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Genesis 5:29 - Hope from the cursed earth

Genesis 5:29 - בראשית 5:29

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ נֹחַ לֵאמֹר זֶה יְנַחֲמֵנוּ מִמַּעֲשֵׂנוּ וּמֵעִצְּבוֹן יָדֵינוּ מִן־הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר אֵרְרָהּ יְהוָה׃

English Translation

and he called his name Noaĥ, saying, This one shall comfort us for our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.

Transliteration

Vayikra et-shemo Noach lemor zeh yenachamenu mima'aseinu ume'itzvon yadeinu min-ha'adama asher ererah Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֧א אֶת־שְׁמ֛וֹ נֹ֖חַ לֵאמֹ֑ר זֶ֞֠ה יְנַחֲמֵ֤נוּ מִֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֙נוּ֙ וּמֵעִצְּב֣וֹן יָדֵ֔ינוּ מִן־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵֽרְרָ֖הּ יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיִּקְרָ֧א אֶת־שְׁמ֛וֹ נֹ֖חַ לֵאמֹ֑ר זֶ֞֠ה יְנַחֲמֵ֤נוּ מִֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֙נוּ֙ וּמֵעִצְּב֣וֹן יָדֵ֔ינוּ מִן־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵֽרְרָ֖הּ יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Noach

The verse states: "And he called his name Noach, saying, This one shall comfort us (יְנַחֲמֵנוּ) from our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed." (Bereishit 5:29). The name Noach (נֹחַ) is derived from the root נ.ח.מ, meaning "comfort" or "rest."

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Noach was given this name because he would bring comfort to humanity through the invention of agricultural tools. Before Noach, the earth was cursed (Bereishit 3:17), making farming extremely laborious. Noach introduced the plow and other implements, easing the burden of working the land. Thus, he provided "comfort" from the toil of manual labor.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (25:2) elaborates that Noach's name reflects his role in bringing rest (מְנוּחָה) to both humanity and the earth. After the Flood, the earth would no longer be subjected to the corruption of the Generation of the Flood, and humanity would experience a renewed relationship with the land.
  • The Sforno adds that Noach's name also hints at the future comfort he would bring by preserving humanity and animal life through the Ark, ensuring their survival and eventual repopulation of the earth.

Theological Significance

The naming of Noach underscores the theme of divine mercy amidst judgment. Despite the curse upon the land, Hashem provided a means of relief through Noach. This aligns with the principle that even in times of hardship, Hashem prepares a remedy before the affliction (Megillah 13b). Noach's name thus symbolizes hope and the potential for renewal after suffering.

Connection to the Curse of the Land

The verse explicitly links Noach's role to the curse of the earth (מִן־הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר אֵרְרָהּ יְהוָה). The Ramban notes that Noach's innovations mitigated the effects of this curse, fulfilling the divine plan to sustain humanity despite its challenges. This reflects the broader biblical theme of human ingenuity being a vehicle for divine benevolence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 70a
The verse is discussed in the context of explaining the name Noah and its significance, relating to the comfort he would bring from the toil of the ground cursed by God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Noah named 'Noach' and what does it mean?
A: Noah's name (Noach) comes from the Hebrew root 'נחם,' meaning 'comfort.' His father Lemech named him with the hope that Noah would bring comfort from the hardships of working the cursed ground (Genesis 5:29). Rashi explains that Noah invented the plow, easing agricultural labor, fulfilling this hope.
Q: What does 'the ground which the Lord has cursed' refer to?
A: This refers to the curse placed on the earth after Adam's sin (Genesis 3:17). The land would produce thorns and thistles, making farming difficult. Noah's role was to bring relief, as the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 25:2) notes that his innovations lessened human suffering from this curse.
Q: How did Noah 'comfort' humanity according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 58b) and Midrashim describe Noah as introducing tools like the plow to ease farming. Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that Noah’s righteousness preserved humanity during the Flood, ultimately bringing comfort by allowing civilization to continue through his family.
Q: Why is this verse about Noah's name significant in the Torah?
A: It highlights Noah’s purpose: to counteract the effects of Adam’s curse. The Sforno teaches that this foreshadows Noah’s role in sustaining life after the Flood. His name reflects his mission—bringing physical relief (through labor-saving tools) and spiritual renewal (through his righteousness).
Q: Can we learn anything from Noah's name today?
A: Yes! Just as Noah brought comfort in his time, we are taught (Talmud, Berachot 17a) to emulate G-d’s kindness by comforting others. Whether through easing physical burdens (like Noah’s inventions) or offering emotional support, we fulfill the ideal embedded in Noah’s name.