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Genesis 20:14 - King compensates Avraham generously

Genesis 20:14 - בראשית 20:14

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח אֲבִימֶלֶךְ צֹאן וּבָקָר וַעֲבָדִים וּשְׁפָחֹת וַיִּתֵּן לְאַבְרָהָם וַיָּשֶׁב לוֹ אֵת שָׂרָה אִשְׁתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And Avimelekh took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them to Avraham, and restored him Sara his wife.

Transliteration

Vayikach Avimelech tzon uvakar va'avadim ushfa'chos vayiten le'Avraham vayashev lo et Sarah ishto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֨ח אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ צֹ֣אן וּבָקָ֗ר וַעֲבָדִים֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לְאַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיָּ֣שֶׁב ל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת שָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃
וַיִּקַּ֨ח אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ צֹ֣אן וּבָקָ֗ר וַעֲבָדִים֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לְאַבְרָהָ֑ם וַיָּ֣שֶׁב ל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת שָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Avimelekh's Reparation to Avraham

The verse (Bereishit 20:14) describes how Avimelekh, king of Gerar, compensated Avraham after taking Sarah. Rashi explains that Avimelekh gave these gifts as a form of kapparah (atonement) for his sin of taking Sarah, despite not having known she was married. The Ramban adds that this was also meant to honor Avraham and demonstrate that Sarah was returned unharmed.

Symbolism of the Gifts

  • Sheep and Oxen: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:13) notes that these animals correspond to the sacrifices Avraham would later offer, hinting at future events in Avraham's life.
  • Servants: The Ohr HaChaim explains that the menservants and maidservants were given to serve Sarah, restoring her honor after the incident.

Restoration of Sarah

The phrase "וַיָּשֶׁב לוֹ אֵת שָׂרָה אִשְׁתּוֹ" ("and restored him Sarah his wife") is emphasized by the Talmud (Sanhedrin 71a), which teaches that Avimelekh returned Sarah with full dignity, ensuring no suspicion remained about her time in his household. The Kli Yakar further explains that this public restoration was necessary to uphold Sarah's righteousness and Avraham's prophetic standing.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Kamma 92a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the restitution of Sarah to Abraham by Avimelekh, illustrating principles of compensation and reconciliation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avimelekh give gifts to Avraham after taking Sarah?
A: Avimelekh gave gifts to Avraham as compensation and to show that he meant no harm. According to Rashi, this was also a way to appease Avraham and seek forgiveness for taking Sarah, since Avimelekh realized through divine intervention that Sarah was Avraham's wife (Genesis 20:3-6).
Q: What is the significance of Avimelekh returning Sarah to Avraham?
A: The return of Sarah to Avraham signifies the restoration of their marital bond and Avraham's honor. The Ramban explains that this act demonstrated Avimelekh's recognition of Avraham's righteousness and G-d's protection over him and Sarah.
Q: Why does the Torah mention the specific gifts Avimelekh gave to Avraham?
A: The Torah lists the gifts (sheep, oxen, servants) to emphasize Avimelekh's generosity and the extent of his compensation. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 52:13) notes that these gifts also foreshadow the blessings Avraham's descendants would later receive, showing that G-d ensures justice for the righteous.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham and Sarah's experience with Avimelekh?
A: This episode teaches us about divine providence (hashgacha pratis) and the protection of the righteous. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) highlights that G-d intervenes to protect those who are faithful, as seen in how Avraham and Sarah were safeguarded despite the challenges they faced.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of teshuvah (repentance)?
A: Avimelekh's actions—returning Sarah and giving gifts—demonstrate a form of teshuvah (repentance). The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1) teaches that true repentance includes making amends, which Avimelekh did by compensating Avraham and acknowledging his mistake.