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Hebrew Text
וַיֹּאמֶר קַח־נָא אֶת־בִּנְךָ אֶת־יְחִידְךָ אֲשֶׁר־אָהַבְתָּ אֶת־יִצְחָק וְלֶךְ־לְךָ אֶל־אֶרֶץ הַמֹּרִיָּה וְהַעֲלֵהוּ שָׁם לְעֹלָה עַל אַחַד הֶהָרִים אֲשֶׁר אֹמַר אֵלֶיךָ׃
English Translation
And He said, Take now thy son, thy only son Yiżĥaq, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriyya; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
Transliteration
Va'yomer kach-na et-bincha et-yechidcha asher-ahavta et-Yitzchak velech-lecha el-eretz ha-Moriyah veha'alehu sham le'olah al achad heharim asher omar eleicha.
Hebrew Leining Text
וַיֹּ֡אמֶר קַח־נָ֠א אֶת־בִּנְךָ֨ אֶת־יְחִֽידְךָ֤ אֲשֶׁר־אָהַ֙בְתָּ֙ אֶת־יִצְחָ֔ק וְלֶ֨ךְ־לְךָ֔ אֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ הַמֹּרִיָּ֑ה וְהַעֲלֵ֤הוּ שָׁם֙ לְעֹלָ֔ה עַ֚ל אַחַ֣ד הֶֽהָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר אֹמַ֥ר אֵלֶֽיךָ׃
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Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Ta'anit 4a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the binding of Isaac (Akedah) and its significance in Jewish tradition.
📖 Sanhedrin 89b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the trial of Abraham and the command to sacrifice Isaac.
📖 Berakhot 62b
The verse is mentioned in relation to the merits of the patriarchs and the binding of Isaac.
The Command to Sacrifice Yitzchak (Akeidat Yitzchak)
The verse (Bereishit 22:2) describes Hashem's command to Avraham to bring his son Yitzchak as an offering. This event, known as the Akeidah, is one of the most profound tests of faith in the Torah. Orthodox Jewish commentators explore its layers of meaning:
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 22:2) notes the phrasing "Take now (kach na)" suggests a gentle request rather than a harsh command, indicating Hashem's compassion even in this difficult test. The repetition of "your son, your only son, whom you love, Yitzchak" emphasizes Avraham's deep emotional attachment, making the test even greater.
Rambam's Perspective (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24)
Rambam explains that the Akeidah demonstrated Avraham's absolute commitment to Hashem, proving that his devotion was not conditional. The test was not for Hashem's benefit—who knows all hearts—but to establish Avraham's merit for future generations.
The Land of Moriyah
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 55:7) connects Moriyah to the future Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where the Akeidah took place. The name implies:
The Nature of the Test
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 89b) discusses how the Satan attempted to dissuade Avraham, arguing that sacrificing Yitzchak would nullify Hashem's promise of descendants. Avraham's willingness to obey despite this paradox demonstrated his complete bitachon (trust) in Hashem.
The Significance of "Olah"
The term olah (burnt offering) is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as symbolizing:
Lessons for Future Generations
The Akeidah established a spiritual merit (zechut) that continues to benefit the Jewish people. The Ramban explains that just as Avraham demonstrated willingness to sacrifice his son, Hashem would later show mercy to Avraham's descendants in their times of need.