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Genesis 46:24 - Tribal names hold hidden meanings?

Genesis 46:24 - בראשית 46:24

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי נַפְתָּלִי יַחְצְאֵל וְגוּנִי וְיֵצֶר וְשִׁלֵּם׃

English Translation

And the sons of Naftali; Yaĥże᾽el, and Guni, and Yeżer, and Shillem.

Transliteration

Uvnei Naftali Yachtzeil, Vguni, Vyeitzer, Vshileim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵ֖י נַפְתָּלִ֑י יַחְצְאֵ֥ל וְגוּנִ֖י וְיֵ֥צֶר וְשִׁלֵּֽם׃
וּבְנֵ֖י נַפְתָּלִ֑י יַחְצְאֵ֥ל וְגוּנִ֖י וְיֵ֥צֶר וְשִׁלֵּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Sons of Naftali: Names and Meanings

The verse lists the four sons of Naftali: Yaĥże᾽el (יַחְצְאֵל), Guni (גוּנִי), Yeżer (יֵצֶר), and Shillem (שִׁלֵּם). According to Rashi (Bereishit 46:24), these names reflect the circumstances of their births or the traits associated with their lineage. The name Yaĥże᾽el may signify "God divides" (from ḥatzah, "to divide"), possibly alluding to Naftali's swiftness (as described in Bereishit 49:21). Guni could relate to "color" or "protection," while Yeżer ("formation") and Shillem ("completion") suggest divine craftsmanship and fulfillment.

Midrashic Insights on Naftali's Descendants

The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit Rabbah 94:16) connects these names to the future role of Naftali's tribe. For example:

  • Yaĥże᾽el hints at the division of land in Eretz Yisrael, as Naftali's territory was allotted in the north.
  • Guni symbolizes the tribe's beauty and fertility, as their land was known for its lushness (Devarim 33:23).
  • Yeżer reflects the tribe's creative contributions, such as their skill in producing olive oil for the Mishkan.
  • Shillem foreshadows the peace (shalom) their region would experience.

Rambam's Perspective on Tribal Lineage

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 12:3) emphasizes the importance of preserving tribal identities, as each son's name represents a unique branch of Naftali's legacy. This aligns with the Torah's meticulous recording of genealogies, ensuring the continuity of each shevet (tribe) and its role in Klal Yisrael.

Symbolism in the Order of Names

The Ba'al HaTurim notes that the sequence of names may reflect a progression:

  • Yaĥże᾽el (division) → Guni (protection) → Yeżer (formation) → Shillem (completion), mirroring the process of building a nation under Hashem's guidance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the sons of Naftali mentioned in Genesis 46:24?
A: The sons of Naftali listed in Genesis 46:24 are Yaĥże᾽el, Guni, Yeżer, and Shillem. These were the four sons born to Naftali, one of the twelve sons of Yaakov (Jacob). According to Rashi, each name carries significance related to Naftali's character or experiences.
Q: Why does the Torah list the names of Naftali's sons?
A: The Torah lists the names of Naftali's sons (and all of Yaakov's descendants) to document the foundation of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Each son became the ancestor of a tribe, and their names are recorded to show the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to make Yaakov's descendants numerous (Bereshit 46:3). The Midrash also teaches that names in the Torah often hint at deeper meanings or future events.
Q: What is the significance of Naftali's tribe in Jewish tradition?
A: Naftali's tribe was known for being swift and skilled, as hinted by Yaakov's blessing (Bereshit 49:21) comparing Naftali to a 'hind let loose.' They were given fertile land near the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and were known for their agricultural contributions. The Talmud (Megillah 6a) mentions that the tribe of Naftali was associated with producing fine olive oil.
Q: Do the names of Naftali's sons have special meanings?
A: Yes, traditional sources like Rashi and the Midrash explain that the names reflect Naftali's traits or experiences. For example, 'Yaĥże᾽el' (יַחְצְאֵל) can mean 'divided by G-d,' possibly referring to Naftali's portion in the Land of Israel. 'Guni' (גּוּנִי) may relate to 'color' or 'protection,' 'Yeżer' (יֵצֶר) means 'form' or 'shape,' and 'Shillem' (שִׁלֵּם) means 'complete' or 'peaceful.' Each name carries spiritual significance.