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Genesis 32:13 - Divine promise: countless descendants

Genesis 32:13 - בראשית 32:13

Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה אָמַרְתָּ הֵיטֵב אֵיטִיב עִמָּךְ וְשַׂמְתִּי אֶת־זַרְעֲךָ כְּחוֹל הַיָּם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יִסָּפֵר מֵרֹב׃

English Translation

And Thou didst say, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed like the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

Transliteration

Ve'ata amarta heitev eitiv imakh vesamti et-zar'akha kechol hayam asher lo-yisafer merov.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֣ה אָמַ֔רְתָּ הֵיטֵ֥ב אֵיטִ֖יב עִמָּ֑ךְ וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֙ כְּח֣וֹל הַיָּ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־יִסָּפֵ֖ר מֵרֹֽב׃
וְאַתָּ֣ה אָמַ֔רְתָּ הֵיטֵ֥ב אֵיטִ֖יב עִמָּ֑ךְ וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י אֶֽת־זַרְעֲךָ֙ כְּח֣וֹל הַיָּ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־יִסָּפֵ֖ר מֵרֹֽב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 32:13) appears in the narrative of Yaakov Avinu preparing to meet his brother Esav. Yaakov recalls Hashem's promise to bless him and multiply his offspring, comparing them to the sand of the sea—an assurance of abundance and protection. The language reflects Hashem's earlier promises to Avraham (Genesis 22:17) and Yitzchak (Genesis 26:4), reinforcing the covenant with the Patriarchs.

Grammatical and Linguistic Insights

The phrase "הֵיטֵב אֵיטִיב" ("I will surely do thee good") employs the infinitive absolute construction, emphasizing the certainty of Hashem's promise. Rashi explains that this doubling of the verb underscores that the good bestowed will be unconditional and enduring, not contingent on Yaakov's immediate merits. The comparison to "חול הים" (sand of the sea) symbolizes both quantity and resilience—just as sand withstands the sea's waves, Klal Yisrael will endure adversity.

Commentary from Rashi

Rashi (Genesis 32:13) highlights that Yaakov, in his moment of fear before meeting Esav, clung to Hashem's promise as a source of reassurance. The promise of offspring like the sand of the sea was not merely about numbers but also about their eternal spiritual legacy. Rashi further notes that the sand metaphor implies that just as sand cannot be counted, so too Yaakov's descendants will be beyond enumeration—a blessing of exponential growth.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (76:3) elaborates that the sand represents Klal Yisrael's indestructibility: just as sand grinds down harder substances (e.g., metal), so too will Yaakov's descendants overcome their enemies.
  • The Sforno adds that the blessing extends to both physical and spiritual abundance—children who are numerous and righteous, fulfilling the mission of Avraham's lineage.

Halachic and Philosophical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4) derives from this verse that divine promises are immutable, even if individuals falter. Yaakov's reliance on this promise teaches the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem) during trials. The sand metaphor also alludes to the mitzvah of Yibbum (levirate marriage), as the Gemara (Yevamot 64a) links the word "חול" (sand) to "חייב" (obligation), hinting at the continuity of lineage.

Contemporary Relevance

This verse remains a cornerstone of Jewish identity, affirming that Hashem's covenant with our ancestors endures. The imagery of uncountable sand reminds us of our collective strength and destiny, especially in times of challenge. Orthodox Jews today see in this promise a call to build families and communities that reflect Yaakov's legacy of Torah and resilience.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about God's promises to the patriarchs and the assurance of their fulfillment.
📖 Hullin 60b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the blessings given to Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing the vastness of his progeny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the promise 'make thy seed like the sand of the sea' mean in Genesis 32:13?
A: This verse refers to Hashem's promise to Yaakov (Jacob) that his descendants will be as numerous as the sand of the sea, symbolizing a vast and uncountable nation. Rashi explains that this blessing emphasizes both physical abundance and spiritual greatness, as the Jewish people will be numerous and impactful in the world.
Q: Why did Hashem compare Yaakov's descendants to the sand of the sea?
A: The comparison to sand teaches that just as sand supports and protects the sea's boundaries, the Jewish people have a role in upholding righteousness in the world (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah). Additionally, sand is durable and cannot be easily destroyed, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Jewish people.
Q: How does the blessing to Yaakov in Genesis 32:13 apply to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds us that we are part of an eternal covenant with Hashem. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that every Jew is connected to this promise, and our collective mission is to live according to Torah values, ensuring the continuity and spiritual strength of the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from Hashem's promise to Yaakov about 'doing good' to him?
A: This teaches that Hashem's kindness is everlasting and that divine promises are fulfilled. The Talmud (Berachot 4a) explains that Hashem's blessings are not just material but also spiritual—guiding us to trust in His goodness and strive for righteousness in our lives.