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Genesis 31:43 - Lavan claims all – but why?

Genesis 31:43 - בראשית 31:43

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַן לָבָן וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־יַעֲקֹב הַבָּנוֹת בְּנֹתַי וְהַבָּנִים בָּנַי וְהַצֹּאן צֹאנִי וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּה רֹאֶה לִי־הוּא וְלִבְנֹתַי מָה־אֶעֱשֶׂה לָאֵלֶּה הַיּוֹם אוֹ לִבְנֵיהֶן אֲשֶׁר יָלָדוּ׃

English Translation

And Lavan answered and said to Ya῾aqov, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day for these my daughters, or for their children whom they have born?

Transliteration

Va'ya'an Lavan va'yomer el-Yaakov habanot b'notai v'habanim banai v'hatzon tzoni v'chol asher-atah roeh li-hu ul'vnotai mah-e'eseh la'eleh hayom o livneihen asher yaladu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֨עַן לָבָ֜ן וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֗ב הַבָּנ֨וֹת בְּנֹתַ֜י וְהַבָּנִ֤ים בָּנַי֙ וְהַצֹּ֣אן צֹאנִ֔י וְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה רֹאֶ֖ה לִי־ה֑וּא וְלִבְנֹתַ֞י מָֽה־אֶעֱשֶׂ֤ה לָאֵ֙לֶּה֙ הַיּ֔וֹם א֥וֹ לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָלָֽדוּ׃
וַיַּ֨עַן לָבָ֜ן וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶֽל־יַעֲקֹ֗ב הַבָּנ֨וֹת בְּנֹתַ֜י וְהַבָּנִ֤ים בָּנַי֙ וְהַצֹּ֣אן צֹאנִ֔י וְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה רֹאֶ֖ה לִי־ה֑וּא וְלִבְנֹתַ֞י מָֽה־אֶעֱשֶׂ֤ה לָאֵ֙לֶּה֙ הַיּ֔וֹם א֥וֹ לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָלָֽדוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Lavan's Claim of Ownership

The verse (Bereishit 31:43) records Lavan's declaration that everything belonging to Yaakov—his daughters (Rachel and Leah), grandchildren, and flocks—rightfully belongs to him. Rashi explains that Lavan was asserting his legal claim over these possessions based on local customs, arguing that since Yaakov was his son-in-law and servant, all acquisitions technically belonged to him. This reflects Lavan's manipulative nature, as he sought to undermine Yaakov's rightful earnings despite their prior agreement (Bereishit 30:31-34).

Lavan's Hypocrisy and Self-Interest

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Lavan's words reveal his insincerity. While he claims concern for his daughters and grandchildren ("What can I do for these my daughters?"), his true intent was to retain control over Yaakov's wealth. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:13) highlights that Lavan's phrasing ("all that you see is mine") exposes his greed, as he disregards the years of labor Yaakov invested to build his flocks.

Theological Implications

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 12a) discusses the broader principle of worker's rights in light of this episode. Lavan's attempt to seize Yaakov's property serves as a negative example, contrasting with Torah law, which mandates fair treatment of laborers. The Sforno adds that Lavan's statement reflects his idolatrous worldview—believing material wealth defines ownership—whereas Yaakov recognized that all blessings come from Hashem.

Yaakov's Response in Context

  • Lavan's claim is immediately followed by Yaakov's covenant with him (Bereishit 31:44-54), demonstrating that Yaakov did not accept his assertions.
  • The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that Yaakov's silence here was strategic, avoiding further conflict while trusting in divine justice.
  • This interaction foreshadows future struggles over inheritance and ownership in Jewish history, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in business dealings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Lavan mean when he says 'these daughters are my daughters' in Genesis 31:43?
A: Lavan is asserting his claim over Yaakov's family and possessions, implying that everything Yaakov has—his wives (Lavan's daughters), children, and flocks—rightfully belong to him. According to Rashi, Lavan was trying to justify his pursuit of Yaakov by claiming ownership, despite Yaakov having earned everything through years of hard work (Genesis 31:38-42).
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Yaakov and Lavan?
A: This verse highlights Lavan's greed and dishonesty, contrasting with Yaakov's righteousness. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 74:9) explains that Lavan's words reveal his true character—he viewed people and possessions as his property, while Yaakov valued relationships and fairness. This moment leads to the covenant between them in the following verses (Genesis 31:44-54).
Q: What can we learn from Lavan's statement in Genesis 31:43?
A: We learn the dangers of greed and possessiveness. Lavan's claim that 'all you see is mine' reflects a selfish attitude, contrary to Torah values. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:1) teaches that ethical behavior includes honesty and fairness in dealings with others, unlike Lavan's behavior here.
Q: How does this verse apply to relationships today?
A: This verse reminds us to respect others' rights and avoid selfish claims over people or possessions. Just as Lavan wrongly asserted control over his daughters and grandchildren, the Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) warns against dominating others, emphasizing the importance of treating family and employees with fairness and kindness.