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Genesis 31:35 - Rachel's clever deception explained

Genesis 31:35 - בראשית 31:35

Hebrew Text

וַתֹּאמֶר אֶל־אָבִיהָ אַל־יִחַר בְּעֵינֵי אֲדֹנִי כִּי לוֹא אוּכַל לָקוּם מִפָּנֶיךָ כִּי־דֶרֶךְ נָשִׁים לִי וַיְחַפֵּשׂ וְלֹא מָצָא אֶת־הַתְּרָפִים׃

English Translation

And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the way of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.

Transliteration

Vatomer el-aviha al-yichar be'enei adoni ki lo uchal lakum mipaneicha ki-derech nashim li vaychapesh velo matza et-haterafim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־אָבִ֗יהָ אַל־יִ֙חַר֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י כִּ֣י ל֤וֹא אוּכַל֙ לָק֣וּם מִפָּנֶ֔יךָ כִּי־דֶ֥רֶךְ נָשִׁ֖ים לִ֑י וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂ וְלֹ֥א מָצָ֖א אֶת־הַתְּרָפִֽים׃
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־אָבִ֗יהָ אַל־יִ֙חַר֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י כִּ֣י ל֤וֹא אוּכַל֙ לָק֣וּם מִפָּנֶ֔יךָ כִּי־דֶ֥רֶךְ נָשִׁ֖ים לִ֑י וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂ וְלֹ֥א מָצָ֖א אֶת־הַתְּרָפִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 31:35) describes Rachel's response to her father Lavan when he searches her tent for the stolen terafim (household idols). Rachel claims she cannot rise before him due to "derech nashim li"—"the way of women is upon me"—a euphemism for menstrual impurity (niddah). Rashi (ad loc.) explains that Rachel used this excuse to prevent Lavan from searching near her, as she had hidden the terafim under her saddle.

Rachel's Justification

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Rachel's statement was technically true—she was indeed in a state of niddah—but her intent was to deceive Lavan to protect Yaakov. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:9) suggests that Rachel's actions were justified because Lavan was an idolater, and she sought to distance him from idolatry. However, some commentators, like the Sforno, emphasize that deception is generally discouraged, even for a noble cause.

The Significance of "Derech Nashim"

  • Halachic Perspective: The phrase "derech nashim" is understood in halachah as referring to menstrual impurity (Rashi, Ibn Ezra). This establishes a biblical precedent for the laws of niddah.
  • Moral Lesson: The Or HaChaim highlights that Rachel’s choice of words avoided outright falsehood, as she was indeed in a state of niddah. This teaches the importance of minimizing dishonesty even in difficult situations.

Lavan's Failed Search

The verse concludes that Lavan "searched but did not find the terafim." The Talmud (Sanhedrin 93a) interprets this as a minor miracle—Hashem prevented Lavan from discovering the idols to protect Yaakov’s family. The Kli Yakar adds that this demonstrates divine intervention in ensuring the fulfillment of Yaakov’s destiny.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Rachel say she couldn't stand up in Genesis 31:35?
A: Rachel told her father, Lavan, that she couldn't stand up because she was in a state of niddah (menstrual impurity), which is referred to as 'the way of women.' This was a tactful way to prevent him from searching her while she hid his terafim (idols). Rashi explains that this was providential, as it prevented Lavan from finding his stolen idols.
Q: What were the 'terafim' that Rachel hid in Genesis 31:35?
A: The terafim were household idols that Lavan worshipped. According to the Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 74:5), some people in ancient times believed these idols had divinatory powers. Rachel may have taken them to prevent Lavan from using them to locate Yaakov's family or to discourage him from idol worship.
Q: Why didn't Lavan find the terafim when he searched?
A: Rashi explains that Rachel sat on the terafim, hidden in her camel's saddle, and used her niddah status as a reason not to rise. Since Lavan respected the laws of modesty, he did not insist she stand. The Talmud (Chullin 92a) also notes that Hashem prevented Lavan from finding them to protect Yaakov's family.