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Genesis 31:16 - Divine wealth for generations

Genesis 31:16 - בראשית 31:16

Hebrew Text

כִּי כָל־הָעֹשֶׁר אֲשֶׁר הִצִּיל אֱלֹהִים מֵאָבִינוּ לָנוּ הוּא וּלְבָנֵינוּ וְעַתָּה כֹּל אֲשֶׁר אָמַר אֱלֹהִים אֵלֶיךָ עֲשֵׂה׃

English Translation

For all the riches which God has taken from our father, it is ours, and our children’s: now then, whatever God has said to thee, do.

Transliteration

Ki kol-ha'osher asher hitsil Elohim mei'avinu lanu hu ul'vaneinu ve'atah kol asher amar Elohim eleicha aseh.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י כׇל־הָעֹ֗שֶׁר אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִצִּ֤יל אֱלֹהִים֙ מֵֽאָבִ֔ינוּ לָ֥נוּ ה֖וּא וּלְבָנֵ֑ינוּ וְעַתָּ֗ה כֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָמַ֧ר אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֵלֶ֖יךָ עֲשֵֽׂה׃
כִּ֣י כׇל־הָעֹ֗שֶׁר אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִצִּ֤יל אֱלֹהִים֙ מֵֽאָבִ֔ינוּ לָ֥נוּ ה֖וּא וּלְבָנֵ֑ינוּ וְעַתָּ֗ה כֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָמַ֧ר אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֵלֶ֖יךָ עֲשֵֽׂה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 31:16) is spoken by Rachel and Leah to Yaakov (Jacob) in response to his explanation of why they must leave Lavan's (Laban's) household. Yaakov had recounted how Hashem had commanded him to return to the land of his fathers (Genesis 31:3) and how Lavan had repeatedly deceived him regarding his wages (Genesis 31:7). Rachel and Leah affirm their support for Yaakov's decision, acknowledging that their father Lavan had unjustly withheld their rightful inheritance.

Interpretation of "All the Riches"

Rashi explains that Rachel and Leah are referring to the wealth that Lavan had gained through Yaakov's labor. According to their reasoning, since Lavan had not given Yaakov his rightful wages, the wealth that Yaakov acquired through his own efforts (by breeding the flocks as described in Genesis 30:25-43) rightfully belonged to Yaakov and his family. The daughters emphasize that this wealth is not only theirs but also their children's inheritance, as it was earned through Yaakov's divinely blessed efforts.

Theological Implication: "Whatever God Has Said to You, Do"

Ramban (Nachmanides) highlights the significance of Rachel and Leah's declaration of faith in Hashem's command. By stating, "Whatever God has said to you, do," they demonstrate their complete trust in divine instruction, aligning themselves with Yaakov's mission. This echoes the principle of bitachon (trust in God) and submission to divine will, a recurring theme in the lives of the matriarchs and patriarchs.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Rabbah (Genesis 74:9) elaborates that Rachel and Leah recognized Lavan's deceitfulness and acknowledged that any wealth they possessed was only due to Hashem's intervention. Their statement reflects gratitude for divine providence in securing their future.
  • Ibn Ezra notes that their words also serve as a legal claim—since Lavan had withheld their dowries (as was customary for daughters in that era), the wealth Yaakov acquired was a just compensation.

Halachic Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchos Gezeilah 1:3) discusses the principle of unjust enrichment, which aligns with Rachel and Leah's argument. If a person benefits from another's labor without fair compensation, the laborer has a rightful claim to the fruits of his work. This reinforces the ethical and halachic validity of Yaakov taking the flocks as his due.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 31:16 mean in simple terms?
A: In Genesis 31:16, Rachel and Leah are telling Jacob that any wealth their father Laban lost actually rightfully belongs to them and their children, as decreed by God. They then urge Jacob to follow whatever God has commanded him to do. Rashi explains that they acknowledged God's hand in their blessings and supported Jacob's divine mission.
Q: Why is Genesis 31:16 important in the Torah?
A: This verse is important because it shows Rachel and Leah's faith in God's providence and their support for Jacob's obedience to God's command. The Talmud (Megillah 13a) highlights their righteousness in recognizing that material blessings come from God and should be used for holy purposes.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 31:16?
A: We learn that wealth and possessions are ultimately granted by God and should be used in accordance with His will. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:7) teaches that Rachel and Leah's words remind us to trust in God's plan and follow His commandments, even when it involves difficult decisions.
Q: How does Genesis 31:16 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse teaches us to acknowledge that our blessings come from God and to use them responsibly for our families and spiritual growth. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:11) emphasizes gratitude and recognizing God's role in our success, just as Rachel and Leah did.