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Genesis 8:20 - Noah's grateful sacrifice after flood

Genesis 8:20 - בראשית 8:20

Hebrew Text

וַיִּבֶן נֹחַ מִזְבֵּחַ לַיהוָה וַיִּקַּח מִכֹּל הַבְּהֵמָה הַטְּהוֹרָה וּמִכֹּל הָעוֹף הַטָּהֹר וַיַּעַל עֹלֹת בַּמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And Noaĥ built an altar to the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Transliteration

Vayiven Noach mizbe'ach la'Adonai vayikach mikol habehemah hatehorah umikol ha'of hatahor vaya'al olot bamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּ֥בֶן נֹ֛חַ מִזְבֵּ֖חַ לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה וַיִּקַּ֞ח מִכֹּ֣ל <b>׀</b> הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה הַטְּהֹרָ֗ה וּמִכֹּל֙ הָע֣וֹף הַטָּה֔וֹר וַיַּ֥עַל עֹלֹ֖ת בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וַיִּ֥בֶן נֹ֛חַ מִזְבֵּ֖חַ לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה וַיִּקַּ֞ח מִכֹּ֣ל ׀ הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה הַטְּהֹרָ֗ה וּמִכֹּל֙ הָע֣וֹף הַטָּה֔וֹר וַיַּ֥עַל עֹלֹ֖ת בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Noach's Altar and Offerings

The verse describes Noach's act of building an altar and offering sacrifices after emerging from the Ark. Rashi (Bereshit 8:20) explains that Noach built the altar as an expression of gratitude to Hashem for saving him and his family from the flood. The choice of beheima tehora (clean animals) and of tahor (clean birds) for the offerings is significant, as these were the species designated for sacrifices and permitted for consumption (see Bereshit 7:2).

The Significance of the Sacrifices

The Ramban (Bereshit 8:20) elaborates that Noach's offerings were not merely an act of thanksgiving but also served as a kaparah (atonement) for the sins of the generation that perished in the flood. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 34:9) adds that the aroma of the sacrifices was pleasing to Hashem, symbolizing the acceptance of Noach's repentance and the renewal of the covenant between Hashem and mankind.

Halachic Implications

  • The Talmud (Zevachim 116a) derives from this verse that Noach was knowledgeable in the laws of sacrifices, as he distinguished between tahor (clean) and tamei (unclean) animals.
  • The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 9:1) cites this episode as evidence that offering sacrifices was a universal mitzvah for all of humanity, even before the giving of the Torah at Sinai.

Symbolism of the Altar

The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 8:20) notes that Noach built the altar immediately upon leaving the Ark, teaching that one should prioritize gratitude to Hashem after being saved from danger. The Sforno adds that the act of sacrificing the very animals that sustained Noach in the Ark demonstrated his complete trust in Hashem's providence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 116a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the origins of sacrificial offerings, particularly in the context of Noah's altar and the types of animals offered.
📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is referenced in a broader discussion about Noah's actions after the flood and the significance of his offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Noah build an altar and offer sacrifices after the flood?
A: According to Rashi, Noah built the altar to express gratitude to Hashem for saving him and his family from the flood. The sacrifices were an act of thanksgiving and dedication, showing Noah's recognition of G-d's mercy. This also established the foundation for future sacrificial worship.
Q: What does 'clean beast and clean bird' mean in this verse?
A: The Torah later defines which animals are 'clean' (kosher) and 'unclean' (non-kosher). Here, Noah already knew the distinction, as explained by the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah), which teaches that Noah learned these laws from the Torah given to Adam. Only kosher animals could be used for sacrifices.
Q: What is the significance of Noah offering burnt offerings ('olot')?
A: The burnt offering ('olah') symbolizes complete devotion to Hashem, as the entire animal is consumed on the altar. Rambam explains that sacrifices were a way for people in ancient times to draw closer to G-d. Noah's offering demonstrated his commitment to serving Hashem after the flood.
Q: How does Noah's sacrifice relate to Jewish practice today?
A: While we no longer bring animal sacrifices after the destruction of the Temple, the concept remains relevant. The Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that prayer replaces sacrifices. Additionally, acts of kindness and Torah study are considered like offerings (Proverbs 21:3). Noah's example reminds us to express gratitude to Hashem.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse marks the first mention of an altar and sacrifices after the flood, setting a precedent for worship. It also introduces the concept of 'kosher' animals for holy purposes. The Sages teach that Noah's actions laid the groundwork for future service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Beit HaMikdash (Temple).