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Genesis 31:47 - Names reveal hidden truths.

Genesis 31:47 - בראשית 31:47

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא־לוֹ לָבָן יְגַר שָׂהֲדוּתָא וְיַעֲקֹב קָרָא לוֹ גַּלְעֵד׃

English Translation

And Lavan called it Yegar-sahaduta: but Ya῾aqov called it Gal῾ed.

Transliteration

Vayikra-lo Lavan Yegar Sahaduta ve'Ya'akov kara lo Gal'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָא־ל֣וֹ לָבָ֔ן יְגַ֖ר שָׂהֲדוּתָ֑א וְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב קָ֥רָא ל֖וֹ גַּלְעֵֽד׃
וַיִּקְרָא־ל֣וֹ לָבָ֔ן יְגַ֖ר שָׂהֲדוּתָ֑א וְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב קָ֥רָא ל֖וֹ גַּלְעֵֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Lavan and Yaakov's Naming of the Monument

The verse describes how Lavan and Yaakov each gave different names to the same monument they erected as a covenant between them. Lavan called it Yegar Sahaduta (Aramaic for "heap of witness"), while Yaakov called it Gal'ed (Hebrew for "heap of witness"). This difference in language reflects their distinct cultural and spiritual identities.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Genesis 31:47) notes that Lavan, being an Aramean, naturally used his native Aramaic language, while Yaakov, as a Hebrew, used the Hebrew equivalent. This highlights the linguistic and cultural divide between them, even as they sought to establish a mutual agreement.

Symbolism of the Names

  • Yegar Sahaduta (Lavan's term): Represents Lavan's perspective, rooted in his Aramean background. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 74:13) suggests that Lavan's use of Aramaic underscores his foreignness and lack of connection to the sacred Hebrew tongue.
  • Gal'ed (Yaakov's term): Reflects Yaakov's commitment to the language of holiness and his ancestral heritage. The name also alludes to the future role of this site as a witness (עֵד) to the covenant between them.

Spiritual Significance

The Ramban (Nachmanides on Genesis 31:47) explains that the dual naming signifies the tension between Yaakov's divine mission and Lavan's worldly, idolatrous worldview. By using Hebrew, Yaakov sanctified the monument, aligning it with the legacy of Avraham and Yitzchak, while Lavan's Aramaic name remained rooted in his own cultural framework.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sotah 36a) discusses the importance of language in Jewish identity, noting that Hebrew is referred to as leshon hakodesh (the holy tongue). Yaakov's insistence on using Hebrew—even when dealing with Lavan—demonstrates the principle that sacred matters should be expressed in the holy language whenever possible.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 18a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of names and their translations, illustrating how different languages can convey the same meaning.
📖 Chullin 89a
The verse is mentioned in the context of a discussion about the humility of the righteous, noting how Jacob and Laban named the same place differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lavan and Yaakov give different names to the same place?
A: Lavan spoke Aramaic ('Yegar-sahaduta' means 'heap of witness' in Aramaic), while Yaakov spoke Hebrew ('Gal'ed' means 'heap of witness' in Hebrew). This shows their cultural differences and that they each wanted to mark the covenant in their own language (Rashi on Genesis 31:47).
Q: What is the significance of the name 'Gal'ed' in this verse?
A: The name 'Gal'ed' (heap of witness) commemorates the covenant made between Yaakov and Lavan. The pile of stones served as a physical witness to their agreement not to harm each other (Genesis 31:44-52). This teaches the importance of creating tangible reminders for important agreements.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the naming of Gal'ed in this story?
A: We learn that even when people come from different backgrounds (like Yaakov and Lavan), they can establish peaceful agreements. The dual naming shows respect for both cultures while creating a shared monument of peace (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 74:13).
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is significant because it shows the first recorded use of Hebrew for naming a location in the Torah. It also establishes the concept of 'edut' (testimony) which becomes important in Jewish law for contracts and covenants (Rambam, Hilchot Edut 1:1).
Q: How does this verse about Gal'ed apply to our lives today?
A: This teaches us that when making important agreements, it's valuable to have clear terms and physical reminders (like written contracts). Just as the stone heap witnessed Yaakov and Lavan's peace treaty, we should establish clear boundaries in our relationships (Talmud, Bava Metzia 44a).