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Genesis 31:15 - Daughters sold by Laban?

Genesis 31:15 - בראשית 31:15

Hebrew Text

הֲלוֹא נָכְרִיּוֹת נֶחְשַׁבְנוּ לוֹ כִּי מְכָרָנוּ וַיֹּאכַל גַּם־אָכוֹל אֶת־כַּסְפֵּנוּ׃

English Translation

Are we not counted strangers by him? for he has sold us, and has quite devoured also our money.

Transliteration

Halo nochriyot nechshavnu lo ki mecharanu vayochal gam-achol et-kaspenu

Hebrew Leining Text

הֲל֧וֹא נׇכְרִיּ֛וֹת נֶחְשַׁ֥בְנוּ ל֖וֹ כִּ֣י מְכָרָ֑נוּ וַיֹּ֥אכַל גַּם־אָכ֖וֹל אֶת־כַּסְפֵּֽנוּ׃
הֲל֧וֹא נׇכְרִיּ֛וֹת נֶחְשַׁ֥בְנוּ ל֖וֹ כִּ֣י מְכָרָ֑נוּ וַיֹּ֥אכַל גַּם־אָכ֖וֹל אֶת־כַּסְפֵּֽנוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 31:15) is spoken by Rachel and Leah to Yaakov, expressing their grievances against their father Lavan. The daughters feel betrayed by Lavan, who treated them as outsiders despite their familial relationship, and who exploited Yaakov's labor without proper compensation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "הֲלוֹא נָכְרִיּוֹת נֶחְשַׁבְנוּ לוֹ" ("Are we not counted strangers by him?") reflects Lavan's attitude toward his daughters—he treated them as if they were not his own, selling them (by demanding Yaakov's labor in exchange for marriage) and withholding their rightful inheritance. Rashi emphasizes that Lavan's actions were exploitative, as he "devoured" their money by denying them their due.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:7) elaborates that Lavan's behavior demonstrated his lack of paternal care. Unlike a father who provides for his daughters, Lavan treated Rachel and Leah as commodities, using their marriages to Yaakov as a means of financial gain. The phrase "וַיֹּאכַל גַּם־אָכוֹל אֶת־כַּסְפֵּנוּ" ("and has quite devoured also our money") suggests that Lavan consumed not only Yaakov's wages but also the dowry or inheritance that rightfully belonged to his daughters.

Rambam's Perspective on Justice

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the ethical obligations of employers and family members in Hilchot Sechirut (Laws of Hiring). While not directly commenting on this verse, his principles align with the criticism of Lavan’s behavior. A father or employer must act justly, ensuring fair compensation and familial respect—principles Lavan violated by treating his daughters and son-in-law as mere sources of profit.

Key Themes

  • Exploitation vs. Familial Duty: Lavan prioritized greed over his responsibilities as a father, highlighting the moral failing of placing material gain above kinship.
  • Justice in Labor: The verse underscores the importance of fair wages and ethical treatment, themes later codified in Halacha regarding workers' rights.
  • Women's Voices in Torah: Rachel and Leah’s protest reflects their awareness of injustice, demonstrating their role as active participants in the narrative rather than passive figures.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 31:15 mean when it says 'Are we not counted strangers by him?'
A: This verse is spoken by Rachel and Leah about their father Laban. They feel that Laban treated them like outsiders ('strangers') rather than his own daughters, as he sold them (through the marriage agreements with Jacob) and kept their rightful inheritance ('devoured our money'). Rashi explains that Laban viewed them as foreigners with no familial loyalty, despite being his daughters.
Q: Why did Rachel and Leah say Laban 'sold us' in Genesis 31:15?
A: According to traditional Jewish interpretation (Rashi, Midrash), Rachel and Leah felt that Laban 'sold' them by demanding Jacob work seven years for each of them in marriage, treating them like property rather than caring for their well-being. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) also notes that Laban was deceptive in his dealings with Jacob regarding his daughters.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 31:15 about family relationships?
A: The verse teaches the importance of treating family members with love and fairness. Laban's behavior—exploiting his daughters and son-in-law—is condemned in Jewish tradition. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:3) emphasizes that family bonds require honesty and kindness, unlike Laban's actions.
Q: How does Genesis 31:15 relate to the concept of honesty in business?
A: The verse highlights Laban's dishonesty in withholding Rachel and Leah's rightful earnings ('devoured our money'). Jewish law (Choshen Mishpat 228:6) strictly prohibits withholding wages or deceiving others in financial matters, learning from Laban's negative example.