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Genesis 30:31 - Loyalty over wealth?

Genesis 30:31 - בראשית 30:31

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מָה אֶתֶּן־לָךְ וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב לֹא־תִתֶּן־לִי מְאוּמָה אִם־תַּעֲשֶׂה־לִּי הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה אָשׁוּבָה אֶרְעֶה צֹאנְךָ אֶשְׁמֹר׃

English Translation

And he said, What shall I give thee? And Ya῾aqov said, Thou shalt not give me anything: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock.

Transliteration

Vayomer ma eten lakh vayomer Yaakov lo-titen li me'uma im-ta'aseh li hadavar haze ashuvah ereh tzon'kha eshmor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מָ֣ה אֶתֶּן־לָ֑ךְ וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ לֹא־תִתֶּן־לִ֣י מְא֔וּמָה אִם־תַּֽעֲשֶׂה־לִּי֙ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה אָשׁ֛וּבָה אֶרְעֶ֥ה צֹֽאנְךָ֖ אֶשְׁמֹֽר׃
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מָ֣ה אֶתֶּן־לָ֑ךְ וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ לֹא־תִתֶּן־לִ֣י מְא֔וּמָה אִם־תַּֽעֲשֶׂה־לִּי֙ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה אָשׁ֛וּבָה אֶרְעֶ֥ה צֹֽאנְךָ֖ אֶשְׁמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 30:31) occurs during Yaakov's negotiation with Lavan regarding his wages after years of tending Lavan's flocks. Yaakov had fulfilled his initial commitment to work for Lavan in exchange for Rachel and Leah, and now seeks to establish terms for continued service.

Yaakov's Refusal of Immediate Payment

When Lavan asks, "What shall I give thee?", Yaakov responds, "Thou shalt not give me anything". Rashi explains that Yaakov did not want to receive a fixed wage because he trusted that Hashem would bless him through his labor (Rashi on Bereishit 30:31). This reflects Yaakov's emunah (faith) that his sustenance comes from divine providence rather than human guarantees.

The Conditional Agreement

Yaakov proposes instead: "If thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock". The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 73:10) highlights that Yaakov's phrasing indicates his integrity—he commits to diligent shepherding regardless of the eventual outcome. Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that Yaakov sought a fair arrangement where his labor would naturally lead to his prosperity through the speckled and spotted sheep that would later become his wages.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Bitachon (Trust in Hashem): Yaakov's refusal of immediate payment demonstrates reliance on divine reward rather than human promises (based on Sforno).
  • Avoiding Dependency: By tying his earnings to future productivity, Yaakov ensures his livelihood is earned through honest labor, aligning with the principle of "Whoever enjoys the labor of his hands is greater than one who fears Heaven" (Berachot 8a).
  • Negotiation with Integrity: Yaakov's proposal avoids exploiting Lavan while safeguarding his own interests, embodying the balance between shrewdness and righteousness praised in Jewish ethics (see Mishlei 12:17).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 30:31?
A: Genesis 30:31 occurs during Yaakov's (Jacob's) time working for Lavan (Laban). After many years of service, Lavan asks Yaakov what wages he wants for continuing to tend his flocks. Yaakov responds that he doesn't want an immediate gift, but proposes a future arrangement where he will continue shepherding Lavan's flocks under specific terms (which are detailed in the following verses). This sets up the famous story of the speckled and spotted sheep.
Q: Why did Yaakov say 'you shall not give me anything'?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov was demonstrating his trust in Hashem rather than relying on Lavan's generosity. By refusing an immediate gift and instead proposing a future conditional arrangement (based on the sheep's markings), Yaakov showed he believed his livelihood would come through Divine providence, not human favor. This aligns with Jewish teachings about trusting in G-d while making proper hishtadlus (effort).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's response in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yaakov's response models several important Jewish values: 1) Avoiding dependency on others when possible (hence refusing a handout), 2) Conducting business with clear terms to prevent disputes (as emphasized in Pirkei Avot), and 3) Demonstrating trust in Hashem while making fair arrangements. The Rambam (Hilchos Sechirus) later codifies many of these principles regarding employer-employee relationships.
Q: How does Yaakov's statement relate to Jewish work ethics?
A: This verse establishes key Jewish work principles: 1) Workers should be specific about compensation (as Yaakov later details), 2) One shouldn't feel entitled to unearned gifts ('you shall not give me anything'), and 3) Work agreements should be mutually beneficial - Yaakov offers continued skilled service ('I will feed and keep your flock'). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 83a) derives many labor laws from this narrative.