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Genesis 21:23 - Swear kindness for generations?

Genesis 21:23 - בראשית 21:23

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה הִשָּׁבְעָה לִּי בֵאלֹהִים הֵנָּה אִם־תִּשְׁקֹר לִי וּלְנִינִי וּלְנֶכְדִּי כַּחֶסֶד אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂיתִי עִמְּךָ תַּעֲשֶׂה עִמָּדִי וְעִם־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־גַּרְתָּה בָּהּ׃

English Translation

now therefore swear to me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt do to me, and to the land in which thou hast sojourned.

Transliteration

Ve'atah hishav'ah li be'Elohim henah im-tishkor li ul'nini ul'nechdi ka'chesed asher-asiti imcha ta'aseh imadi ve'im-ha'aretz asher-garta bah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֗ה הִשָּׁ֨בְעָה לִּ֤י בֵֽאלֹהִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה אִם־תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר לִ֔י וּלְנִינִ֖י וּלְנֶכְדִּ֑י כַּחֶ֜סֶד אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֤יתִי עִמְּךָ֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה עִמָּדִ֔י וְעִם־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־גַּ֥רְתָּה בָּֽהּ׃
וְעַתָּ֗ה הִשָּׁ֨בְעָה לִּ֤י בֵֽאלֹהִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה אִם־תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר לִ֔י וּלְנִינִ֖י וּלְנֶכְדִּ֑י כַּחֶ֜סֶד אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֤יתִי עִמְּךָ֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה עִמָּדִ֔י וְעִם־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־גַּ֥רְתָּה בָּֽהּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 21:23) is spoken by Avimelech, king of Gerar, to Avraham Avinu after their covenant at Be'er Sheva. Avimelech seeks an oath from Avraham to ensure peaceful relations between their descendants, acknowledging the kindness Avraham had shown him.

Grammatical and Textual Analysis

  • "הִשָּׁבְעָה לִּי בֵאלֹהִים" - The demand for an oath in God's name underscores the seriousness of the covenant. Rashi explains that Avimelech recognized Avraham's righteousness and wanted a binding agreement secured by divine authority.
  • "כַּחֶסֶד אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂיתִי עִמְּךָ" - Avimelech references his own past kindness (allowing Avraham to dwell in Gerar), implying a reciprocal ethical obligation (מדת גמול). Ramban notes that this reflects the Torah's emphasis on gratitude and fair dealings.

Theological and Ethical Implications

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:4) highlights how Avimelech's request demonstrates the impact of Avraham's moral influence on surrounding nations. By invoking future generations ("לְנִינִי וּלְנֶכְדִּי"), the verse also introduces the concept of intergenerational covenants, later echoed in Avraham's covenant with God.

Halachic Dimensions

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:12) derives from this interaction that treaties with non-Jewish nations must be honored, provided they adhere to the Noahide laws. The oath's specificity ("עִם־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־גַּרְתָּה בָּהּ") later informs discussions about the rights of gerim (sojourners) in Jewish law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ketubot 111a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, emphasizing the importance of keeping oaths and the ethical treatment of others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 21:23?
A: Genesis 21:23 is part of a conversation between Avimelech, king of Gerar, and Avraham. Avimelech asks Avraham to swear an oath that he will deal honestly with him and his descendants, just as Avimelech had treated Avraham kindly. This occurs after Avimelech recognized that God was with Avraham (Rashi on Genesis 21:22).
Q: Why did Avimelech ask Avraham to swear an oath?
A: Avimelech wanted assurance that Avraham and his descendants would treat him and his family with the same kindness and honesty that he had shown Avraham. In Jewish tradition, an oath taken in God’s name is binding and emphasizes the seriousness of the commitment (Rambam, Hilchot Shevuot 1:1-2).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 21:23?
A: This verse teaches the importance of reciprocity and fairness in relationships. Avimelech expected Avraham to treat him justly because he had acted kindly toward Avraham. The Torah emphasizes ethical behavior and keeping one’s word, especially when dealing with others (Midrash Tanchuma, Mishpatim 3).
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The principle of treating others as they have treated us—with kindness and honesty—remains relevant. In Jewish law and ethics, we are encouraged to act with integrity (emet) and kindness (chesed) in all dealings, just as Avraham was expected to do (Pirkei Avot 1:2).
Q: Why is the oath taken in God’s name significant?
A: In Judaism, swearing by God’s name is a solemn act that binds a person to their word. It shows the seriousness of the commitment and invokes divine accountability. The Torah warns against false oaths (Vayikra 19:12), highlighting the importance of truthfulness in speech (Talmud, Shevuot 39a).