Genesis 12:19 - Pharaoh questions Avram's deception.

Genesis 12:19 - בראשית 12:19

Hebrew Text

לָמָה אָמַרְתָּ אֲחֹתִי הִוא וָאֶקַּח אֹתָהּ לִי לְאִשָּׁה וְעַתָּה הִנֵּה אִשְׁתְּךָ קַח וָלֵךְ׃

English Translation

Why didst thou say, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.

Transliteration

Lama amarta achoti hi va'ekach ota li le'isha ve'ata hine ishtecha kach valech.

Hebrew Leining Text

לָמָ֤ה אָמַ֙רְתָּ֙ אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֔וא וָאֶקַּ֥ח אֹתָ֛הּ לִ֖י לְאִשָּׁ֑ה וְעַתָּ֕ה הִנֵּ֥ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֖ קַ֥ח וָלֵֽךְ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 12:19) is part of the narrative where Pharaoh confronts Avram (later Avraham) after discovering that Sarai (later Sarah) is his wife, not his sister as Avram had claimed. The verse reflects Pharaoh's rebuke and his command for Avram to take Sarai and leave Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Pharaoh's words, "Why didst thou say, She is my sister?", highlight Avram's lack of trust in Hashem's protection. Avram feared that the Egyptians would kill him to take Sarai, so he presented her as his sister. Rashi notes that this incident served as a reproach, as Avram should have relied on divine protection rather than resorting to deception.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses this episode in the context of pikuach nefesh (saving a life). He suggests that Avram's decision to conceal Sarai's true identity was permissible under the principle of preserving life, as he genuinely feared for his safety. However, Rambam also emphasizes that complete trust in Hashem is ideal, even in life-threatening situations.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 41:2) elaborates that Pharaoh's rebuke was a moment of divine justice, as Avram's lack of faith led to temporary hardship. The Midrash contrasts this with later events, where Avraham's trust in Hashem is unwavering.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Lech Lecha 5) suggests that this episode served as a test for Avram, refining his character and preparing him for greater challenges ahead.

Ibn Ezra's Interpretation

Ibn Ezra focuses on the phrase "so I might have taken her to me to wife", noting that Pharaoh's words reveal his regret and moral awakening. Despite his initial intentions, Pharaoh recognized the wrongdoing in taking another man's wife, demonstrating that even a pagan ruler could acknowledge ethical boundaries.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) references this incident in discussions about the Noahide laws, particularly the prohibition of adultery. Pharaoh's return of Sarai underscores the universal recognition of marital sanctity, even among non-Jewish nations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 99b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of Abraham's actions and the ethical implications of his statement that Sarah was his sister.
📖 Bava Kamma 92a
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the moral and legal repercussions of deceit, particularly in the context of familial relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham say Sarah was his sister instead of his wife?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 12:13), Avraham was concerned that if people knew Sarah was his wife, they might kill him to take her, since she was very beautiful. By saying she was his sister, he hoped they would treat him well for her sake.
Q: Was it wrong for Avraham to say Sarah was his sister?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:2) explains that this was permitted under the principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life), as Avraham genuinely feared for his life. However, the Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 40:5) notes that this caused difficulties, teaching us to be careful even when taking necessary precautions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this incident with Avraham and Sarah?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21a) teaches that even great people can make mistakes when afraid. This shows the importance of trusting in Hashem's protection, as Avraham later does in similar situations (Genesis 20). The incident also demonstrates how our actions can affect others, as Sarah was taken because of Avraham's words.
Q: Why did Pharaoh return Sarah to Avraham?
A: Rashi (Genesis 12:17) explains that Pharaoh and his household were struck with severe plagues when they took Sarah. Realizing this was divine punishment for taking a married woman, Pharaoh immediately returned her to Avraham, showing that Hashem protects the righteous.
Q: How does this story relate to Jewish values about marriage?
A: This episode highlights the sanctity of marriage in Judaism. Even when Avraham and Sarah were separated, their marital bond remained sacred, as shown by Pharaoh's punishment for violating it. The Rambam (Ishut 1:1-2) later codifies the importance of proper marriage in Jewish law, building on these foundational stories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2025 Hebrew Bible Verse a Day. All rights reserved.