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Genesis 7:1 - Righteous in corrupt generation?

Genesis 7:1 - בראשית 7:1

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה לְנֹחַ בֹּא־אַתָּה וְכָל־בֵּיתְךָ אֶל־הַתֵּבָה כִּי־אֹתְךָ רָאִיתִי צַדִּיק לְפָנַי בַּדּוֹר הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Noaĥ, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai le'Noach bo atah ve'chol beitecha el hateivah ki otcha ra'iti tzadik lefanai bador hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ לְנֹ֔חַ בֹּֽא־אַתָּ֥ה וְכׇל־בֵּיתְךָ֖ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֑ה כִּֽי־אֹתְךָ֥ רָאִ֛יתִי צַדִּ֥יק לְפָנַ֖י בַּדּ֥וֹר הַזֶּֽה׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ לְנֹ֔חַ בֹּֽא־אַתָּ֥ה וְכׇל־בֵּיתְךָ֖ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֑ה כִּֽי־אֹתְךָ֥ רָאִ֛יתִי צַדִּ֥יק לְפָנַ֖י בַּדּ֥וֹר הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation of Noach's Righteousness

Rashi (Bereshit 6:9) comments that Noach was considered righteous "בדור הזה" ("in this generation"), implying that while he may not have reached the level of the righteous in other generations (such as Avraham Avinu), he was nevertheless noteworthy for his righteousness in a corrupt generation. This teaches that righteousness is measured relative to one's surroundings.

The Rambam's Perspective on Divine Judgment

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 3:1) explains that Hashem judges each person according to their circumstances. Noach's righteousness was particularly commendable because he maintained his moral integrity despite being surrounded by wickedness. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Shabbat 54b) that one who could protest against wrongdoing but fails to do so shares in the guilt.

Midrashic Insights on the Command to Enter the Ark

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:6) notes that Hashem instructed Noach to enter the ark "אתה וביתך" ("you and your household"), emphasizing that his merit protected not only himself but also his family.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Noach 5) suggests that Noach needed encouragement to enter the ark because he doubted whether he was truly worthy of being saved. Hashem reassured him by affirming his righteousness.

Noach's Righteousness in the Context of His Generation

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) discusses how Noach attempted to inspire repentance in his generation but was unsuccessful. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his devotion to Hashem. The Zohar (Noach 63a) adds that Noach's righteousness was primarily in action ("צדיק תמים" – "righteous in his deeds"), though he may not have reached the spiritual heights of later tzaddikim.

The Significance of the Phrase "לפני"

The term "לפני" ("before Me") indicates that Noach's righteousness was genuine in the eyes of Hashem, not merely for outward appearances (see Malbim on Bereshit 6:9). This echoes the Mishnaic teaching (Avot 2:1) that one should strive to serve Hashem with sincerity, not for the sake of honor.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108a
The verse is discussed in the context of Noah's righteousness and the generation of the flood, highlighting why Noah was chosen to be saved.
📖 Zevachim 113b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of the ark and the divine command to Noah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Noach considered righteous in his generation?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 6:9), Noach was called righteous because he maintained his moral integrity despite the corruption and wickedness of the people around him. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 30:5) explains that while Noach may not have been as great as the righteous figures of later generations (like Avraham), he was exceptional in his own time when most people were sinful.
Q: Why did Hashem tell Noach to bring his whole family into the ark?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) teaches that Noach's entire family was saved in his merit ('zechut avot'). Ramban (Genesis 7:1) adds that this shows Hashem's kindness - since Noach worked so hard to build the ark and warn others, his family was spared with him as a reward for his efforts.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Hashem calling Noach righteous?
A: The verse teaches that even when surrounded by negative influences, one can remain righteous. As the Rambam writes (Hilchot De'ot 6:1), a person should strive to be with righteous people and good influences, but if that's impossible, one must still maintain personal righteousness like Noach did in his corrupt generation.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize 'in this generation' when describing Noach?
A: Rashi explains this phrase shows that Noach's righteousness was relative to his particularly wicked generation. The Kli Yakar adds that this teaches us that righteousness isn't absolute - what might be considered righteous in one era could be ordinary in another. It challenges us to rise above our own generation's standards.
Q: How does Noach entering the ark relate to us today?
A: The Baal Shem Tov taught that the ark ('teivah') represents words of Torah and prayer (since 'teivah' also means 'word'). Just as the ark protected Noach from the flood, engaging in Torah study and prayer protects us from the spiritual 'floods' and challenges of our times.