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Genesis 30:30 - Wealth through divine blessing?

Genesis 30:30 - בראשית 30:30

Hebrew Text

כִּי מְעַט אֲשֶׁר־הָיָה לְךָ לְפָנַי וַיִּפְרֹץ לָרֹב וַיְבָרֶךְ יְהוָה אֹתְךָ לְרַגְלִי וְעַתָּה מָתַי אֶעֱשֶׂה גַם־אָנֹכִי לְבֵיתִי׃

English Translation

For the little which thou hadst before I came is now increased to a multitude

Transliteration

Ki me'at asher-haya lekha lefanai vayifrotz larov vayvarekh Adonai otkha l'ragli v'ata mata e'ese gam-anochi l'veiti.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֡י מְעַט֩ אֲשֶׁר־הָיָ֨ה לְךָ֤ לְפָנַי֙ וַיִּפְרֹ֣ץ לָרֹ֔ב וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ יְהֹוָ֛ה אֹתְךָ֖ לְרַגְלִ֑י וְעַתָּ֗ה מָתַ֛י אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה גַם־אָנֹכִ֖י לְבֵיתִֽי׃
כִּ֡י מְעַט֩ אֲשֶׁר־הָיָ֨ה לְךָ֤ לְפָנַי֙ וַיִּפְרֹ֣ץ לָרֹ֔ב וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ יְהֹוָ֛ה אֹתְךָ֖ לְרַגְלִ֑י וְעַתָּ֗ה מָתַ֛י אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה גַם־אָנֹכִ֖י לְבֵיתִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 30:30) is part of Yaakov's (Jacob's) conversation with Lavan (Laban) after working for him for many years. Yaakov acknowledges that Lavan's possessions were minimal before his arrival but have since multiplied abundantly due to Hashem's blessing.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov is emphasizing how Lavan's wealth increased significantly due to his presence and the divine blessing that accompanied him. The phrase "וַיְבָרֶךְ יְהוָה אֹתְךָ לְרַגְלִי" ("and Hashem blessed you for my sake") indicates that the blessing came specifically because of Yaakov's merit and righteousness.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) would likely view this as an example of divine providence (hashgacha pratit), where Hashem rewards the righteous and extends blessings to those associated with them. Yaakov's presence brought divine favor to Lavan's household, illustrating how a tzaddik's influence can elevate those around him.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Rabbah (Genesis 73:7) elaborates that Lavan's flocks and possessions were meager before Yaakov arrived, but they flourished under Yaakov's care due to his honesty and divine blessing.
  • The Midrash also highlights Yaakov's humility in attributing the success to Hashem rather than his own efforts, a model of proper acknowledgment of divine benevolence.

Ibn Ezra's Explanation

Ibn Ezra notes that Yaakov's statement serves as a reminder to Lavan that his prosperity is not due to his own efforts but to Yaakov's merit. The phrase "לְרַגְלִי" ("for my sake") underscores that the blessing was directly linked to Yaakov's presence and righteousness.

Halachic Implications

The verse also carries a lesson in employer-employee relationships. Yaakov, as a faithful worker, brought blessing to his employer, reinforcing the principle that ethical labor (avodah b'emunah) is rewarded by Hashem. This aligns with Talmudic teachings (e.g., Bava Metzia 42a) about the blessings that come through honest business dealings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 30:30 mean when it says 'the little which thou hadst before I came is now increased to a multitude'?
A: This verse is spoken by Yaakov (Jacob) to Lavan (Laban), acknowledging that Lavan's flocks and wealth greatly increased during Yaakov's time working for him. According to Rashi, this highlights Hashem's blessing that came through Yaakov's righteousness and hard work, showing that prosperity came because of Yaakov's presence.
Q: Why is Genesis 30:30 important in the story of Yaakov and Lavan?
A: This verse is important because it demonstrates that Yaakov fulfilled his part of the agreement with Lavan honestly and with divine blessing. The Midrash explains that Yaakov's integrity and trust in Hashem caused Lavan’s wealth to grow, setting the stage for Yaakov’s eventual departure with his own family and flocks.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 30:30 about hard work and blessings?
A: The verse teaches that success comes from a combination of human effort (Yaakov’s diligent work) and divine blessing (Hashem’s intervention). The Rambam emphasizes that while we must put in effort, we must also recognize that true prosperity comes from Hashem’s will.
Q: How does Genesis 30:30 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse reminds us to acknowledge Hashem’s role in our successes while also taking responsibility for our efforts. The Talmud (Berachos 35b) teaches that we must balance work with trust in Hashem, just as Yaakov did—working hard but recognizing that blessings come from Above.