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Genesis 23:1 - Sarah's perfect life span?

Genesis 23:1 - בראשית 23:1

Hebrew Text

וַיִּהְיוּ חַיֵּי שָׂרָה מֵאָה שָׁנָה וְעֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וְשֶׁבַע שָׁנִים שְׁנֵי חַיֵּי שָׂרָה׃

English Translation

And Sara was a hundred and twenty seven years old: these were the years of Sara’s life.

Transliteration

Vayihyu chayei Sarah me'ah shanah ve'esrim shanah vesheva shanim shnei chayei Sarah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּהְיוּ֙ חַיֵּ֣י שָׂרָ֔ה מֵאָ֥ה שָׁנָ֛ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְשֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים שְׁנֵ֖י חַיֵּ֥י שָׂרָֽה׃
וַיִּהְיוּ֙ חַיֵּ֣י שָׂרָ֔ה מֵאָ֥ה שָׁנָ֛ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְשֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים שְׁנֵ֖י חַיֵּ֥י שָׂרָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Literal and Numerical Significance

The verse states that Sarah lived for "a hundred years and twenty years and seven years" (בראשית כג:א). Rashi (ad loc.) notes that the Torah breaks down her age into three segments to teach that at 100 years old, she was as free from sin as a 20-year-old (who is no longer liable for youthful transgressions), and at 20, she was as beautiful as a 7-year-old in her innocence. This emphasizes Sarah's righteousness and purity throughout her life.

Sarah’s Lifespan in Context

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:1) highlights that Sarah is the only woman in the Torah whose years are explicitly enumerated, indicating her unique spiritual stature. The Ramban (on Bereishit 23:1) adds that her lifespan—127 years—parallels the future years of the Jewish people’s sojourn in Egypt (see Shemot 12:40), symbolizing her role as the matriarch of the nation.

Spiritual Perfection

The Baal HaTurim (on Bereishit 23:1) observes that the numerical value (gematria) of "שָׂרָה" (Sarah) is 505, and when added to her lifespan (127), the total is 632—the same as "וְהָאָרֶץ" ("and the earth"), hinting at her influence in sanctifying the physical world. The Seforno (ad loc.) explains that her years were "שְׁנֵי חַיֵּי שָׂרָה" ("the years of Sarah’s life")—fully lived with purpose and divine service.

Lessons from Sarah’s Life

  • Consistency in Righteousness: As Rashi teaches, Sarah maintained her spiritual integrity at every stage of life.
  • Matriarchal Legacy: Her years foreshadow the Jewish people’s endurance, as noted by the Ramban.
  • Holiness in the Mundane: The Baal HaTurim’s gematria underscores her ability to elevate the material world.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 18a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the righteous and their lives, emphasizing the completeness of Sarah's years.
📖 Moed Katan 28a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the length of life and the significance of Sarah's age at death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah specify Sarah's age as '100 years, 20 years, and 7 years' instead of just saying 127?
A: Rashi explains that the Torah breaks down Sarah’s age to teach us that at 100, she was as sinless as a 20-year-old (who has reached maturity but not yet accumulated many sins), and at 20, she was as beautiful and innocent as a 7-year-old. This emphasizes her righteousness throughout her life.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Sarah's death right after the story of the binding of Isaac (Akeidah)?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 58:5) teaches that Sarah died from the shock of hearing about the Akeidah. Though Isaac was spared, the emotional toll of the test was too much for her. This shows how deeply connected she was to her son and the events of her family.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Sarah living 127 years?
A: The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16b) teaches that Sarah’s lifespan reflects her merit and righteousness. Just as she lived a full and meaningful life, we should strive to use our years wisely in serving Hashem and doing good deeds.
Q: Why does the verse say 'the years of Sarah’s life' instead of just stating her age?
A: The phrasing teaches that all her years were equally meaningful and filled with purpose (Ramban). Unlike others whose lives may have ups and downs, Sarah’s entire 127 years were spiritually complete and devoted to holiness.