share torah logo

Genesis 22:18 - Nations blessed through Avraham's descendants

Genesis 22:18 - בראשית 22:18

Hebrew Text

וְהִתְבָּרֲכוּ בְזַרְעֲךָ כֹּל גּוֹיֵי הָאָרֶץ עֵקֶב אֲשֶׁר שָׁמַעְתָּ בְּקֹלִי׃

English Translation

and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed

Transliteration

Vehitbarakhu vezarakha kol goyei ha'aretz ekev asher shamata bekoli.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִתְבָּרְכ֣וּ בְזַרְעֲךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל גּוֹיֵ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ עֵ֕קֶב אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ בְּקֹלִֽי׃
וְהִתְבָּרְכ֣וּ בְזַרְעֲךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל גּוֹיֵ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ עֵ֕קֶב אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ בְּקֹלִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 22:18) appears after the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac), where Avraham Avinu demonstrates his unwavering faith in Hashem. This blessing is a reaffirmation of the covenant between Hashem and Avraham, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of Avraham's descendants.

Meaning of "VeHitbarekhu" (Shall Be Blessed)

Rashi explains that "VeHitbarekhu" implies that nations will say to one another, "May you be blessed like the seed of Avraham." This reflects the recognition of Avraham's merit and the divine favor upon his descendants. The Radak adds that this blessing extends to those who emulate Avraham's righteousness and adherence to Hashem's will.

The Role of Avraham's Descendants

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:4) interprets this verse as a reference to the eventual universal recognition of Hashem through the Jewish people. The nations will acknowledge the truth of Torah and the divine mission of Klal Yisrael, leading them to seek blessing in connection with Avraham's descendants.

"Ekeb Asher Shamata Bekoli" (Because You Have Obeyed My Voice)

The Sforno notes that this phrase highlights the direct correlation between Avraham's obedience—particularly during the Akeidah—and the enduring blessing for his descendants. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 56:5) elaborates that Avraham's willingness to sacrifice Yitzchak merited this eternal covenant.

Practical Implications

  • The verse underscores the responsibility of the Jewish people to serve as a "light unto the nations" (Yeshayahu 42:6), inspiring others through Torah and mitzvot.
  • It also reinforces the concept of "zechut Avot" (merit of the forefathers), where Avraham's deeds continue to benefit his descendants.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 63a
The verse is discussed in the context of the blessings promised to Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing the universal impact of Abraham's faithfulness.
📖 Nedarim 31a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of circumcision and the covenant with Abraham, linking it to the blessings for all nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 22:18 mean when it says 'all the nations of the earth will be blessed through your seed'?
A: According to Rashi and other Jewish commentators, this verse refers to the Jewish people descending from Abraham. The 'blessing' means that through the Torah and mitzvot (commandments) given to the Jewish nation, ethical monotheism and divine wisdom will spread to all peoples. The Rambam explains that Abraham's teachings about God influenced the world.
Q: Why is Genesis 22:18 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is significant because it establishes the Jewish people's role as a 'light unto nations' (Isaiah 42:6). The Midrash explains that through the Jewish people keeping Torah, the world gains spiritual merit. It's part of God's covenant with Abraham that his descendants have a mission to elevate humanity.
Q: How does Genesis 22:18 apply to Jews today?
A: Orthodox Judaism teaches that this verse reminds Jews of their responsibility to live according to Torah values, as their actions create a kiddush Hashem (sanctification of God's name) that impacts the world. The Talmud (Yevamot 79a) notes that Jews are distinguished by being compassionate, modest and doing kindness - traits that influence others positively.
Q: Who is the 'seed' mentioned in Genesis 22:18?
A: Traditional Jewish sources like Rashi and Ibn Ezra explain that 'your seed' primarily refers to the Jewish people descended from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 59b) discusses how the righteous among nations also receive blessing when they connect to God's truth through the ethical system established by Abraham's descendants.
Q: What is the connection between Genesis 22:18 and the Akeidah (binding of Isaac)?
A: This verse appears right after the Akeidah story. The Kli Yakar explains that Abraham's supreme devotion at the Akeidah earned this eternal blessing for his descendants. The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 56:5) notes that the merit of this test created a spiritual reservoir of blessing that flows through Jewish history.