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Genesis 49:31 - Patriarchs' sacred resting place

Genesis 49:31 - בראשית 49:31

Hebrew Text

שָׁמָּה קָבְרוּ אֶת־אַבְרָהָם וְאֵת שָׂרָה אִשְׁתּוֹ שָׁמָּה קָבְרוּ אֶת־יִצְחָק וְאֵת רִבְקָה אִשְׁתּוֹ וְשָׁמָּה קָבַרְתִּי אֶת־לֵאָה׃

English Translation

There they buried Avraham and Sara his wife

Transliteration

Shama kavru et-Avraham ve'et Sarah ishto, shama kavru et-Yitzhak ve'et Rivka ishto, veshama kavarti et-Leah.

Hebrew Leining Text

שָׁ֣מָּה קָֽבְר֞וּ אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֗ם וְאֵת֙ שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ שָׁ֚מָּה קָבְר֣וּ אֶת־יִצְחָ֔ק וְאֵ֖ת רִבְקָ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ וְשָׁ֥מָּה קָבַ֖רְתִּי אֶת־לֵאָֽה׃
שָׁ֣מָּה קָֽבְר֞וּ אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֗ם וְאֵת֙ שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ שָׁ֚מָּה קָבְר֣וּ אֶת־יִצְחָ֔ק וְאֵ֖ת רִבְקָ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ וְשָׁ֥מָּה קָבַ֖רְתִּי אֶת־לֵאָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Location of the Patriarchs' Burial

The verse (Genesis 49:31) describes the burial place of the Avot (Patriarchs) and Imahot (Matriarchs) in Me'arat HaMachpelah. This site holds profound significance in Jewish tradition as the resting place of our forefathers and foremothers.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the repetition of the word "שָׁמָּה" (there) three times emphasizes that all the Patriarchs and Matriarchs were buried in the same sacred location. This repetition teaches us about:

  • The unity of the Avot and Imahot in death as in life
  • The special sanctity of Me'arat HaMachpelah as a burial site
  • The fulfillment of Avraham's purchase of the cave as an eternal inheritance

Significance of the Burial Order

The Talmud (Sotah 13a) notes that the verse mentions the couples in chronological order of burial, yet mentions Leah last despite being buried before Rachel. This teaches:

  • Rachel was buried separately in Bethlehem to comfort her descendants during exile (as per Jeremiah 31:14-16)
  • Leah's burial here completes the unity of Yaakov's household
  • The Imahot are mentioned alongside their husbands, showing their equal spiritual stature

Me'arat HaMachpelah's Holiness

The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 36) describes how Adam and Chava were also buried here, making it:

  • The gateway to Gan Eden
  • A place where prayers are particularly potent
  • A physical connection between this world and the spiritual realm

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Beit HaBechira 7:14), Rambam lists Me'arat HaMachpelah as one of three places where the nations of the world cannot deny Jewish ownership, along with the Temple Mount and Joseph's Tomb. This establishes:

  • The eternal Jewish claim to this holy site
  • The fulfillment of Avraham's purchase (Genesis 23) as binding for all generations
  • The importance of maintaining access to our ancestral gravesites

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 91a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the burial places of the patriarchs and matriarchs, particularly focusing on Leah's burial in the Cave of Machpelah.
📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the merits of the patriarchs and matriarchs, emphasizing the significance of their burial in the same location as a sign of their unity and righteousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the burial place of Avraham, Sarah, Yitzchak, Rivka, and Leah mentioned in this verse?
A: This verse highlights the importance of Me'arat HaMachpela (the Cave of the Patriarchs) in Hebron as the burial site of our forefathers and foremothers. According to Rashi and the Midrash, this emphasizes the sanctity of the land of Israel and the eternal connection of the Jewish people to their ancestors and the land.
Q: Why does Yaakov mention that he buried Leah here?
A: Yaakov mentions burying Leah in Me'arat HaMachpela to contrast her with Rachel, who was buried elsewhere (near Bethlehem). The Talmud (Bava Batra 123a) explains that Leah merited burial here because she was the primary wife in Yaakov's household, while Rachel's burial place was destined to comfort the Jewish exiles in the future.
Q: What is the significance of Me'arat HaMachpela in Judaism?
A: Me'arat HaMachpela is considered one of the holiest sites in Judaism. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 7:7) writes that it is a mitzvah to pray there. According to tradition (Zohar, Ruth 96), Adam and Chava were also buried there, making it the burial place of humanity's first couple and the Jewish patriarchs and matriarchs.
Q: Why are Avraham and Sarah mentioned first in this verse?
A: Avraham and Sarah are mentioned first because they were the first to be buried in Me'arat HaMachpela (as described in Genesis 23). Rashi explains that this establishes the cave as a family burial site, showing the continuity of the Jewish people from generation to generation.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish practices today?
A: This verse reminds us of the importance of honoring burial places and remembering our ancestors. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 362) discusses laws about respecting gravesites based on this principle. Many Jews visit Me'arat HaMachpela today to pray and connect with our heritage, continuing a tradition that dates back to our forefathers.