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Genesis 31:3 - Divine call to return home.

Genesis 31:3 - בראשית 31:3

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־יַעֲקֹב שׁוּב אֶל־אֶרֶץ אֲבוֹתֶיךָ וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּךָ וְאֶהְיֶה עִמָּךְ׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Ya῾aqov, Return to the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el-Yaakov shuv el-eretz avotekha ulmoladetecha ve'ehiyeh imakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֔ב שׁ֛וּב אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ אֲבוֹתֶ֖יךָ וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּ֑ךָ וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֔ב שׁ֛וּב אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ אֲבוֹתֶ֖יךָ וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּ֑ךָ וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Command to Return

The verse (Bereshit 31:3) records Hashem's instruction to Yaakov to return to Eretz Yisrael after his extended stay with Lavan. Rashi explains that this command was necessary because Yaakov might have hesitated to leave without explicit divine permission, given his oath to Lavan (Bereshit 31:44-53). The phrase "שׁוּב אֶל־אֶרֶץ אֲבוֹתֶיךָ" ("Return to the land of your fathers") emphasizes the ancestral connection to the land, reinforcing its significance as the inheritance of Avraham and Yitzchak.

The Promise of Divine Presence

The concluding phrase "וְאֶהְיֶה עִמָּךְ" ("And I will be with you") provides assurance of divine protection. Ramban notes that this echoes Hashem's earlier promises to Yaakov (Bereshit 28:15) and signifies that his return would be under divine providence. The Sforno adds that this promise was particularly crucial given the potential threat from Esav, whom Yaakov would encounter upon his return.

Spiritual Significance of the Return

  • Redemption from Lavan's Influence: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 74:4) compares Lavan's household to an impure environment, making Yaakov's return a spiritual necessity.
  • Fulfillment of Avraham's Covenant: The return to Eretz Yisrael aligns with the divine covenant (Bereshit 12:7), ensuring the continuity of the patriarchal legacy.
  • Preparation for Nationhood: The Or HaChaim suggests that Yaakov's return marked the beginning of Bnei Yisrael's formation as a distinct nation in their destined land.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:9-12) derives from this verse the fundamental principle that dwelling in Eretz Yisrael is a mitzvah incumbent upon all Jews. The command to Yaakov establishes a precedent for the eternal connection between Am Yisrael and their land, a theme reiterated throughout Tanach and Rabbinic literature.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 17a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the divine promise to Jacob and its implications for future generations.
📖 Berakhot 4b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the timing and nature of divine communications with the patriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 31:3 mean when Hashem tells Yaakov to return to his father's land?
A: This verse marks a turning point where Hashem instructs Yaakov to leave Charan and return to Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). Rashi explains that Hashem was assuring Yaakov of divine protection during his journey back home, despite the tensions with Lavan. It emphasizes that fulfilling one's mission (like Yaakov building the future tribes of Israel) requires returning to the holy land.
Q: Why is it significant that Hashem says 'I will be with thee' in this verse?
A: The promise 'I will be with thee' (וְאֶהְיֶה עִמָּךְ) is a recurring theme in Tanach, showing Hashem's personal guidance. The Ramban notes that this assurance was critical because Yaakov feared retaliation from Lavan or Esav. It teaches that when fulfilling a mitzvah (like returning to Eretz Yisrael), Hashem provides special protection—a principle that applies to all Jews in difficult transitions.
Q: How does Yaakov's return to his homeland apply to Jews today?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) connects Yaakov's return to the eventual ingathering of Jewish exiles. Just as Yaakov was commanded to return to his roots, halachah (Jewish law) emphasizes the importance of living in Eretz Yisrael when possible (Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 5:12). This verse inspires the Jewish people’s eternal bond with the land promised to our ancestors.
Q: Why does the verse mention both 'land of your fathers' and 'your kindred'?
A: The dual phrasing—'land of your fathers' (אֶרֶץ אֲבוֹתֶיךָ) and 'your kindred' (וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּךָ)—hints at two layers of return. Ibn Ezra explains: 'fathers' refers to Avraham and Yitzchak’s legacy, while 'kindred' means reuniting with family (like his mother Rivkah). This teaches that returning home involves both spiritual heritage and physical reconnection with one’s people.