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Genesis 29:34 - Levi: Bond through three sons?

Genesis 29:34 - בראשית 29:34

Hebrew Text

וַתַּהַר עוֹד וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַתֹּאמֶר עַתָּה הַפַּעַם יִלָּוֶה אִישִׁי אֵלַי כִּי־יָלַדְתִּי לוֹ שְׁלֹשָׁה בָנִים עַל־כֵּן קָרָא־שְׁמוֹ לֵוִי׃

English Translation

And she conceived again, and bore a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined to me, because I have born him three sons; therefore was his name called Levi.

Transliteration

Va'tahar od va'teled ben va'tomer ata ha'pa'am yilave ishi elai ki yaladti lo shloshah banim al ken kara shmo Levi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֮ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר עַתָּ֤ה הַפַּ֙עַם֙ יִלָּוֶ֤ה אִישִׁי֙ אֵלַ֔י כִּֽי־יָלַ֥דְתִּי ל֖וֹ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָרָֽא־שְׁמ֖וֹ לֵוִֽי׃
וַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֮ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר עַתָּ֤ה הַפַּ֙עַם֙ יִלָּוֶ֤ה אִישִׁי֙ אֵלַ֔י כִּֽי־יָלַ֥דְתִּי ל֖וֹ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים עַל־כֵּ֥ן קָרָֽא־שְׁמ֖וֹ לֵוִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Leah's Naming of Levi

The verse (Bereshit 29:34) describes Leah naming her third son Levi, expressing her hope that her husband Yaakov would now be more closely attached (yilaveh) to her after bearing three sons. This reflects Leah's ongoing desire for a deeper marital connection with Yaakov.

Etymology of the Name Levi

Rashi explains that Leah chose the name Levi (לֵוִי) based on her statement "yilaveh ishi elai" (my husband will be joined to me), deriving from the root ל.ו.ה meaning "to accompany" or "to attach." The name signifies her hope for greater closeness in her marriage.

Significance of Three Sons

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 71:4) notes that Leah referenced having three sons because three represents a complete unit in Jewish thought - just as Avraham's covenant was established after three tests (Pirkei Avot 5:3). By bearing three sons, Leah felt she had established a firm foundation in Yaakov's household.

Levi's Future Role

Ramban suggests this naming foreshadowed Levi's descendants' role as the priestly class who would be "joined" to Hashem's service. The tribe of Levi would later become the spiritual leaders of Israel, dedicated to Divine service in the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash.

Leah's Spiritual Insight

The Kli Yakar observes that Leah demonstrated prophetic insight in her naming. While she spoke of her husband being joined to her, on a deeper level this alluded to the future Levites who would be "joined" to Hashem (Devarim 10:8-9).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the names of the tribes and their significance, particularly focusing on the naming of Levi and its implications.
📖 Sotah 12a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the birth of the tribes of Israel and the meanings behind their names, with a focus on Leah's statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Leah name her son Levi?
A: Leah named her son Levi (from the Hebrew root 'לוה' meaning 'to join') because she hoped her husband Yaakov (Jacob) would now feel more attached to her after bearing him three sons (Genesis 29:34). Rashi explains that Leah believed having three sons would create a stronger bond in their marriage.
Q: What is the significance of Leah having three sons?
A: In Jewish tradition, three represents a complete set or something established (as seen in the three Patriarchs). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 71:4) notes that Leah felt three sons would firmly establish her position in the family, as a wife who bore fewer than three might still be considered secondary.
Q: How does the name Levi connect to the Tribe of Levi's future role?
A: The name Levi foreshadows the tribe's future role of connection ('joining') between Hashem and the Jewish people. Rambam explains that the Levites were set apart for holy service (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1), fulfilling the joining implied in their ancestor's name.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leah's statement when naming Levi?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 7b) derives from this that a wife has the right to intimacy in marriage. Leah's words teach that marital relationships require ongoing emotional connection, not just childbearing. This remains a fundamental principle in Jewish family life today.
Q: Why does the Torah tell us how each of Leah's sons was named?
A: The Torah records the naming to show each child's spiritual significance. The Kli Yakar explains that Leah's naming declarations reveal her growth in understanding her role - with Levi's birth, she recognizes that true connection comes through shared purpose in serving Hashem, not just through childbearing.