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Genesis 31:38 - Loyalty rewarded with divine blessing?

Genesis 31:38 - בראשית 31:38

Hebrew Text

זֶה עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה אָנֹכִי עִמָּךְ רְחֵלֶיךָ וְעִזֶּיךָ לֹא שִׁכֵּלוּ וְאֵילֵי צֹאנְךָ לֹא אָכָלְתִּי׃

English Translation

This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

Transliteration

Ze esrim shana anochi imach rechelecha ve'izecha lo shikeilu ve'eilei tzoncha lo achal'ti.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֶה֩ עֶשְׂרִ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ רְחֵלֶ֥יךָ וְעִזֶּ֖יךָ לֹ֣א שִׁכֵּ֑לוּ וְאֵילֵ֥י צֹאנְךָ֖ לֹ֥א אָכָֽלְתִּי׃
זֶה֩ עֶשְׂרִ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ רְחֵלֶ֥יךָ וְעִזֶּ֖יךָ לֹ֣א שִׁכֵּ֑לוּ וְאֵילֵ֥י צֹאנְךָ֖ לֹ֥א אָכָֽלְתִּי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Genesis 31:38) is part of Yaakov's (Jacob's) speech to Lavan (Laban), where he recounts his twenty years of service and the hardships he endured. Yaakov emphasizes his integrity and the divine protection he received despite Lavan's deceitful behavior.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov is highlighting his righteousness in two ways:

  • Not causing miscarriages: "Thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young" — Yaakov ensured that the animals under his care did not miscarry due to negligence or harsh treatment, a sign of his responsible shepherding.
  • Not consuming the rams: "The rams of thy flock have I not eaten" — Yaakov did not take even the permitted animals (like the rams) for his own consumption, going beyond the letter of the law to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Rambam's Perspective (Hilchos Sechirus)

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the ethical obligations of a worker or shepherd in Hilchos Sechirus. Yaakov's statement aligns with the principle that an employee must act with utmost integrity, avoiding even permissible benefits if they might conflict with the employer's interests. Yaakov's restraint exemplifies the ideal of lifnim mishuras hadin (going beyond the strict requirement of the law).

Midrashic Insights (Bereishis Rabbah)

The Midrash elaborates that Yaakov's merit protected Lavan's flocks:

  • Normally, animals miscarry due to fright or poor conditions, but Yaakov's presence and righteousness prevented such losses.
  • His refusal to eat the rams demonstrates his avoidance of personal gain at the expense of his employer, contrasting sharply with Lavan's exploitative behavior.

Ibn Ezra's Explanation

Ibn Ezra notes that Yaakov's mention of twenty years serves to remind Lavan of the long duration of his faithful service, despite Lavan's repeated attempts to deceive him (e.g., switching Leah for Rachel, changing his wages ten times). The verse underscores Yaakov's unwavering commitment to honesty.

Halachic Implications (Choshen Mishpat)

This verse is cited in Choshen Mishpat (laws of employee conduct) as a model for how a worker should behave:

  • A shepherd must not neglect the flock or derive unauthorized benefit.
  • Yaakov's conduct sets a precedent for avoiding even the appearance of misconduct, a lesson applicable to all employer-employee relationships.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 93a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Jacob's honesty and integrity in his dealings with Laban, highlighting how Jacob fulfilled his responsibilities faithfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Jacob mean when he says 'your ewes and she-goats have not cast their young'?
A: Jacob is telling Laban that during the 20 years he worked for him, he took such good care of the flocks that none of the animals miscarried. Rashi explains this shows Jacob's righteousness in his work - he protected the animals from harm and didn't take any rams for himself, even though he could have.
Q: Why does Jacob mention 20 years of service to Laban?
A: Jacob is emphasizing his long, faithful service despite Laban's deception (as mentioned in previous verses). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:13) notes this shows Jacob's patience and commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities, even under difficult circumstances.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's statement about not eating Laban's rams?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Sechirut 13:7) derives from this verse that workers must be scrupulously honest with their employer's property. Even though Jacob was entitled to some animals as part of his wages, he was careful not to take more than agreed upon, teaching us about integrity in business dealings.
Q: How does this verse show Jacob's character?
A: This verse demonstrates Jacob's exceptional work ethic and honesty. As the Talmud (Bava Metzia 83a) explains, a righteous person like Jacob goes beyond basic requirements - he didn't just avoid stealing, but actively protected and increased his employer's flocks beyond normal expectations.
Q: Why is it significant that Jacob cared for Laban's animals so well?
A: The Torah is teaching us about proper conduct in employer-employee relationships. As the Chofetz Chaim explains, Jacob's behavior sets an example that we must care for others' property as if it were our own, even when dealing with someone who treated us poorly, as Laban did to Jacob.