share torah logo

Genesis 18:31 - Abraham bargains for Sodom

Genesis 18:31 - בראשית 18:31

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הִנֵּה־נָא הוֹאַלְתִּי לְדַבֵּר אֶל־אֲדֹנָי אוּלַי יִמָּצְאוּן שָׁם עֶשְׂרִים וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא אַשְׁחִית בַּעֲבוּר הָעֶשְׂרִים׃

English Translation

And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak to the Lord: perhaps there shall be twenty found there. And He said, I will not destroy it for the twenty’s sake.

Transliteration

Va'yomer hineh-na ho'alti ledaber el-Adonai ulai yimatze'un sham esrim va'yomer lo ashchit ba'avur ha'esrim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הִנֵּֽה־נָ֤א הוֹאַ֙לְתִּי֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל־אֲדֹנָ֔י אוּלַ֛י יִמָּצְא֥וּן שָׁ֖ם עֶשְׂרִ֑ים וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אַשְׁחִ֔ית בַּעֲב֖וּר הָֽעֶשְׂרִֽים׃
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הִנֵּֽה־נָ֤א הוֹאַ֙לְתִּי֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל־אֲדֹנָ֔י אוּלַ֛י יִמָּצְא֥וּן שָׁ֖ם עֶשְׂרִ֑ים וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אַשְׁחִ֔ית בַּעֲב֖וּר הָֽעֶשְׂרִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 18:31) is part of Avraham Avinu's dialogue with Hashem regarding the fate of Sodom and Amorah. Avraham, demonstrating his deep compassion and commitment to justice, negotiates with Hashem to spare the cities if even a small number of righteous individuals can be found.

Avraham's Approach to Prayer

Rashi explains that Avraham's phrasing, "הִנֵּה־נָא הוֹאַלְתִּי" ("Behold now, I have taken upon me"), reflects his humility and hesitation in addressing the Almighty. Despite his close relationship with Hashem, Avraham approaches prayer with reverence, acknowledging his own unworthiness to make requests (Rashi on Bereshit 18:27). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:8) further emphasizes that Avraham's prayer serves as a model for how tzaddikim advocate for mercy.

The Significance of Twenty Righteous Individuals

Avraham reduces his request from fifty to twenty righteous people, recognizing the severity of Sodom's wickedness. Ramban (Bereshit 18:31) suggests that twenty represents a critical mass—enough to influence the broader community positively. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 107a) teaches that even a small group of righteous individuals can sustain a city through their merit.

Hashem's Response

Hashem's reply, "לֹא אַשְׁחִית בַּעֲבוּר הָעֶשְׂרִים" ("I will not destroy it for the twenty’s sake"), underscores the principle of zechut avot (merit of the righteous). The Sforno notes that Hashem’s willingness to spare the cities for even twenty righteous people highlights His boundless mercy and the power of collective righteousness to avert judgment.

Lessons for Today

  • Advocacy for Others: Avraham teaches the importance of interceding on behalf of others, even those who may not deserve it (based on Mesillat Yesharim, Chapter 19).
  • Power of the Righteous: A small group of righteous individuals can have a profound impact on their surroundings (as derived from Pirkei Avot 5:18).
  • Humility in Prayer: Even great leaders like Avraham approach Hashem with humility and deference (based on Rambam, Hilchot Tefillah 5:4).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Abraham's dialogue with God regarding the destruction of Sodom, illustrating the concept of divine mercy and the power of righteous individuals to influence God's decrees.
📖 Sanhedrin 99b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the merit of the righteous and how their presence can protect a city or generation from destruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 18:31?
A: In Genesis 18:31, Abraham continues his negotiation with Hashem to spare the city of Sodom if even 20 righteous people can be found there. This is part of Abraham's compassionate plea to save the city from destruction, showing his deep concern for justice and mercy.
Q: Why did Abraham stop at 20 righteous people in his plea?
A: Abraham stopped at 20 because he was testing the limits of Divine mercy. According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, Abraham believed that if there were at least 20 righteous people, their merit could protect the entire city, as a community of that size could sustain moral influence (similar to the concept of a minyan, which requires 10 for certain prayers).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Abraham's negotiation in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of advocating for others (even sinners) and the power of prayer. Abraham teaches us to approach Hashem with humility ('I have taken upon me to speak') but also with boldness in seeking mercy. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) highlights this as an example of how the righteous pray for others.
Q: Why didn't Hashem destroy Sodom if 20 righteous people were found?
A: Hashem agreed not to destroy Sodom for the sake of 20 righteous people because, as explained in Jewish tradition (Rambam, Mishneh Torah), the presence of a significant number of righteous individuals can bring Divine protection to an entire community. Their merit creates a spiritual balance that delays or prevents judgment.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us that the righteousness of even a small group can have a profound impact on the world. Just as Abraham interceded for Sodom, we are encouraged to pray for others and strive to be among those whose deeds bring merit to our communities (Talmud Yoma 38b). It also teaches the value of negotiating with sincerity when seeking Divine compassion.