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Genesis 6:22 - Noah's perfect obedience to God

Genesis 6:22 - בראשית 6:22

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ נֹחַ כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה אֹתוֹ אֱלֹהִים כֵּן עָשָׂה׃

English Translation

So Noaĥ did according to all that God commanded him

Transliteration

Va'ya'as Noach ke'chol asher tziva oto Elohim ken asa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֖עַשׂ נֹ֑חַ כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֥ה אֹת֛וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים כֵּ֥ן עָשָֽׂה׃
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ נֹ֑חַ כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֥ה אֹת֛וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים כֵּ֥ן עָשָֽׂה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Noach's Exact Obedience to Divine Command

The verse states, "וַיַּעַשׂ נֹחַ כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה אֹתוֹ אֱלֹהִים כֵּן עָשָׂה" ("So Noach did according to all that God commanded him"). This emphasizes Noach's unwavering commitment to fulfilling Hashem's instructions precisely, without deviation or delay.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 6:22) highlights the repetition of "כֵּן עָשָׂה" ("so he did") to teach that Noach performed all aspects of the command—both the major and minor details—without omission. This repetition underscores his complete faithfulness in executing the divine will.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 5): Noach's obedience is contrasted with Adam's failure in Gan Eden. While Adam added to Hashem's command (by forbidding even touching the tree), Noach followed the instructions exactly as given, demonstrating superior discipline.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (30:10): The phrase "כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה" implies Noach did not begin building the Ark until explicitly commanded, unlike Avraham, who proactively sought to fulfill Hashem's will (e.g., the Akeidah). This reflects differing levels of spiritual initiative.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam notes that Noach's precise adherence—despite the seeming irrationality of building an ark far from water—exemplifies the ideal of קבלת עול מלכות שמים (accepting the yoke of Heaven) without questioning.

Halachic Implication

The Talmud (Eruvin 100b) derives from this verse that one should not alter mitzvot, even with good intentions. Noach's model teaches that divine commandments require exact fulfillment, a principle later applied to halachic practice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing Noah's righteousness and his obedience to God's commandments during the time of the flood.
📖 Zevachim 116a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sacrifices Noah offered after leaving the ark, highlighting his adherence to divine command.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 6:22 mean when it says Noah did all that God commanded him?
A: This verse teaches us that Noah meticulously followed every instruction God gave him regarding building the ark and gathering the animals. Rashi explains that this emphasizes Noah's complete obedience, doing everything 'just as God commanded' without adding or subtracting anything.
Q: Why is Noah's obedience in Genesis 6:22 important?
A: Noah's exact obedience is important because it shows his complete faith in Hashem, even when the command seemed difficult or illogical (building an ark when there was no flood). The Midrash teaches that this quality made Noah worthy of being saved and becoming the ancestor of humanity after the flood.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 6:22 about following mitzvot?
A: We learn from this verse that we should fulfill mitzvot exactly as commanded, with precision and without alteration. The Rambam (Maimonides) derives from this that when performing mitzvot, we shouldn't modify them based on our own understanding, but follow the Torah's instructions carefully.
Q: How does Genesis 6:22 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse teaches us to follow Torah commandments with the same completeness as Noah did. Just as Noah didn't question building an ark for 120 years despite mockery, we should perform mitzvot faithfully even when they seem difficult or we don't understand them fully.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'so he did' at the end of Genesis 6:22?
A: The double language ('did... so he did') emphasizes that Noah carried out God's commands both in action and intention. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) explains this teaches that Noah didn't delay - he began building the ark immediately upon receiving the command.