marry Esav, adding layers to her emotional pain.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Leah's naming of Reuben, illustrating how divine providence is perceived in personal circumstances.
📖 Sotah 12a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the names given to children and their significance, particularly focusing on Leah's hope for her husband's love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Leah name her son Reuben?
A: Leah named her first son Reuben (רְאוּבֵן) because it comes from the Hebrew words 'ra'ah' (רָאָה - saw) and 'be'onyi' (בְּעָנְיִי - my affliction). She said, 'Hashem has seen my affliction,' referring to her pain of feeling unloved by Yaakov compared to her sister Rachel (Rashi on Genesis 29:32).
Q: What does this verse teach us about Leah's feelings?
A: This verse shows Leah's deep longing for her husband Yaakov's love. Despite being married to him, she felt neglected because Yaakov clearly loved Rachel more. Her naming of Reuben reflects her hope that now, after bearing a son, Yaakov would love her (Bereshit Rabbah 71:4).
Q: Why is Reuben's birth significant in the Torah?
A: Reuben's birth is significant because he is the first of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Leah's statement shows that even in her pain, she recognized Hashem's hand in her life, setting a foundation for the future tribes (Ramban on Genesis 29:32).
Q: How does Leah's prayer relate to her naming Reuben?
A: Leah's naming of Reuben reflects her prayerful recognition that Hashem saw her suffering. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeitzei 8) teaches that Leah was the first to truly thank Hashem for a child, setting an example of gratitude even in difficult circumstances.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leah's words in this verse?
A: We learn that even in times of personal struggle, we should recognize Hashem's presence in our lives. Leah teaches us to acknowledge divine compassion ('Hashem has seen my affliction') while working through human relationships (Malbim on Genesis 29:32).