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Genesis 17:17 - Laughter at divine promise?

Genesis 17:17 - בראשית 17:17

Hebrew Text

וַיִּפֹּל אַבְרָהָם עַל־פָּנָיו וַיִּצְחָק וַיֹּאמֶר בְּלִבּוֹ הַלְּבֶן מֵאָה־שָׁנָה יִוָּלֵד וְאִם־שָׂרָה הֲבַת־תִּשְׁעִים שָׁנָה תֵּלֵד׃

English Translation

Then Avraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born to him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sara, that is ninety years old, give birth?

Transliteration

Vayipol Avraham al-panav vayitzchak vayomer belibo haleven me'ah shana yivaled ve'im-Sarah havat-tish'im shana teled.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּפֹּ֧ל אַבְרָהָ֛ם עַל־פָּנָ֖יו וַיִּצְחָ֑ק וַיֹּ֣אמֶר בְּלִבּ֗וֹ הַלְּבֶ֤ן מֵאָֽה־שָׁנָה֙ יִוָּלֵ֔ד וְאִ֨ם־שָׂרָ֔ה הֲבַת־תִּשְׁעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה תֵּלֵֽד׃
וַיִּפֹּ֧ל אַבְרָהָ֛ם עַל־פָּנָ֖יו וַיִּצְחָ֑ק וַיֹּ֣אמֶר בְּלִבּ֗וֹ הַלְּבֶ֤ן מֵאָֽה־שָׁנָה֙ יִוָּלֵ֔ד וְאִ֨ם־שָׂרָ֔ה הֲבַת־תִּשְׁעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה תֵּלֵֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Avraham's Reaction to the Divine Promise

The verse describes Avraham's reaction to Hashem's promise that he and Sarah would have a child in their old age. The three actions—falling on his face, laughing, and speaking in his heart—are subject to various interpretations in traditional Jewish sources.

Falling on His Face (וַיִּפֹּל אַבְרָהָם עַל־פָּנָיו)

Rashi explains that Avraham fell on his face out of humility and awe upon hearing this prophecy. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 47:2) suggests that this gesture was an expression of prayer, as Avraham sought to internalize the message and prepare himself for the fulfillment of the promise.

Avraham's Laughter (וַיִּצְחָק)

The nature of Avraham's laughter is debated among commentators:

  • Rashi interprets it as an expression of joy, as Avraham was overjoyed by the news that he would finally have a son with Sarah.
  • Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) suggests that Avraham laughed out of astonishment, as the idea of bearing a child at such an advanced age seemed miraculous.
  • The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) notes that Sarah later laughed in a similar way (Bereishit 18:12), but her laughter was questioned, whereas Avraham's was not. This implies that Avraham's laughter was pure and free of doubt.

Avraham's Inner Monologue (וַיֹּאמֶר בְּלִבּוֹ)

Avraham's internal questioning reflects his human astonishment at the miracle being foretold:

  • Ibn Ezra explains that Avraham did not doubt Hashem's power but marveled at the natural impossibility of the situation.
  • Sforno suggests that Avraham was contemplating the implications of such a miracle—how it would demonstrate Hashem's direct intervention in the world.

The Significance of Ages (מֵאָה־שָׁנָה / בַּת־תִּשְׁעִים שָׁנָה)

The mention of their ages underscores the miraculous nature of the promise:

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeira 1) teaches that Avraham and Sarah were beyond the natural age of childbearing, emphasizing that Yitzchak's birth would be entirely through divine will.
  • Ramban notes that Avraham's age (100) and Sarah's (90) correspond to the numerical values of the letters in Hashem's name (י-ה-ו-ה), hinting at divine providence in their fertility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 87a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Abraham's reaction to the news of Sarah's future pregnancy, highlighting his initial disbelief and subsequent joy.
📖 Sanhedrin 89b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the nature of Abraham's laughter and whether it was out of joy or skepticism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham laugh when he heard he would have a child?
A: According to Rashi, Avraham's laughter expressed joy and amazement, not disbelief. He was overjoyed at the news that he and Sarah would have a child in their old age, seeing it as a miraculous blessing from Hashem.
Q: Was Avraham doubting Hashem's promise when he laughed?
A: No, traditional Jewish sources like the Midrash explain that Avraham's laughter was not out of doubt, but out of astonishment and happiness. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that Avraham had complete faith in Hashem, and his reaction was one of wonder at the miracle being promised.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Avraham falling on his face before laughing?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 16a) explains that falling on one's face is a sign of deep humility and submission before Hashem. Avraham's reaction shows his reverence and awe upon receiving this divine prophecy about having a child at an advanced age.
Q: How old were Avraham and Sarah when they were promised a child?
A: The verse states Avraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 when they received the promise of a child (Yitzchak). This highlights the miraculous nature of the birth, as explained in Bereishit Rabbah (47:2), showing that nothing is impossible for Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's reaction in this verse?
A: This teaches us to receive Hashem's blessings with joy and humility, even when they seem impossible by natural standards. As the Sforno explains, Avraham's reaction models how to accept divine promises with faith and gratitude, recognizing that Hashem can perform miracles beyond human understanding.