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Genesis 31:37 - Where's your stolen proof?

Genesis 31:37 - בראשית 31:37

Hebrew Text

כִּי־מִשַּׁשְׁתָּ אֶת־כָּל־כֵּלַי מַה־מָּצָאתָ מִכֹּל כְּלֵי־בֵיתֶךָ שִׂים כֹּה נֶגֶד אַחַי וְאַחֶיךָ וְיוֹכִיחוּ בֵּין שְׁנֵינוּ׃

English Translation

Although thou hast searched all my stuff what hast thou found of all thy household goods? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge between us both.

Transliteration

Ki-mishashta et-kol-klai ma-matzata mikol klei-beitekha sim ko neged achai ve'acheicha veyochichu bein sheneinu.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־מִשַּׁ֣שְׁתָּ אֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלַ֗י מַה־מָּצָ֙אתָ֙ מִכֹּ֣ל כְּלֵי־בֵיתֶ֔ךָ שִׂ֣ים כֹּ֔ה נֶ֥גֶד אַחַ֖י וְאַחֶ֑יךָ וְיוֹכִ֖יחוּ בֵּ֥ין שְׁנֵֽינוּ׃
כִּֽי־מִשַּׁ֣שְׁתָּ אֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלַ֗י מַה־מָּצָ֙אתָ֙ מִכֹּ֣ל כְּלֵי־בֵיתֶ֔ךָ שִׂ֣ים כֹּ֔ה נֶ֥גֶד אַחַ֖י וְאַחֶ֑יךָ וְיוֹכִ֖יחוּ בֵּ֥ין שְׁנֵֽינוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 31:37) is part of Yaakov's response to Lavan after Lavan accuses him of stealing his household idols (terafim). Yaakov, unaware that Rachel had taken them, confidently challenges Lavan to present any evidence of theft before their mutual relatives to judge between them.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yaakov's statement, "כִּי־מִשַּׁשְׁתָּ אֶת־כָּל־כֵּלַי" ("Although thou hast searched all my stuff"), emphasizes that Lavan thoroughly inspected all of Yaakov's belongings but found nothing belonging to him. The phrase "מַה־מָּצָאתָ מִכֹּל כְּלֵי־בֵיתֶךָ" ("what hast thou found of all thy household goods?") is a rhetorical question underscoring Lavan's failure to prove his accusation.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that Yaakov's invitation to bring the matter before "אַחַי וְאַחֶיךָ" ("my brethren and thy brethren") reflects his confidence in his innocence. By proposing an impartial judgment from their mutual family members, Yaakov demonstrates his trust in divine justice and the fairness of their kin.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 74:7) highlights the righteousness of Yaakov in this confrontation. It contrasts Yaakov's integrity with Lavan's deceit, noting that Yaakov, who had served Lavan faithfully for twenty years, had no reason to steal. The Midrash also sees this as a moment where Yaakov's moral superiority is evident, as he willingly submits to judgment despite his innocence.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 22:1) derives from this verse the principle of fair judgment. Yaakov's insistence on a public and impartial tribunal ("וְיוֹכִיחוּ בֵּין שְׁנֵינוּ") aligns with Torah law, which mandates transparent and just legal proceedings. This underscores the importance of resolving disputes through proper judicial channels.

Key Lessons

  • Integrity in Confrontation: Yaakov's response models how to defend one's innocence with dignity and truth.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: By invoking judgment from their brethren, Yaakov shows his reliance on Hashem's justice.
  • Legal Fairness: The verse reinforces Torah values of impartial judgment and transparency in resolving disputes.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 31:37?
A: Genesis 31:37 is part of the confrontation between Yaakov (Jacob) and Lavan (Laban) after Yaakov secretly left Lavan's household. Lavan accused Yaakov of stealing his idols (terafim), but Yaakov, unaware that Rachel had taken them, defends himself by inviting Lavan to search his belongings and present any stolen items before their relatives for judgment.
Q: Why did Yaakov invite others to judge between him and Lavan?
A: Yaakov wanted an impartial judgment to prove his innocence. According to Rashi, Yaakov was confident that no stolen items would be found, and he wanted witnesses to confirm his honesty. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on fair judgment and resolving disputes transparently (based on principles found in Deuteronomy 19:15).
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov's response in this verse?
A: Yaakov teaches the importance of integrity and standing up for the truth. Even when falsely accused, he remained calm and sought a fair resolution. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:6) emphasizes honesty and ethical behavior in all dealings, which Yaakov exemplifies here.
Q: Why did Lavan search Yaakov's belongings?
A: Lavan suspected Yaakov of stealing his household idols (terafim), as mentioned earlier in Genesis 31:30. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:5) explains that Lavan was deeply attached to idolatry and falsely accused Yaakov out of anger and suspicion.
Q: How does this verse apply to resolving conflicts today?
A: This verse highlights the importance of transparency and fair judgment in disputes. Jewish law (based on Talmud Sanhedrin 32a) encourages resolving conflicts through proper evidence and witnesses, just as Yaakov sought. It also teaches the value of maintaining dignity and honesty even when falsely accused.