share torah logo

Genesis 30:16 - Love's price: mandrakes for intimacy?

Genesis 30:16 - בראשית 30:16

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא יַעֲקֹב מִן־הַשָּׂדֶה בָּעֶרֶב וַתֵּצֵא לֵאָה לִקְרָאתוֹ וַתֹּאמֶר אֵלַי תָּבוֹא כִּי שָׂכֹר שְׂכַרְתִּיךָ בְּדוּדָאֵי בְּנִי וַיִּשְׁכַּב עִמָּהּ בַּלַּיְלָה הוּא׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov came out of the field in the evening, and Le᾽a went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in to me; for indeed I have hired thee with my son’s mandrakes. And he lay with her that night.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Ya'akov min-hasadeh ba'erev va'teitzei Le'ah likrato va'tomer elai tavo ki sachor s'charticha b'duda'ei b'ni va'yishkav imah balailah hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֨א יַעֲקֹ֣ב מִן־הַשָּׂדֶה֮ בָּעֶ֒רֶב֒ וַתֵּצֵ֨א לֵאָ֜ה לִקְרָאת֗וֹ וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֵלַ֣י תָּב֔וֹא כִּ֚י שָׂכֹ֣ר שְׂכַרְתִּ֔יךָ בְּדוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנִ֑י וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב עִמָּ֖הּ בַּלַּ֥יְלָה הֽוּא׃
וַיָּבֹ֨א יַעֲקֹ֣ב מִן־הַשָּׂדֶה֮ בָּעֶ֒רֶב֒ וַתֵּצֵ֨א לֵאָ֜ה לִקְרָאת֗וֹ וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֵלַ֣י תָּב֔וֹא כִּ֚י שָׂכֹ֣ר שְׂכַרְתִּ֔יךָ בְּדוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנִ֑י וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב עִמָּ֖הּ בַּלַּ֥יְלָה הֽוּא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 30:16) describes an encounter between Yaakov and Leah after Leah had acquired mandrakes (דודאים) from her son Reuven. Leah uses these mandrakes to negotiate with Rachel for the opportunity to be with Yaakov that night. This episode occurs within the broader narrative of the rivalry between Leah and Rachel over bearing children and Yaakov's attention.

Leah's Initiative and the Mandrakes

Rashi explains that the mandrakes were believed to aid in conception, which is why Rachel desired them (Rashi on Bereshit 30:14). Leah, recognizing their value, uses them as a bargaining tool to secure time with Yaakov. The phrase "שכר שכרתיך בדודאי בני" ("I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes") reflects a transactional agreement, demonstrating Leah's determination to bear more children.

Yaakov's Compliance

The Torah states that Yaakov lay with Leah that night, indicating his acquiescence to the arrangement. Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Yaakov, though initially favoring Rachel, honored his marital obligations to Leah, reinforcing the principle of fairness among wives in a polygamous household (Ramban on Bereshit 30:15-16).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 72:3) highlights Leah's righteousness, noting that she was destined to bear six of the twelve tribes. Her proactive approach in this episode is seen as part of Divine Providence ensuring the fulfillment of this destiny.
  • Some commentaries suggest that the mandrakes symbolize fertility, but Leah’s success in conceiving (resulting in the birth of Yissachar, Bereshit 30:17-18) ultimately comes from Hashem’s blessing, not the mandrakes themselves.

Halachic Perspective

The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 1:9) discusses the obligations of a husband toward his wives, emphasizing equitable treatment. Yaakov’s actions align with this principle, as he does not neglect Leah despite his emotional attachment to Rachel.

Moral Lessons

This episode teaches:

  • The importance of yishuv ha'bayit (domestic harmony) and balancing relationships within a family.
  • That human efforts (like Leah’s negotiation) are secondary to Divine decree, as Leah’s pregnancy is ultimately attributed to Hashem’s intervention (Bereshit 30:17).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 60a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the efficacy of prayer and divine providence, illustrating how Leah's actions were guided by her prayers and faith.
📖 Megillah 13b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the merits of Leah and her descendants, highlighting her righteousness and the significance of her actions in the narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'mandrakes' mentioned in Genesis 30:16?
A: The 'mandrakes' (דודאים - duda'im) mentioned in the verse are a type of fragrant plant that was believed in ancient times to help with fertility. Rashi explains that Leah traded these mandrakes, which her son Reuben had found, to Rachel in exchange for the right to be with Yaakov that night.
Q: Why did Leah say she 'hired' Yaakov with the mandrakes?
A: Leah used the term 'hired' (שכרתיך) because she had made an agreement with Rachel. According to the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 72:4), Rachel had originally been the one to spend the night with Yaakov, but Leah gave Rachel the mandrakes in exchange for that right, effectively 'hiring' Yaakov's time through this arrangement.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this incident between Leah and Rachel?
A: This episode teaches about the complexities of family relationships and the importance of communication and fairness. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) notes that Rachel's selflessness in giving up her time with Yaakov for the sake of Leah's dignity was later rewarded when she merited to have children as well.
Q: How does this verse relate to the broader story of Yaakov's family?
A: This verse is part of the narrative about the births of Yaakov's children. The mandrakes incident led to Leah conceiving Yissachar (Genesis 30:17-18), showing how divine providence works even through human agreements and natural means, as explained by Ramban (Nachmanides).
Q: Why is this moment significant in Leah's life?
A: This moment shows Leah's deep desire to connect with Yaakov and build their family. Despite already having children, she valued her relationship with her husband. The Sforno explains that Leah's actions demonstrated her commitment to fulfilling the mitzvah of 'peru u'revu' (be fruitful and multiply) and building the tribes of Israel.