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Genesis 20:5 - Truth or deception in marriage?

Genesis 20:5 - בראשית 20:5

Hebrew Text

הֲלֹא הוּא אָמַר־לִי אֲחֹתִי הִוא וְהִיא־גַם־הִוא אָמְרָה אָחִי הוּא בְּתָם־לְבָבִי וּבְנִקְיֹן כַּפַּי עָשִׂיתִי זֹאת׃

English Translation

Said he not to me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.

Transliteration

Halo hu amar-li achoti hi vehi-gam-hi amra achi hu betam-levavi uvenikyon kapay asiti zot.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֲלֹ֨א ה֤וּא אָֽמַר־לִי֙ אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֔וא וְהִֽיא־גַם־הִ֥וא אָֽמְרָ֖ה אָחִ֣י ה֑וּא בְּתׇם־לְבָבִ֛י וּבְנִקְיֹ֥ן כַּפַּ֖י עָשִׂ֥יתִי זֹֽאת׃
הֲלֹ֨א ה֤וּא אָֽמַר־לִי֙ אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֔וא וְהִֽיא־גַם־הִ֥וא אָֽמְרָ֖ה אָחִ֣י ה֑וּא בְּתׇם־לְבָבִ֛י וּבְנִקְיֹ֥ן כַּפַּ֖י עָשִׂ֥יתִי זֹֽאת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Bereshit 20:5) is part of the narrative where Avimelech, king of Gerar, defends himself before Hashem after taking Sarah, Avraham's wife, into his household. Avraham had previously stated that Sarah was his sister, and Sarah had corroborated this claim. Avimelech argues that he acted innocently, without intent to sin.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Avimelech is emphasizing his pure intentions by stating "בְּתָם־לְבָבִי וּבְנִקְיֹן כַּפַּי" ("in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands"). He argues that he was misled by Avraham and Sarah's statements and thus acted without moral guilt. Rashi highlights that Avimelech is appealing to divine justice, asserting that his actions were free from deceit.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) discusses the importance of truthful speech and avoiding deception. While Avimelech claims innocence, Rambam would argue that Avraham's initial concealment of Sarah's true status was a necessary measure to protect their lives in a hostile environment. However, Avimelech's plea underscores the principle that one is judged based on their knowledge and intent.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Chayei Sarah 4) suggests that Avimelech's declaration of innocence was sincere, as he was unaware of Sarah's true relationship to Avraham. The Midrash contrasts his ignorance with Avraham's justified fear of being killed for his wife.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (52:5) elaborates that Avimelech's plea was accepted by Hashem, as he acted without malice. This teaches that divine judgment considers the circumstances and intentions behind human actions.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 57a) discusses the concept of "אונס" (coercion or lack of intent) in halachah. Avimelech's defense aligns with the principle that one is not held accountable for sins committed unknowingly. This mirrors the Torah's distinction between intentional and unintentional transgressions (e.g., Vayikra 4:2).

Moral Lesson

The verse underscores the importance of clarity and honesty in interpersonal relationships. While Avraham's actions were justified for survival, the episode serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of even well-intentioned deception. Avimelech's plea highlights that ethical conduct requires both outward actions ("נִקְיֹן כַּפַּי") and inner sincerity ("תָם־לְבָבִי").

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 99b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the righteousness of Abraham and Sarah, emphasizing their moral integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 20:5 mean when Avimelech says 'in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this'?
A: Avimelech is defending himself to Hashem, claiming that he took Sarah in good faith because both Avraham and Sarah said they were siblings (not husband and wife). Rashi explains that Avimelech was arguing he acted with pure intentions ('tam levavi' - integrity of heart) and without wrongdoing ('nikyon kapay' - clean hands), unaware they were actually married.
Q: Why did Avraham and Sarah say they were siblings in Genesis 20?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Avraham feared being killed if others knew Sarah was his wife, since she was beautiful. They were technically half-siblings (same father, different mothers), so this wasn't entirely false. Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 9:8) notes this was a temporary measure for survival in dangerous lands.
Q: How does Genesis 20:5 teach us about honesty?
A: While Avimelech claims innocence, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) discusses how even unintended sins have consequences. This teaches that we must be extra careful with our words to avoid misleading others, even if our intentions seem pure. The verse shows how misunderstandings can occur when complete truth isn't shared.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'integrity of my heart' in this verse?
A: The term 'tam levavi' (integrity of my heart) appears only a few times in Tanach. Malbim explains it refers to complete sincerity in one's thoughts. However, the Torah shows that good intentions alone don't absolve responsibility - Avimelech still needed to return Sarah and make restitution (Genesis 20:14-16).
Q: How does this story about Avraham and Sarah apply to Jewish values today?
A: This incident teaches several lessons: 1) The importance of shalom bayit (marital harmony) - Sarah stood by Avraham's decision (Rashi on Genesis 12:13). 2) The need for hishtadlus (proper effort) in dangerous situations. 3) That Hashem protects the righteous, as He intervened to protect Sarah (Genesis 20:6).