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Genesis 19:7 - Pleading against Sodom's evil

Genesis 19:7 - בראשית 19:7

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמַר אַל־נָא אַחַי תָּרֵעוּ׃

English Translation

And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

Transliteration

Va'yomar al-na achai tare'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אַל־נָ֥א אַחַ֖י תָּרֵֽעוּ׃
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר אַל־נָ֥א אַחַ֖י תָּרֵֽעוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "וַיֹּאמַר אַל־נָא אַחַי תָּרֵעוּ" (And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly) appears in Bereshit (Genesis) 19:7, where Lot pleads with the men of Sodom to refrain from harming his guests. This occurs during the episode where the angels visit Sodom, and the townspeople demand to "know" Lot's visitors (a euphemism for sexual violence).

Lot's Plea: "אַל־נָא אַחַי תָּרֵעוּ"

Lot addresses the men of Sodom as "אַחַי" (my brethren), despite their wickedness. Rashi (Bereshit 19:7) explains that Lot was attempting to appease them by speaking gently, hoping they would listen to reason. The term "תָּרֵעוּ" (do not act wickedly) is a plea against their immoral intentions, emphasizing the severity of their planned transgression.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

  • Hospitality vs. Wickedness: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 50:5) contrasts Lot's attempt to protect his guests—a mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hospitality)—with the depravity of Sodom, which was infamous for cruelty to strangers.
  • Appealing to Kinship: Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Lot's use of "אַחַי" reflects a strategy to invoke familial or communal bonds, even when addressing evildoers, in hopes of deterring them.
  • Limits of Compromise: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109b) discusses how Sodom's corruption was so entrenched that Lot's plea was ultimately futile, teaching that some societies are beyond moral repair.

Linguistic Nuances

The phrase "אַל־נָא" (I pray you) conveys urgency and desperation. Ibn Ezra highlights that "נָא" softens the request, showing Lot's attempt to de-escalate the situation. The term "תָּרֵעוּ" (from the root רע"ע) implies not just wrongdoing but active harm, underscoring the gravity of their intended sin.

Halachic and Philosophical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) derives from this episode that one must rebuke wrongdoing, even at personal risk, as Lot did. However, the failure of his plea also serves as a lesson about the limits of moral persuasion in a thoroughly corrupt society.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'do not so wickedly' mean in Genesis 19:7?
A: In Genesis 19:7, Lot pleads with the men of Sodom not to act wickedly by harming his guests. Rashi explains that Lot was trying to prevent the grave sin of violating the laws of hospitality, which was a hallmark of Sodom's evil culture. The term 'wickedly' refers to their immoral intentions and violent behavior.
Q: Why did Lot call the people of Sodom 'brethren'?
A: Lot referred to the Sodomites as 'brethren' (אַחַי) to appeal to their sense of kinship and persuade them to act morally. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 50:6), Lot hoped this term would soften their hearts, though they were known for their cruelty. Ramban notes that Lot may have also used this language because he had lived among them and sought to reason with them peacefully.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot's plea in Genesis 19:7?
A: Lot's plea teaches the importance of standing up for justice and protecting guests, even in a corrupt society. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) discusses how Sodom was destroyed for its cruelty and lack of compassion. Lot’s words remind us to oppose wrongdoing and uphold moral values, even when it is difficult.