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Genesis 12:11 - Avraham fears beauty's danger

Genesis 12:11 - בראשית 12:11

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר הִקְרִיב לָבוֹא מִצְרָיְמָה וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־שָׂרַי אִשְׁתּוֹ הִנֵּה־נָא יָדַעְתִּי כִּי אִשָּׁה יְפַת־מַרְאֶה אָתְּ׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter to Miżrayim that he said to Saray his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:

Transliteration

Vayehi ka'asher hikriv lavo Mitzrayma vayomer el-Saray ishto hine-na yadati ki isha yefat-mar'e at.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הִקְרִ֖יב לָב֣וֹא מִצְרָ֑יְמָה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־שָׂרַ֣י אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ הִנֵּה־נָ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֛י אִשָּׁ֥ה יְפַת־מַרְאֶ֖ה אָֽתְּ׃
וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הִקְרִ֖יב לָב֣וֹא מִצְרָ֑יְמָה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־שָׂרַ֣י אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ הִנֵּה־נָ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֛י אִשָּׁ֥ה יְפַת־מַרְאֶ֖ה אָֽתְּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 12:11) explains that Avraham had not previously noticed Sarai's beauty because of their modest way of life. Only as they approached Egypt, where people were less scrupulous about modesty, did he become aware of how others might perceive her beauty. The phrase "הִנֵּה־נָא יָדַעְתִּי" ("Behold now, I know") indicates a sudden realization due to changed circumstances.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 12:11) suggests that Avraham had always known of Sarai's beauty, but the phrase "יָדַעְתִּי" refers to his new understanding of the danger this posed in Egypt. The word "נָא" ("now") implies urgency in addressing this newfound concern as they entered a morally corrupt society.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 40:4) offers several explanations:

  • Avraham had been unaware of Sarai's beauty because they had lived in secluded purity until now.
  • The journey had made Sarai appear even more beautiful due to the hardships they endured together.
  • Egypt was known for its obsession with physical beauty, making Sarai's appearance particularly dangerous there.

Ramban's Insight

Ramban (Bereshit 12:11) notes that this verse demonstrates Avraham's prophetic concern. He foresaw that the Egyptians would covet Sarai and kill him to take her, leading to his plan to present her as his sister. The Torah records this to show Avraham's wisdom in dealing with potential danger.

Halachic Considerations

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 19b) discusses this incident in the context of pikuach nefesh (saving a life), justifying Avraham's decision to temporarily conceal their marital status. This establishes an important principle about prioritizing life preservation in halacha.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 16a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Abraham's actions and his concern for Sarah's beauty, illustrating his awareness of potential dangers in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham say Sarai was beautiful when entering Egypt?
A: Rashi explains that Avraham had not previously noticed Sarai's exceptional beauty because of their modesty and close relationship. Only when entering Egypt, where he feared danger, did he realize how strikingly beautiful she was (Rashi on Genesis 12:11).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham calling Sarai his sister?
A: The Midrash teaches that Avraham acted prudently to protect their lives, as he feared the Egyptians might kill him to take Sarai. This shows the Torah's value of preserving life (pikuach nefesh), even when it requires unconventional measures (Bereishit Rabbah 40:2).
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish views on modesty?
A: The fact that Avraham hadn't fully recognized Sarai's physical beauty until this moment demonstrates the ideal Jewish approach to modesty (tzniut), where spiritual qualities are valued over external appearance (Talmud, Megillah 15a).