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Genesis 33:5 - Divinely blessed family reunion

Genesis 33:5 - בראשית 33:5

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׂא אֶת־עֵינָיו וַיַּרְא אֶת־הַנָּשִׁים וְאֶת־הַיְלָדִים וַיֹּאמֶר מִי־אֵלֶּה לָּךְ וַיֹּאמַר הַיְלָדִים אֲשֶׁר־חָנַן אֱלֹהִים אֶת־עַבְדֶּךָ׃

English Translation

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God has graciously given thy servant.

Transliteration

Va'yisa et eynav va'yar et ha'nashim ve'et ha'y'ladim va'yomer mi eleh lakh va'yomar ha'y'ladim asher khanan Elohim et avdecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׂ֣א אֶת־עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּ֤רְא אֶת־הַנָּשִׁים֙ וְאֶת־הַיְלָדִ֔ים וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מִי־אֵ֣לֶּה לָּ֑ךְ וַיֹּאמַ֕ר הַיְלָדִ֕ים אֲשֶׁר־חָנַ֥ן אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃
וַיִּשָּׂ֣א אֶת־עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּ֤רְא אֶת־הַנָּשִׁים֙ וְאֶת־הַיְלָדִ֔ים וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מִי־אֵ֣לֶּה לָּ֑ךְ וַיֹּאמַ֕ר הַיְלָדִ֕ים אֲשֶׁר־חָנַ֥ן אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Parashat Vayishlach

This verse (Bereshit 33:5) appears in the narrative of Yaakov's reunion with Esav after years of separation. Yaakov, upon seeing Esav approaching with 400 men, had prepared for this encounter by dividing his camp and sending gifts ahead. Here, Esav notices the women and children accompanying Yaakov and inquires about them.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Esav's question "Who are these to you?" carries an accusatory tone, implying suspicion about the legitimacy of Yaakov's large family. Yaakov's response, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant," emphasizes that his offspring are a divine gift, not the result of theft or deception (as Esav might have suspected). The term "חָנַן" (chanan) – "graciously given" – underscores that these children were granted through divine mercy, not through Yaakov's own merit.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (78:8) notes that Yaakov refers to the children as "your servant's," demonstrating humility before Esav to avoid provoking him.
  • The Midrash also highlights that Yaakov attributes his children entirely to God's grace, teaching that even righteous individuals must recognize their blessings as unearned gifts from Hashem.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 9:1) discusses how divine grace operates beyond strict justice. Yaakov's phrasing aligns with this principle—acknowledging that his children were granted through chesed (kindness), not because he inherently deserved them.

Ibn Ezra on Yaakov's Wording

Ibn Ezra observes that Yaakov uses the phrase "אֲשֶׁר־חָנַן אֱלֹהִים" ("whom God has graciously given") rather than simply stating "my children." This phrasing reinforces that all offspring are ultimately gifts from Hashem, a theme echoed in Tehillim 127:3 ("Behold, children are a heritage of the Lord").

Practical Lesson in Gratitude

The verse teaches that one should acknowledge God's role in all blessings, particularly family. Yaakov's response models how to attribute success and progeny to divine benevolence rather than personal achievement—a key concept in Jewish thought (hakarat hatov).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 33:5 mean when it says 'the children which God has graciously given thy servant'?
A: This verse describes Yaakov (Jacob) acknowledging that his children are a gift from Hashem (God). The term 'graciously given' (חָנַן) emphasizes that children are a divine blessing, not something earned. Rashi explains that Yaakov humbly attributes his children to God's kindness rather than his own merit.
Q: Why did Yaakov refer to his children as 'graciously given' by God?
A: Yaakov recognized that having children—especially after years of difficulty—was a direct result of God's mercy. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 78:5) notes that Yaakov understood that even after his struggles with Lavan and Esav, his large family was purely a gift from Hashem, not a natural outcome of his efforts.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov calling his children a gift from God?
A: This teaches us gratitude (hakarat hatov) and humility. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) explains that recognizing God's role in our blessings prevents arrogance. Like Yaakov, we should acknowledge that our successes—including family—come from divine kindness.
Q: How does Genesis 33:5 apply to parents today?
A: It reminds Jewish parents to view their children as sacred gifts entrusted to them by Hashem. The Talmud (Taanit 23a) states that raising children is a partnership with God. This verse encourages parents to raise their children with gratitude and responsibility, as Yaakov did.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Yaakov 'lifting his eyes' before seeing his family?
A: Rashi (on Genesis 33:5) explains that lifting one's eyes signifies a moment of reflection and awareness. Yaakov paused to truly see his family as a blessing. This teaches that we must consciously recognize God's gifts in our lives rather than taking them for granted.