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Genesis 31:14 - Sisters question paternal inheritance.

Genesis 31:14 - בראשית 31:14

Hebrew Text

וַתַּעַן רָחֵל וְלֵאָה וַתֹּאמַרְנָה לוֹ הַעוֹד לָנוּ חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה בְּבֵית אָבִינוּ׃

English Translation

And Raĥel and Le᾽a answered and said to him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house?

Transliteration

Vata'an Rakhel v'Leah vatomarna lo ha'od lanu chelek v'nachala b'veit avinu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתַּ֤עַן רָחֵל֙ וְלֵאָ֔ה וַתֹּאמַ֖רְנָה ל֑וֹ הַע֥וֹד לָ֛נוּ חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה בְּבֵ֥ית אָבִֽינוּ׃
וַתַּ֤עַן רָחֵל֙ וְלֵאָ֔ה וַתֹּאמַ֖רְנָה ל֑וֹ הַע֥וֹד לָ֛נוּ חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה בְּבֵ֥ית אָבִֽינוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 31:14) appears in the narrative where Rachel and Leah respond to Yaakov's concerns about Lavan's deceitful behavior. Yaakov had just explained how Lavan had repeatedly changed his wages and treated him unfairly, prompting their reply about their own lack of inheritance in their father's house.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on this verse, noting that Rachel and Leah felt entirely disconnected from their father's household. They rhetorically ask whether they still have any portion (חֵלֶק) or inheritance (נַחֲלָה) in their father's house, implying that Lavan had treated them as strangers rather than daughters. Rashi emphasizes that their response indicates they no longer considered themselves bound by familial loyalty to Lavan, justifying their departure with Yaakov.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 74:7) elaborates on their words, suggesting that Rachel and Leah were not merely speaking about material inheritance but also about spiritual belonging. They questioned whether they had any share in Lavan's idolatrous practices, as they had fully embraced the monotheistic faith of Yaakov. Their rhetorical question underscores their complete rejection of Lavan's household values.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam (Maimonides) does not directly comment on this verse, his principles in Hilchos Ishus (Laws of Marriage) clarify that a wife's primary bond is with her husband, not her father. Rachel and Leah's statement aligns with this halachic view, affirming their loyalty to Yaakov over Lavan.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra highlights the legal aspect of their claim, noting that daughters in ancient Near Eastern societies could inherit only in the absence of sons (as later formalized in the Torah's laws of inheritance in Numbers 27). Since Lavan had sons (Genesis 31:1), Rachel and Leah had no expectation of material inheritance, reinforcing their sense of alienation.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of Lavan's Household: Their words signify a complete break from Lavan's deceitful and idolatrous environment.
  • Loyalty to Yaakov: They affirm their commitment to Yaakov's family and G-d's covenant.
  • Inheritance as Metaphor: Beyond material wealth, they question their spiritual and emotional ties to Lavan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 31:14 mean when Rachel and Leah say 'Is there any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house?'
A: Rachel and Leah are expressing their frustration with their father Laban, who treated them poorly and did not provide them with their rightful inheritance. According to Rashi, they felt that their father had sold them (by demanding Jacob's labor for their hands in marriage) and consumed their money (by withholding their dowries). They recognized that they had no future with Laban and chose to side with their husband Jacob.
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Jacob and his wives?
A: This verse is important because it shows Rachel and Leah's decision to fully join Jacob and leave their father's household. The Midrash explains that they acknowledged Jacob's righteousness and realized that their father Laban was deceitful. Their statement marks a turning point where they affirm their loyalty to Jacob and the future of the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from Rachel and Leah's response in Genesis 31:14?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing true righteousness and distancing oneself from dishonest behavior. Rachel and Leah understood that their father Laban was unjust, and they chose to align themselves with Jacob, who represented honesty and devotion to Hashem. This teaches us to value integrity and make decisions based on truth, even when it means leaving behind family ties that are harmful.
Q: How does this verse apply to relationships today?
A: This verse teaches that loyalty should be based on righteousness, not just family ties. If family members act unjustly, it is sometimes necessary to distance oneself for the sake of truth. The Talmud (Ketubot 72b) discusses the importance of a wife supporting her husband when he is righteous, reinforcing the idea that moral integrity should guide relationships.