share torah logo

Genesis 19:2 - Angels refuse Lot's hospitality?

Genesis 19:2 - בראשית 19:2

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הִנֶּה נָּא־אֲדֹנַי סוּרוּ נָא אֶל־בֵּית עַבְדְּכֶם וְלִינוּ וְרַחֲצוּ רַגְלֵיכֶם וְהִשְׁכַּמְתֶּם וַהֲלַכְתֶּם לְדַרְכְּכֶם וַיֹּאמְרוּ לֹּא כִּי בָרְחוֹב נָלִין׃

English Translation

and he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and you may rise up early, and go your ways. And they said, No; but we will abide in the street all night.

Transliteration

Vayomer hine na-adonai suru na el-beit avdekhem vilinu verachatzu ragleikhem vehishkamtem vahalakhtem ledarkekhem vayomeru lo ki barchov nalin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֜אמֶר הִנֶּ֣ה נָּא־אֲדֹנַ֗י ס֣וּרוּ נָ֠א אֶל־בֵּ֨ית עַבְדְּכֶ֤ם וְלִ֙ינוּ֙ וְרַחֲצ֣וּ רַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם וְהִשְׁכַּמְתֶּ֖ם וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֣ם לְדַרְכְּכֶ֑ם וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ לֹּ֔א כִּ֥י בָרְח֖וֹב נָלִֽין׃
וַיֹּ֜אמֶר הִנֶּ֣ה נָּא־אֲדֹנַ֗י ס֣וּרוּ נָ֠א אֶל־בֵּ֨ית עַבְדְּכֶ֤ם וְלִ֙ינוּ֙ וְרַחֲצ֣וּ רַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם וְהִשְׁכַּמְתֶּ֖ם וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֣ם לְדַרְכְּכֶ֑ם וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ לֹּ֔א כִּ֥י בָרְח֖וֹב נָלִֽין׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 19:2) describes Avraham Avinu’s encounter with the three angels who appeared to him in the form of men. Avraham, exemplifying the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hospitality), urgently invites them into his home, offering lodging, washing of feet, and provisions for their journey. The angels initially refuse, stating they will stay in the street, which Rashi explains was a test of Avraham’s sincerity in performing the mitzvah.

Avraham’s Exceptional Hospitality

Rashi (Bereshit 19:2) highlights that Avraham’s insistence on hosting the guests—despite his recent circumcision and the intense heat of the day—demonstrates his extraordinary commitment to kindness. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:9) elaborates that Avraham’s use of the phrase "בֵּית עַבְדְּכֶם" ("your servant’s house") reflects his humility, treating the guests as his masters.

The Angels’ Refusal

The angels’ initial refusal to enter ("לֹּא כִּי בָרְחוֹב נָלִין") is interpreted by the Ramban (Bereshit 19:2) as a test to see whether Avraham would press further, ensuring his hospitality was genuine. The Sforno adds that their response was meant to teach that true chesed (kindness) requires persistence and sincerity, not mere formality.

Symbolism of Washing Feet

The offer to wash their feet ("וְרַחֲצוּ רַגְלֵיכֶם") is explained by the Talmud (Bava Metzia 86b) as both a practical gesture (removing dust from travel) and a spiritual one: Avraham sought to purify his guests from any idolatrous practices, as washing feet was a custom to remove traces of idol worship. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:2) similarly notes that Avraham’s hospitality included distancing guests from impurity.

Lessons in Mitzvah Performance

  • Humility in Service: Avraham refers to himself as "עַבְדְּכֶם" (your servant), modeling that true kindness requires lowering oneself before others (Tanchuma, Vayera 1).
  • Persistent Kindness: The angels’ refusal teaches that one should not be deterred when performing a mitzvah; Avraham’s insistence underscores the value of earnest effort (Mesillat Yesharim, Chapter 19).
  • Holiness in Hospitality: The washing of feet symbolizes that hachnasat orchim must elevate guests spiritually, not just physically (Kli Yakar, Bereshit 19:2).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lot invite the angels to stay at his house?
A: Lot showed hospitality (hachnasat orchim) by inviting the angels into his home, following the example of his uncle Abraham. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 50:4) explains that Lot learned kindness from Abraham, who was known for welcoming guests. Lot wanted to protect them from the dangers of sleeping in the open in Sodom, a city known for its wickedness.
Q: Why did the angels initially refuse Lot's invitation?
A: Rashi (Genesis 19:2) explains that the angels pretended to refuse Lot's offer to test his sincerity and see how strongly he would insist on performing the mitzvah of hospitality. Their refusal was not genuine but meant to encourage Lot to demonstrate his commitment to kindness.
Q: What is the significance of washing feet in this verse?
A: Washing feet was a common act of hospitality in ancient times, as people traveled on dusty roads. The Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:2) mentions that providing water for guests to wash their feet is part of honoring them. Lot offered this as a basic courtesy to refresh his guests after their journey.
Q: How does this verse teach us about hospitality (hachnasat orchim)?
A: This verse highlights the importance of welcoming guests with kindness, even in difficult circumstances. The Talmud (Shabbat 127a) states that hachnasat orchim is greater than receiving the Divine Presence, showing its high value in Jewish tradition. Lot's insistence on hosting the angels, despite the risks in Sodom, teaches us to prioritize kindness.
Q: Why did Lot call the angels 'my lords' (אֲדֹנַי)?
A: Lot addressed the angels respectfully, using the term 'my lords' (אֲדֹנַי) to show honor, as was customary when greeting guests. Rashi (Genesis 19:2) notes that Lot did not yet realize they were angels and treated them as distinguished travelers, demonstrating proper etiquette in hosting guests.