share torah logo

Genesis 22:12 - Ultimate test of faith passed

Genesis 22:12 - בראשית 22:12

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַל־תִּשְׁלַח יָדְךָ אֶל־הַנַּעַר וְאַל־תַּעַשׂ לוֹ מְאוּמָּה כִּי עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי כִּי־יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים אַתָּה וְלֹא חָשַׂכְתָּ אֶת־בִּנְךָ אֶת־יְחִידְךָ מִמֶּנִּי׃

English Translation

And he said, Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do anything to him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thy only son from me.

Transliteration

Va'yomer al-tishlach yad'kha el-hana'ar ve'al-ta'as lo me'umah ki atah yada'ti ki-yere Elohim atah ve'lo chasakhta et-bin'kha et-yechid'kha mimeni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אַל־תִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָֽדְךָ֙ אֶל־הַנַּ֔עַר וְאַל־תַּ֥עַשׂ ל֖וֹ מְא֑וּמָה כִּ֣י <b>׀</b> עַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֗עְתִּי כִּֽי־יְרֵ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ אַ֔תָּה וְלֹ֥א חָשַׂ֛כְתָּ אֶת־בִּנְךָ֥ אֶת־יְחִידְךָ֖ מִמֶּֽנִּי׃
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר אַל־תִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָֽדְךָ֙ אֶל־הַנַּ֔עַר וְאַל־תַּ֥עַשׂ ל֖וֹ מְא֑וּמָה כִּ֣י ׀ עַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֗עְתִּי כִּֽי־יְרֵ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ אַ֔תָּה וְלֹ֥א חָשַׂ֛כְתָּ אֶת־בִּנְךָ֥ אֶת־יְחִידְךָ֖ מִמֶּֽנִּי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Command and Its Reversal

The verse (Bereishit 22:12) records the moment when the angel of Hashem stops Avraham from sacrificing Yitzchak. Rashi explains that the phrase "אַל־תִּשְׁלַח יָדְךָ אֶל־הַנַּעַר" ("Do not stretch out your hand against the lad") demonstrates that Avraham had already lifted the knife with full intent to fulfill the divine command, proving his complete devotion to Hashem. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) emphasizes that this test was never about the actual sacrifice, but about Avraham's willingness to obey Hashem's will without hesitation.

The Meaning of "Now I Know"

The phrase "כִּי עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי" ("for now I know") raises a theological question: Does Hashem "learn" something new? The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 56:7) resolves this by explaining that Avraham's actions revealed his fear of G-d to the world, not to Hashem. The Sforno adds that this public demonstration of faith would inspire future generations in their service of Hashem.

The Significance of "Your Only Son"

The repetition of "אֶת־בִּנְךָ אֶת־יְחִידְךָ" ("your son, your only one") echoes Hashem's original command (22:2). The Kli Yakar notes that this emphasizes:

  • The emotional difficulty of sacrificing Yitzchak after waiting so long for a child
  • That this was Avraham's sole heir through Sarah, the child of the covenant
  • The parallel to how Hashem would later show mercy to Avraham's descendants in their times of need

The Nature of the Test

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) discusses how this was one of ten tests Avraham faced. Rabbeinu Bachya explains that the Akeida served multiple purposes:

  • To demonstrate Avraham's absolute love of Hashem
  • To establish the spiritual merit that would protect his descendants
  • To forever sanctify the Land of Moriah (future Temple site) through this act of devotion

Fear of G-d in Action

The conclusion "כִּי־יְרֵא אֱלֹהִים אַתָּה" ("that you are G-d-fearing") defines true yirat Shamayim. The Ramban explains this means Avraham's fear was not merely emotional, but expressed through concrete action - his willingness to sacrifice what was most precious to him when commanded by Hashem. This became the paradigm for Jewish devotion throughout history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 4a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the merit of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac and how it serves as a source of divine mercy for his descendants.
📖 Sanhedrin 89b
The verse is cited in the discussion of the binding of Isaac (Akedah) and its implications for understanding the nature of prophetic tests and divine commands.
📖 Berakhot 62b
The verse is mentioned in relation to the theme of divine tests and the reward for passing them, illustrating Abraham's faith and obedience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 22:12 mean?
A: Genesis 22:12 is part of the story of the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac), where an angel stops Avraham from sacrificing his son Yitzchak. The verse means that Avraham demonstrated his complete fear of Hashem by being willing to obey the command, proving his devotion. The phrase 'now I know' indicates that this test revealed Avraham's true level of faith.
Q: Why is Genesis 22:12 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is central to understanding the Akeidah, one of the greatest tests of faith in the Torah. It teaches the importance of complete trust in Hashem, even when His commands seem difficult. The Rambam explains that this event established Avraham as the father of the Jewish people due to his unwavering commitment to Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Genesis 22:12 today?
A: We learn the value of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Hashem's will. While we are not tested in the same way today, the Midrash teaches that this event serves as a merit for the Jewish people, reminding us of our ancestors' devotion. Rashi explains that Avraham's actions showed future generations the proper way to serve Hashem with complete faith.
Q: Why does the verse call Yitzchak 'your only son' when Avraham had Yishmael?
A: Rashi explains that 'your only son' refers to Yitzchak being the only son through Sarah, who was designated as Avraham's primary heir according to Hashem's promise. Additionally, the Midrash says that at that moment, Avraham considered Yitzchak as if he had no other son, since Yishmael had been sent away earlier.
Q: How does Genesis 22:12 relate to prayer in Judaism?
A: The Akeidah is mentioned daily in Jewish prayers, particularly in the morning service, as a reminder of our ancestors' devotion. The Talmud (Ta'anit 2a) teaches that when we recall the Akeidah, Hashem remembers the merit of Avraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, and this can bring mercy upon his descendants.