share torah logo

Genesis 31:33 - Lavan searches, finds nothing

Genesis 31:33 - בראשית 31:33

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא לָבָן בְּאֹהֶל יַעֲקֹב וּבְאֹהֶל לֵאָה וּבְאֹהֶל שְׁתֵּי הָאֲמָהֹת וְלֹא מָצָא וַיֵּצֵא מֵאֹהֶל לֵאָה וַיָּבֹא בְּאֹהֶל רָחֵל׃

English Translation

And Lavan went into Ya῾aqov’s tent, and into Le᾽a’s tent, and into the two maidservants’ tents; but he found them not. Then he went out of Le᾽a’s tent, and entered into Raĥel’s tent.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Lavan be'ohel Ya'akov u've'ohel Leah u've'ohel shtei ha'amahot ve'lo matza va'yetze me'ohel Leah va'yavo be'ohel Rachel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֨א לָבָ֜ן בְּאֹ֥הֶל יַעֲקֹ֣ב <b>׀</b> וּבְאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֗ה וּבְאֹ֛הֶל שְׁתֵּ֥י הָאֲמָהֹ֖ת וְלֹ֣א מָצָ֑א וַיֵּצֵא֙ מֵאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֔ה וַיָּבֹ֖א בְּאֹ֥הֶל רָחֵֽל׃
וַיָּבֹ֨א לָבָ֜ן בְּאֹ֥הֶל יַעֲקֹ֣ב ׀ וּבְאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֗ה וּבְאֹ֛הֶל שְׁתֵּ֥י הָאֲמָהֹ֖ת וְלֹ֣א מָצָ֑א וַיֵּצֵא֙ מֵאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֔ה וַיָּבֹ֖א בְּאֹ֥הֶל רָחֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 31:33) describes Lavan's search for his stolen terafim (household idols) in Yaakov's camp after Yaakov and his family secretly departed from Lavan's household. The order in which Lavan searches the tents—first Yaakov's, then Leah's, the two maidservants' tents, and finally Rachel's—reveals insights into Lavan's priorities and Rachel's cleverness in hiding the terafim.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereishit 31:33) explains that Lavan searched Yaakov's tent first because he assumed Yaakov, as the head of the household, would be the one to take the idols. When he found nothing, he proceeded to Leah's tent, then the tents of Bilhah and Zilpah, and finally Rachel's tent. Rashi notes that Rachel had actually taken the terafim (as mentioned in verse 19) and concealed them under her camel's saddle, sitting on them when Lavan entered.

Order of the Search

The sequence of Lavan's search reflects his assumptions:

  • Yaakov's tent first: Lavan suspected Yaakov might have taken the idols out of resentment or as compensation for unpaid wages.
  • Leah's tent next: As the first wife, Leah might have been seen as more likely to assist in hiding valuables.
  • The maidservants' tents: Bilhah and Zilpah were secondary wives, so Lavan searched them before Rachel, perhaps underestimating Rachel's role.
  • Rachel's tent last: Lavan may have assumed Rachel, as the beloved wife, would not need to steal, or he may have hesitated to confront her directly.

Rachel's Concealment of the Terafim

Midrashic sources (Bereishit Rabbah 74:5) suggest Rachel took the terafim to prevent Lavan from using them for divination to locate Yaakov's family. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) discusses whether her act was justified, with some opinions praising her for distancing her father from idolatry.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

This episode teaches:

  • Trust in Hashem: Yaakov, unaware of Rachel's actions, declared death for the thief (31:32), yet Rachel was protected due to her righteous intentions.
  • Wisdom in adversity: Rachel's quick thinking demonstrates how the righteous act with wisdom even under pressure.
  • Lavan's misplaced priorities: His frantic search for idols, rather than reconciliation with his family, highlights his flawed character.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lavan search Yaakov's tents?
A: Lavan searched Yaakov's tents because he suspected Yaakov had taken his household idols (terafim). This is based on Genesis 31:30, where Lavan accuses Yaakov of stealing his gods. Rashi explains that Rachel had actually taken the idols to prevent her father from idol worship.
Q: Why didn't Lavan find the idols in Rachel's tent?
A: Lavan didn't find the idols in Rachel's tent because Rachel hid them in her camel's saddle and sat on it (Genesis 31:34-35). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:5) explains that Rachel did this to protect her husband Yaakov from Lavan's false accusations.
Q: What is the significance of the order in which Lavan searched the tents?
A: The order (Yaakov's tent first, then Leah's, then the maidservants', and finally Rachel's) shows Lavan's suspicion and thoroughness. Rashi notes that Lavan searched most carefully in Rachel's tent last because he suspected her the most, since she was his daughter who might have taken his idols.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rachel taking her father's idols?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) discusses that Rachel's action teaches the importance of preventing idolatry, even if it means taking property. However, Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah) would later clarify that we don't take such actions today, as it could endanger lives.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Lavan didn't find anything in the first three tents?
A: The detailed description emphasizes Lavan's failure to find his idols despite his thorough search. The Sforno explains this shows Divine protection over Yaakov - Hashem didn't allow Lavan to find any pretext to harm Yaakov, fulfilling the promise made earlier (Genesis 31:24).