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Genesis 31:8 - Divine justice in wages

Genesis 31:8 - בראשית 31:8

Hebrew Text

אִם־כֹּה יֹאמַר נְקֻדִּים יִהְיֶה שְׂכָרֶךָ וְיָלְדוּ כָל־הַצֹּאן נְקֻדִּים וְאִם־כֹּה יֹאמַר עֲקֻדִּים יִהְיֶה שְׂכָרֶךָ וְיָלְדוּ כָל־הַצֹּאן עֲקֻדִּים׃

English Translation

If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the flock bore speckled: and if he said thus, The streaked shall be thy hire; then all the flock bore streaked.

Transliteration

Im-ko yomar nkudim yihyeh scharecha veyaldu kol-hatzon nkudim ve'im-ko yomar akudim yihyeh scharecha veyaldu kol-hatzon akudim.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִם־כֹּ֣ה יֹאמַ֗ר נְקֻדִּים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָ וְיָלְד֥וּ כׇל־הַצֹּ֖אן נְקֻדִּ֑ים וְאִם־כֹּ֣ה יֹאמַ֗ר עֲקֻדִּים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָ וְיָלְד֥וּ כׇל־הַצֹּ֖אן עֲקֻדִּֽים׃
אִם־כֹּ֣ה יֹאמַ֗ר נְקֻדִּים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָ וְיָלְד֥וּ כׇל־הַצֹּ֖אן נְקֻדִּ֑ים וְאִם־כֹּ֣ה יֹאמַ֗ר עֲקֻדִּים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָ וְיָלְד֥וּ כׇל־הַצֹּ֖אן עֲקֻדִּֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 30:32) appears in the narrative of Yaakov's agreement with Lavan regarding the division of their flocks. Yaakov proposes that any speckled (nəkuddim) or streaked (akuddim) sheep and goats born in the flock would be his wages, while the rest would remain Lavan's property. This arrangement was intended to ensure fairness and transparency in their business dealings.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov's proposal was based on the natural rarity of speckled and streaked animals in Lavan's flock. Normally, most sheep were solid-colored, making speckled or streaked offspring uncommon. Yaakov's terms were designed to demonstrate that his success would be clearly from divine intervention rather than human manipulation (Rashi on Bereshit 30:32).

Symbolism of Speckled and Streaked

  • Nəkuddim (Speckled): The term nəkuddim refers to small, distinct spots. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 73:10) connects this to the idea of divine providence operating in precise, individualized ways.
  • Akuddim (Streaked): Akuddim refers to striped or banded patterns. The Talmud (Chullin 79a) discusses how these markings were unusual in sheep, highlighting the miraculous nature of Yaakov's eventual prosperity.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:49) interprets this episode as an example of hashgacha pratit (divine providence) guiding Yaakov's material success. The unusual markings on the flocks were a visible sign that Yaakov's wealth was granted by Hashem, not through deceit or natural chance.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 331:1) cites this story as a precedent for clear contractual agreements in business partnerships. Yaakov's explicit terms demonstrate the Torah's emphasis on honesty and transparency in financial dealings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 93b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Jacob's agreement with Laban regarding the speckled and streaked sheep, illustrating principles of fair wages and divine intervention in human affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Genesis 31:8?
A: This verse describes the agreement between Yaakov (Jacob) and Lavan (Laban) regarding Yaakov's wages. Lavan kept changing the terms, but Hashem ensured that the flocks bore sheep according to whatever condition Lavan set—whether speckled or streaked—so Yaakov would receive his rightful payment. Rashi explains that this was a miracle showing Hashem's protection of Yaakov.
Q: Why did Lavan keep changing Yaakov's wages?
A: Lavan was deceitful and tried to manipulate Yaakov by constantly altering the terms of their agreement (Genesis 31:7). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that Lavan was a swindler who sought to deprive Yaakov of his fair earnings, but Hashem intervened to ensure justice.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 31:8?
A: This verse teaches us that Hashem protects those who act righteously, even when others try to deceive them. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os) emphasizes that trust in Hashem and ethical behavior are rewarded, as seen in how Yaakov was ultimately compensated despite Lavan's dishonesty.
Q: How did Yaakov's flocks produce speckled or streaked sheep as Lavan demanded?
A: Rashi explains that this was a divine miracle. When Lavan said the speckled sheep would be Yaakov's wages, all the newborn lambs were speckled, and when he changed it to streaked, they were streaked. This demonstrated Hashem's direct intervention to fulfill His promise to Yaakov (Genesis 28:13-15).
Q: Does this verse have any relevance today?
A: Yes! It reminds us that Hashem oversees justice and blesses those who follow His ways. The Talmud (Chullin 7b) derives from this episode that a person’s livelihood is predetermined by Heaven, and ethical conduct—like Yaakov’s honesty—ensures divine assistance even in difficult situations.