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Genesis 18:14 - Divine promise defies nature?

Genesis 18:14 - בראשית 18:14

Hebrew Text

הֲיִפָּלֵא מֵיְהוָה דָּבָר לַמּוֹעֵד אָשׁוּב אֵלֶיךָ כָּעֵת חַיָּה וּלְשָׂרָה בֵן׃

English Translation

Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return to thee, at this season, and Sara shall have a son.

Transliteration

Hapale me'Adonai davar lamo'ed ashuv eleycha ka'et chaya ule'Sarah ben.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֲיִפָּלֵ֥א מֵיְהֹוָ֖ה דָּבָ֑ר לַמּוֹעֵ֞ד אָשׁ֥וּב אֵלֶ֛יךָ כָּעֵ֥ת חַיָּ֖ה וּלְשָׂרָ֥ה בֵֽן׃
הֲיִפָּלֵ֥א מֵיְהֹוָ֖ה דָּבָ֑ר לַמּוֹעֵ֞ד אָשׁ֥וּב אֵלֶ֛יךָ כָּעֵ֥ת חַיָּ֖ה וּלְשָׂרָ֥ה בֵֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 18:14) appears in the narrative where Hashem informs Avraham that Sarah will bear a son despite her advanced age. This follows Sarah's laughter upon hearing the prophecy, prompting Hashem to reaffirm His omnipotence.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains the phrase "הֲיִפָּלֵא מֵיְהוָה דָּבָר" ("Is anything too hard for the Lord?") as emphasizing that nothing is beyond Hashem's power, even the miraculous conception of a child by elderly parents. He notes that the word "יִפָּלֵא" (too hard/wondrous) implies that what seems impossible for humans is entirely within Hashem's capability.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1:7) discusses the principle of Divine omnipotence, teaching that Hashem's power is unlimited and not bound by natural laws. This verse serves as a foundational proof that miracles—such as Sarah's conception—are possible because Hashem transcends nature.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (53:7) connects this verse to the idea that Hashem "renews His world" through miracles, demonstrating His continuous involvement in creation.
  • Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (32) teaches that the "appointed time" ("לַמּוֹעֵד") refers to Pesach, linking Yitzchak's birth to future redemption.

Grammatical Nuances

The term "כָּעֵת חַיָּה" ("at this season") is interpreted by Ibn Ezra as referring to the same time the following year, when nature renews itself—symbolizing rebirth and Divine promise. Radak adds that this phrasing reassures Avraham that the prophecy is certain, not contingent on natural circumstances.

Halachic Implications

The Chazon Ish (Emunah U'Bitachon 1:5) derives from this verse that one must never despair of Hashem's salvation, even in seemingly impossible situations, as His power is absolute.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 64a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miraculous nature of Sarah's conception and God's power to fulfill His promises.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 11a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the appointed times (mo'ed) for divine intervention and miracles, particularly in relation to the birth of Isaac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 18:14 mean?
A: Genesis 18:14 is HaShem's response to Sarah's laughter when she heard she would bear a child in her old age. It teaches that nothing is beyond HaShem's power ('Is anything too hard for the Lord?'). The verse emphasizes divine omnipotence and the certainty of His promises, as He declares Sarah will have a son at the appointed time.
Q: Why is Genesis 18:14 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it demonstrates HaShem's absolute ability to fulfill His word, even when circumstances seem impossible (like Sarah's advanced age). Rashi explains that this miracle reinforced the concept of divine providence and set the foundation for the birth of Yitzchak (Isaac), a key patriarch in Jewish history.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 18:14 today?
A: We learn that HaShem's promises are reliable regardless of human limitations. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) derives from this verse that one should never despair of HaShem's mercy, even in seemingly hopeless situations. It teaches trust (bitachon) in divine timing ('at the appointed time').
Q: How does Genesis 18:14 relate to prayer?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 53:7) connects this verse to prayer by noting that Sarah's pregnancy occurred at the 'appointed time' - teaching that while miracles can happen, they often align with natural processes. This shows that we should pray with faith in HaShem's power while understanding His wisdom in timing.
Q: Why did Sarah laugh in this story?
A: As Rashi explains on Genesis 18:12, Sarah laughed because she thought it was physically impossible to bear children at her age (90) after a lifetime of infertility. The verse shows that while human understanding is limited, HaShem's capabilities are infinite. The Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 1:7) uses this to demonstrate that G-d can alter nature at will.