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Genesis 31:50 - Divine witness of marital vows

Genesis 31:50 - בראשית 31:50

Hebrew Text

אִם־תְּעַנֶּה אֶת־בְּנֹתַי וְאִם־תִּקַּח נָשִׁים עַל־בְּנֹתַי אֵין אִישׁ עִמָּנוּ רְאֵה אֱלֹהִים עֵד בֵּינִי וּבֵינֶךָ׃

English Translation

If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness between me and thee.

Transliteration

Im-te'ane et-bnotai ve'im-tikach nashim al-bnotai ein ish imanu re'eh Elohim ed beini uveinecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִם־תְּעַנֶּ֣ה אֶת־בְּנֹתַ֗י וְאִם־תִּקַּ֤ח נָשִׁים֙ עַל־בְּנֹתַ֔י אֵ֥ין אִ֖ישׁ עִמָּ֑נוּ רְאֵ֕ה אֱלֹהִ֥ים עֵ֖ד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽךָ׃
אִם־תְּעַנֶּ֣ה אֶת־בְּנֹתַ֗י וְאִם־תִּקַּ֤ח נָשִׁים֙ עַל־בְּנֹתַ֔י אֵ֥ין אִ֖ישׁ עִמָּ֑נוּ רְאֵ֕ה אֱלֹהִ֥ים עֵ֖ד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 31:50) is part of the covenant between Yaakov (Jacob) and Lavan (Laban) at Mount Gilead. Lavan warns Yaakov not to mistreat his daughters, Leah and Rachel, or take additional wives beyond them. The phrase "no man is with us" emphasizes that this agreement is made directly before Hashem as the ultimate witness.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Lavan is cautioning Yaakov against two potential wrongs:

  • Affliction of his daughters: This refers to causing them emotional or physical distress.
  • Taking other wives: Lavan insists that Yaakov must not marry additional women while Leah and Rachel are alive, as this would diminish their honor.

Rashi notes that Lavan invokes Hashem as a witness because human witnesses are absent ("no man is with us"). This reflects the seriousness of the covenant.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his rulings in Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Ishus 14:3-4) align with the principle that a husband must treat his wives with dignity and fairness. Taking additional wives in a way that causes distress to existing wives would violate these halachic standards.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 74:15) highlights the irony in Lavan's words. Despite presenting himself as a protector of his daughters, Lavan had previously deceived Yaakov by substituting Leah for Rachel, showing his own flawed character. The Midrash suggests that Lavan's warning stems from self-interest rather than pure concern.

Halachic Implications

This verse underscores several key principles in Jewish marriage law:

  • The prohibition against causing emotional pain to one's spouse (ona'as devarim).
  • The expectation of fidelity and exclusivity in marriage, especially when specified in an agreement.
  • The recognition of Hashem as the ultimate witness to interpersonal commitments.

Chizkuni's Additional Note

Chizkuni observes that Lavan mentions "no man is with us" to emphasize that this covenant is not just between humans but is a sacred oath before Hashem. This reflects the biblical concept that agreements made in Hashem's name carry special weight and consequences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 31:50 mean?
A: This verse records the words of Lavan (Laban) to Yaakov (Jacob) as they made a covenant. Lavan warns Yaakov not to mistreat his daughters (Rachel and Leah) or take additional wives that would cause suffering to them. He declares that even though no human witnesses are present, God is watching as a witness between them.
Q: Why did Lavan mention 'no man is with us' in Genesis 31:50?
A: Rashi explains that Lavan was emphasizing that even though there were no human witnesses to their agreement, God would serve as the ultimate witness. This teaches that we must keep our word even when no one is watching, because God always sees our actions.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 31:50 about marriage?
A: The verse teaches the importance of treating one's spouse properly. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:19) derives from this that causing emotional distress to one's wife is prohibited. The Torah values the dignity and happiness of the marital relationship.
Q: How does Genesis 31:50 apply to keeping promises today?
A: This verse reminds us that our word has value even without legal contracts or human witnesses. The Talmud (Makkos 24a) teaches that being careful with our speech is a fundamental Jewish value. When we make commitments, we must keep them as if God is watching - because He is.
Q: Why is God called as a witness in Genesis 31:50?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 74:15) explains that invoking God as witness adds gravity to an agreement. Unlike human witnesses who might forget or be unaware of violations, God knows all and will hold people accountable. This concept appears later in Jewish law regarding important oaths and agreements.