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Genesis 19:13 - Divine justice for wickedness.

Genesis 19:13 - בראשית 19:13

Hebrew Text

כִּי־מַשְׁחִתִים אֲנַחְנוּ אֶת־הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה כִּי־גָדְלָה צַעֲקָתָם אֶת־פְּנֵי יְהוָה וַיְשַׁלְּחֵנוּ יְהוָה לְשַׁחֲתָהּ׃

English Translation

for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them has grown great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.

Transliteration

Ki-mashchitim anachnu et-hamakom haze ki-gadla tza'akatam et-pnei Adonai vayishalcheinu Adonai leshachatah.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־מַשְׁחִתִ֣ים אֲנַ֔חְנוּ אֶת־הַמָּק֖וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּֽי־גָדְלָ֤ה צַעֲקָתָם֙ אֶת־פְּנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥נוּ יְהֹוָ֖ה לְשַׁחֲתָֽהּ׃
כִּֽי־מַשְׁחִתִ֣ים אֲנַ֔חְנוּ אֶת־הַמָּק֖וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּֽי־גָדְלָ֤ה צַעֲקָתָם֙ אֶת־פְּנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥נוּ יְהֹוָ֖ה לְשַׁחֲתָֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 19:13) is part of the narrative where the malachim (angels) warn Lot about the impending destruction of Sodom. The angels explain that they have been sent by Hashem to carry out the destruction due to the overwhelming outcry against the city's wickedness.

Explanation of Key Phrases

  • "כִּי־מַשְׁחִתִים אֲנַחְנוּ" (for we will destroy this place): Rashi explains that the angels emphasize their mission is not merely a warning but an inevitable decree from Hashem. The term mashchitim (destroyers) indicates that the destruction is divinely ordained and irreversible due to Sodom's corruption.
  • "כִּי־גָדְלָה צַעֲקָתָם" (because the cry of them has grown great): The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:6) interprets this as referring to the cries of the oppressed—particularly the poor, strangers, and victims of Sodom's cruelty. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) notes that societal corruption, especially injustice, provokes divine retribution.
  • "אֶת־פְּנֵי יְהוָה" (before the face of the Lord): The Kli Yakar explains that the sins of Sodom were so brazen that they were committed openly, as if directly challenging Hashem's presence. This reflects the principle that public desecration of morality accelerates judgment.
  • "וַיְשַׁלְּחֵנוּ יְהוָה לְשַׁחֲתָהּ" (the Lord has sent us to destroy it): The Malbim highlights that the angels stress their role as mere agents of Hashem's will, underscoring that destruction comes only by divine command, not arbitrary vengeance.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 109a) derives from this episode that Sodom's primary sins were cruelty and lack of hospitality, violating the foundational mitzvah of gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness). The Chofetz Chaim teaches that the "great cry" serves as a warning about the collective consequences of societal indifference to injustice.

Connection to Divine Justice

The Ramban (Bereishit 19:5) notes that Sodom's destruction exemplifies middah k'neged middah (measure for measure): a society that actively harmed others—particularly vulnerable strangers—faced total annihilation. This reinforces the Torah's emphasis on justice and compassion as pillars of a righteous community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 109a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the sins of the people of Sodom and the divine decision to destroy the city.
📖 Chullin 49b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the nature of divine messengers and their missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 19:13 mean?
A: Genesis 19:13 refers to the angels warning Lot about the impending destruction of Sodom. The verse explains that the outcry against Sodom's wickedness had become so great that Hashem sent the angels to destroy the city. This teaches us about divine justice and how Hashem responds to severe immorality in a society.
Q: Why was Sodom destroyed according to this verse?
A: The verse states that Sodom was destroyed because 'the cry of them has grown great before the face of the Lord.' According to Rashi and other commentators, this refers to the widespread corruption, cruelty, and injustice in Sodom. The Midrash describes how they were particularly known for their lack of hospitality and mistreatment of strangers.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 19:13 today?
A: This verse teaches us that Hashem is aware of human actions and holds societies accountable for widespread evil. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) derives from this that we must distance ourselves from wicked communities. It also reminds us of the importance of justice and kindness in building a moral society.
Q: Who are 'we' in Genesis 19:13?
A: The 'we' refers to the two angels who came to Sodom (as mentioned in Genesis 19:1). These were divine messengers sent by Hashem to both rescue Lot and his family and to carry out the destruction of Sodom. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 86b) explains that angels are sometimes sent to perform specific missions in the world.
Q: How does this verse show Hashem's justice?
A: This verse demonstrates that Hashem doesn't punish arbitrarily. As the Rambam explains (Yesodei HaTorah 1), Hashem gives people ample opportunity to repent before executing judgment. The destruction came only after the sins of Sodom became unbearable ('the cry... has grown great'). This shows that divine punishment is measured and just.