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Genesis 33:14 - Slowly, with care for all.

Genesis 33:14 - בראשית 33:14

Hebrew Text

יַעֲבָר־נָא אֲדֹנִי לִפְנֵי עַבְדּוֹ וַאֲנִי אֶתְנָהֲלָה לְאִטִּי לְרֶגֶל הַמְּלָאכָה אֲשֶׁר־לְפָנַי וּלְרֶגֶל הַיְלָדִים עַד אֲשֶׁר־אָבֹא אֶל־אֲדֹנִי שֵׂעִירָה׃

English Translation

Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on slowly, according to the pace of the cattle that goes before me and the children, until I come to my lord to Se῾ir.

Transliteration

Ya'avor-na adoni lifnei avdo va'ani etnahala le'iti leregel hamelacha asher-lefanai uleregel hayeladim ad asher-avo el-adoni Se'ira.

Hebrew Leining Text

יַעֲבׇר־נָ֥א אֲדֹנִ֖י לִפְנֵ֣י עַבְדּ֑וֹ וַאֲנִ֞י אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣ה לְאִטִּ֗י לְרֶ֨גֶל הַמְּלָאכָ֤ה אֲשֶׁר־לְפָנַי֙ וּלְרֶ֣גֶל הַיְלָדִ֔ים עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁר־אָבֹ֥א אֶל־אֲדֹנִ֖י שֵׂעִֽירָה׃
יַעֲבׇר־נָ֥א אֲדֹנִ֖י לִפְנֵ֣י עַבְדּ֑וֹ וַאֲנִ֞י אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣ה לְאִטִּ֗י לְרֶ֨גֶל הַמְּלָאכָ֤ה אֲשֶׁר־לְפָנַי֙ וּלְרֶ֣גֶל הַיְלָדִ֔ים עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁר־אָבֹ֥א אֶל־אֲדֹנִ֖י שֵׂעִֽירָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 33:14) is part of the dialogue between Yaakov (Jacob) and Esav (Esau) after their dramatic reunion. Yaakov, having just reconciled with his brother, declines Esav's offer to travel together, explaining that he must proceed at a slower pace due to the needs of his children and livestock.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yaakov's deferral was not merely about physical limitations but carried deeper meaning. By saying "I will lead on slowly," Yaakov was subtly indicating that he would not join Esav in Seir, as the righteous (Yaakov) and the wicked (Esav) cannot dwell together permanently. Rashi cites Midrash Tanchuma, which states that Yaakov never actually went to Seir, fulfilling the principle that the paths of tzaddikim and reshaim must remain separate.

Rambam's Perspective on Diplomacy

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:7) highlights this interaction as a model of diplomatic speech. Yaakov speaks respectfully ("Let my lord pass over before his servant") while maintaining his principles. This demonstrates the Torah's approach to dealing with adversaries—using wisdom to avoid confrontation without compromising one's values.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (78:14) notes that Yaakov's mention of "the children" refers not just to their physical vulnerability but to their spiritual needs—he couldn't expose them to Esav's influence.
  • The Ohr HaChaim adds that Yaakov's phrasing "the cattle that goes before me" alludes to his material possessions (cattle) being secondary ("before me" meaning in importance), while the children's welfare was primary.

Halachic Implications

The Kli Yakar observes that Yaakov's careful speech teaches the importance of considering others' feelings even when refusing requests. Though Yaakov had no intention of joining Esav, he framed his refusal in terms of concern for his family's needs rather than outright rejection.

Kabbalistic Interpretation

The Zohar (1:171b) interprets "until I come to my lord to Seir" as hinting to the future messianic era when the righteous will "come to Seir" to judge Esav's descendants. This reflects the idea that temporary separation maintains peace until ultimate divine justice is revealed.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Genesis 33:14?
A: In Genesis 33:14, Jacob is speaking to his brother Esau after their reunion. Jacob politely asks Esau to go ahead while he and his family travel at a slower pace suitable for the children and livestock. Rashi explains that Jacob was being cautious and considerate, ensuring the safety of his family and possessions during the journey.
Q: Why did Jacob ask Esau to go ahead in Genesis 33:14?
A: Jacob asked Esau to go ahead because he wanted to travel at a slower, more manageable pace for his children and livestock. According to the Midrash, Jacob also wanted to avoid traveling with Esau due to their past conflicts and differences in values. This shows Jacob's wisdom in maintaining peaceful relations while protecting his family's well-being.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob's words in Genesis 33:14?
A: From Jacob's words, we learn the importance of patience, consideration for others, and setting boundaries in relationships. Jacob prioritized his family's needs over rushing to keep up with Esau. The Talmud teaches that caring for one's household is a primary responsibility, and Jacob exemplifies this by ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for his children and animals.
Q: How does Genesis 33:14 apply to our lives today?
A: Genesis 33:14 teaches us to balance kindness with practicality in our interactions. Just as Jacob was respectful to Esau but set limits for his family's sake, we too should maintain healthy boundaries while being courteous to others. The Rambam emphasizes the value of thoughtful decision-making in interpersonal relationships, as demonstrated by Jacob in this verse.
Q: What does 'according to the pace of the cattle' mean in Genesis 33:14?
A: The phrase 'according to the pace of the cattle' means Jacob adjusted his travel speed to match the needs of his livestock and children. Rashi explains that Jacob was being responsible by not overburdening his animals or rushing his young children. This reflects the Torah's values of compassion for both humans and animals, as seen in many mitzvot (commandments) about proper treatment of creatures.