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Genesis 31:36 - Yaakov confronts Lavan's deceit

Genesis 31:36 - בראשית 31:36

Hebrew Text

וַיִּחַר לְיַעֲקֹב וַיָּרֶב בְּלָבָן וַיַּעַן יַעֲקֹב וַיֹּאמֶר לְלָבָן מַה־פִּשְׁעִי מַה חַטָּאתִי כִּי דָלַקְתָּ אַחֲרָי׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov was angry and strove with Lavan: and Ya῾aqov answered and said to Lavan, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?

Transliteration

Va-yikhar le-Yaakov va-yarev be-Lavan va-ya'an Yaakov va-yomer le-Lavan ma pish'i ma chatati ki dalakta acharei.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּ֥חַר לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב וַיָּ֣רֶב בְּלָבָ֑ן וַיַּ֤עַן יַעֲקֹב֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְלָבָ֔ן מַה־פִּשְׁעִי֙ מַ֣ה חַטָּאתִ֔י כִּ֥י דָלַ֖קְתָּ אַחֲרָֽי׃
וַיִּ֥חַר לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב וַיָּ֣רֶב בְּלָבָ֑ן וַיַּ֤עַן יַעֲקֹב֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְלָבָ֔ן מַה־פִּשְׁעִי֙ מַ֣ה חַטָּאתִ֔י כִּ֥י דָלַ֖קְתָּ אַחֲרָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Righteous Anger

The verse states, "וַיִּחַר לְיַעֲקֹב" ("And Yaakov was angry"), which Rashi explains as a justified anger due to Lavan's false accusations and pursuit. Unlike Esav's impulsive rage (Genesis 27:45), Yaakov's anger was measured and rooted in truth, as he defended his integrity after years of Lavan's deception (Rashi on Genesis 31:36). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:9) notes that Yaakov's anger was rare, reflecting his typically patient nature, but here it was necessary to confront Lavan's wrongdoing.

Yaakov's Defense of His Actions

Yaakov asks Lavan, "מַה־פִּשְׁעִי מַה חַטָּאתִי" ("What is my trespass? What is my sin?"), demonstrating his confidence in his moral conduct. Ramban explains that Yaakov had meticulously avoided any wrongdoing during his 20 years with Lavan, despite Lavan's constant attempts to cheat him (Genesis 31:7). The Sforno adds that Yaakov's question highlights Lavan's baseless persecution, as Yaakov had fulfilled all his obligations honestly.

The Meaning of "כִּי דָלַקְתָּ אַחֲרָי"

The phrase "כִּי דָלַקְתָּ אַחֲרָי" ("that you have so hotly pursued after me") is interpreted by the Malbim as an allusion to Lavan's relentless pursuit, not just physically but also through deceitful claims. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105a) draws a parallel between Lavan's pursuit and the tactics of the evil inclination, which similarly harasses the righteous without cause. Yaakov's words thus serve as a rebuke of Lavan's unjust hostility.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Righteous Indignation: Yaakov's anger was not sinful but a necessary response to injustice (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 2:3).
  • Moral Clarity: Yaakov's defense underscores the importance of maintaining integrity even under oppression (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayeitzei 12).
  • Confronting False Accusations: The verse teaches that one must firmly reject slander when it arises (Talmud, Bava Metzia 58b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Yaakov (Jacob) angry with Lavan (Laban)?
A: Yaakov was angry because Lavan had pursued him after he left secretly with his family. Yaakov felt he had done nothing wrong, as he had worked faithfully for Lavan for many years (Genesis 31:36). Rashi explains that Yaakov was upset because Lavan had falsely accused him of stealing his idols (terafim), when in fact Rachel had taken them without Yaakov's knowledge.
Q: What does 'What is my trespass? What is my sin?' mean in this verse?
A: Yaakov is demanding an explanation from Lavan, asking what wrong he had committed to justify Lavan's pursuit. According to Ramban, Yaakov was asserting his innocence—he had fulfilled all his obligations honestly and had no reason to flee like a thief. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) adds that Yaakov was confident in his righteousness before Hashem and Lavan.
Q: Why is this confrontation between Yaakov and Lavan important?
A: This confrontation marks the end of Yaakov's difficult years serving Lavan and highlights his moral integrity. The Talmud (Megillah 13b) teaches that Lavan was even more deceitful than Pharaoh, making Yaakov's endurance and eventual departure significant. It also demonstrates Yaakov's trust in Hashem's protection, as he stood up to Lavan without fear.
Q: How does this verse apply to standing up for justice today?
A: Yaakov's boldness in confronting Lavan teaches the importance of standing up for truth and justice, even against powerful opponents. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6) emphasizes that one should not remain silent in the face of false accusations. Like Yaakov, we must assert our integrity when wrongfully treated, while still maintaining ethical conduct.