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Genesis 12:15 - Beauty's peril in exile

Genesis 12:15 - בראשית 12:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּרְאוּ אֹתָהּ שָׂרֵי פַרְעֹה וַיְהַלְלוּ אֹתָהּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וַתֻּקַּח הָאִשָּׁה בֵּית פַּרְעֹה׃

English Translation

The princes also of Par῾o saw her, and commended her before Par῾o: and the woman was taken into Par῾o’s house.

Transliteration

Vayir'u ota sarei Par'o vay'halelu ota el-Par'o vatukach ha'isha beit Par'o.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּרְא֤וּ אֹתָהּ֙ שָׂרֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וַיְהַֽלְל֥וּ אֹתָ֖הּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וַתֻּקַּ֥ח הָאִשָּׁ֖ה בֵּ֥ית פַּרְעֹֽה׃
וַיִּרְא֤וּ אֹתָהּ֙ שָׂרֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וַיְהַֽלְל֥וּ אֹתָ֖הּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֑ה וַתֻּקַּ֥ח הָאִשָּׁ֖ה בֵּ֥ית פַּרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 12:15) describes how Sarah, the wife of Avraham, was taken into Pharaoh's house after the Egyptian princes praised her beauty. This occurs during Avraham and Sarah's descent to Egypt due to famine in Canaan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 12:15) notes that the phrase "וַיְהַלְלוּ אֹתָהּ" ("and they praised her") implies that the princes of Pharaoh were struck by Sarah's extraordinary beauty and immediately brought her to Pharaoh's attention. Rashi also comments that the passive form "וַתֻּקַּח" ("and she was taken") suggests she was taken against her will, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Rabbah (Bereshit Rabbah 40:5) explains that Sarah's beauty was so exceptional that even at the age of 65, she appeared youthful and radiant. This supernatural beauty was a sign of divine providence, ensuring that Avraham's mission would not be thwarted.
  • Some Midrashim (e.g., Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 26) suggest that Pharaoh's officials initially intended to take Sarah for themselves but were compelled to bring her to Pharaoh due to her overwhelming beauty.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam discusses the episode as an example of divine intervention. He explains that Avraham's fear of being killed (Bereshit 12:12) was justified, but Hashem ensured Sarah's protection—ultimately leading to Pharaoh releasing her unharmed (Bereshit 12:17-20).

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

  • The Chizkuni (Bereshit 12:15) highlights Avraham's moral dilemma in asking Sarah to say she was his sister. While this was technically true (she was his niece, referred to as "sister" in familial terms), it underscores the complexities of pikuach nefesh (saving a life) overriding other concerns.
  • The Sforno (Bereshit 12:11) emphasizes that Avraham's request was rooted in his trust in Hashem's promise, believing that no harm would ultimately befall Sarah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 12:15 mean when it says Pharaoh's princes 'commended' Sarah?
A: Rashi explains that the princes praised Sarah's beauty to Pharaoh, leading to her being taken into his house. The term 'commended' (וַיְהַלְלוּ) implies they spoke highly of her appearance and virtues.
Q: Why was Sarah taken into Pharaoh's house in Genesis 12:15?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 40:5), Sarah was taken because of her extraordinary beauty. Abraham had asked her to say she was his sister to avoid being killed, but this led Pharaoh to desire her. The verse shows the test Abraham and Sarah faced in Egypt.
Q: How does Genesis 12:15 relate to Jewish teachings about modesty?
A: While Sarah's beauty is noted, Jewish tradition (Talmud, Megillah 15a) teaches that true greatness comes from inner righteousness, not outward appearance. This incident later led to discussions about the importance of modesty (tzniut) in Jewish life.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Sarah being taken to Pharaoh's house?
A: The Ramban teaches that this episode demonstrates God's protection over Sarah and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham. Despite the danger, God intervened (as seen in the next verses) to safeguard Sarah and ensure the continuity of Abraham's lineage.
Q: Was it wrong for Abraham to let Sarah be taken to Pharaoh's house?
A: Classic commentators debate this. Rashi (citing Midrash) says Abraham acted to save his life, trusting God. The Ramban criticizes Abraham for endangering Sarah. The Torah presents this honestly to show even great figures face moral challenges and grow from them.