Genesis 7:13 - Family unity saves from destruction

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Hebrew Text

בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה בָּא נֹחַ וְשֵׁם־וְחָם וָיֶפֶת בְּנֵי־נֹחַ וְאֵשֶׁת נֹחַ וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת נְשֵׁי־בָנָיו אִתָּם אֶל־הַתֵּבָה׃

English Translation

In the selfsame day Noaĥ, and Shem, and Ḥam, and Yefet, the sons of Noaĥ, and Noaĥ’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, entered into the ark;

Transliteration

Be'etzem hayom haze ba Noach veShem veCham vaYefet bnei-Noach ve'eshet Noach ushloshet neshei-banav itam el-hateva.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּעֶ֨צֶם הַיּ֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ בָּ֣א נֹ֔חַ וְשֵׁם־וְחָ֥ם וָיֶ֖פֶת בְּנֵי־נֹ֑חַ וְאֵ֣שֶׁת נֹ֗חַ וּשְׁלֹ֧שֶׁת נְשֵֽׁי־בָנָ֛יו אִתָּ֖ם אֶל־הַתֵּבָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Precision of the Entry into the Ark

The verse states, "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("In the selfsame day"), emphasizing the exact timing of Noaḥ's entry into the ark. Rashi (Bereshit 7:13) explains that this phrase underscores the fulfillment of Hashem's word with precision—Noaḥ entered the ark exactly as commanded, without delay. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 32:8) further elaborates that this teaches the righteousness of Noaḥ, who did not hesitate even when faced with mockery from his generation.

The Order of Entry

The verse lists the entrants in a specific sequence: Noaḥ, his three sons (Shem, Ḥam, and Yefet), Noaḥ's wife, and then the three wives of his sons. Ramban (Bereshit 7:7) notes that this order reflects both familial hierarchy and spiritual precedence. Noaḥ, as the righteous leader, enters first, followed by his sons—who are named individually due to their roles in the future repopulation of the world—and then the women, grouped separately.

The Significance of the Ark's Occupants

The inclusion of Noaḥ's entire household (eight souls in total, as later stated in Bereshit 7:7) carries deep meaning. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) teaches that this small remnant was spared due to Noaḥ's merit, illustrating the principle of זכות אבות (ancestral merit). Additionally, the Midrash (Tanchuma Noaḥ 5) highlights that the ark symbolizes divine protection—only those who aligned with Hashem's will were granted entry.

Noaḥ's Leadership: His entry first demonstrates his role as the spiritual anchor for his family (Malbim, Bereshit 7:7).
The Sons' Individual Mention: Shem, Ḥam, and Yefet are named to foreshadow their divergent destinies (Rashi, Bereshit 9:18).
The Wives' Collective Mention: Their grouping hints at their shared role in rebuilding humanity (Ibn Ezra, Bereshit 7:7).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'in the selfsame day' mean in Genesis 7:13?
A: Rashi explains that 'in the selfsame day' (בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה) emphasizes that Noaḥ and his family entered the ark on the exact day that the flood began, despite the people mocking him for building the ark for 120 years. This shows their complete faith in Hashem's command.

Q: Why does the Torah list all of Noaḥ's family members entering the ark?
A: The Torah lists each family member (Noaḥ, his three sons, their wives, and his own wife) to show that they all entered together as a complete unit. The Midrash teaches that this highlights the importance of family unity in fulfilling Hashem’s will, even in difficult times.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Noaḥ entering the ark with his family?
A: From Noaḥ entering the ark with his family, we learn the importance of keeping one’s household aligned with righteousness. The Rambam teaches that a person must guide their family in the ways of Torah and mitzvot, just as Noaḥ ensured his family followed Hashem’s command to be saved.

Q: Why is it significant that Noaḥ’s sons and their wives are mentioned separately?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 70a) notes that the verse separates Noaḥ’s wife from his sons’ wives to teach that marital relationships were maintained even in the ark. This reinforces the Torah’s emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and family structure.

Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish tradition about the flood?
A: This verse is central to Jewish tradition because it marks the fulfillment of Hashem’s warning about the flood. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Noaḥ’s entry into the ark symbolizes the reward for his righteousness—he and his family were saved while the corrupt generation perished.