Genesis 12:12 - Fear for Sarah's safety

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Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כִּי־יִרְאוּ אֹתָךְ הַמִּצְרִים וְאָמְרוּ אִשְׁתּוֹ זֹאת וְהָרְגוּ אֹתִי וְאֹתָךְ יְחַיּוּ׃

English Translation

therefore it shall come to pass, when the Miżrim shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

Transliteration

Vehayah ki-yir'u otach hamitzrim ve'amru ishto zot veharagu oti ve'otach yechayun.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה כִּֽי־יִרְא֤וּ אֹתָךְ֙ הַמִּצְרִ֔ים וְאָמְר֖וּ אִשְׁתּ֣וֹ זֹ֑את וְהָרְג֥וּ אֹתִ֖י וְאֹתָ֥ךְ יְחַיּֽוּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 12:12) is part of Avraham Avinu's plea to Sarah as they descend to Mitzrayim due to a famine in Canaan. Avraham expresses concern that the Egyptians, upon seeing Sarah's beauty, would kill him to take her for themselves.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Avraham anticipated the Egyptians would recognize Sarah's exceptional beauty and assume she was his wife. He feared they would kill him to remove any obstacle to taking her. Rashi further notes that Avraham's concern was not unfounded, as Sarah was indeed taken to Pharaoh's palace later in the narrative (Genesis 12:15).

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (1:39) discusses Avraham's reasoning here as an example of a tzaddik's natural human instincts for self-preservation. Even great individuals like Avraham, who possessed deep emunah (faith), still experienced fear in the face of physical danger, demonstrating the Torah's acknowledgment of human nature.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 40:4) states that Avraham's fear stemmed from his recognition of the moral depravity of the Egyptians, who were known for their immorality.
Another Midrash (Tanchuma Lech Lecha 5) suggests that Avraham's concern was prophetic, as he foresaw the actual events that would unfold.

Ibn Ezra's Commentary

Ibn Ezra explains that Avraham's statement reflects his understanding of Egyptian society's values. He knew they prized beauty above all else and would not hesitate to eliminate a husband to take a beautiful woman. This demonstrates Avraham's wisdom in assessing dangerous situations.

Chizkuni's Additional Note

Chizkuni (Rabbi Hezekiah ben Manoach) points out that Avraham's phrasing "they will kill me but keep you alive" indicates his belief that Sarah's life would be spared due to her value as a beautiful woman, while he would be seen as disposable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Avram (Abraham) afraid that the Egyptians would kill him?
A: Avram was concerned that the Egyptians, known for their immoral behavior, would kill him to take his wife Sarai because of her beauty. This shows his awareness of human nature and the importance of protecting his family, as explained by Rashi on this verse.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Avram's words in Genesis 12:12?
A: We learn the importance of being aware of potential dangers in unfamiliar environments. Avram's caution teaches us to think ahead and take reasonable precautions, as the Talmud (Pesachim 2a) discusses the obligation to avoid unnecessary risks.

Q: Why did Avram think the Egyptians would let Sarai live?
A: Avram understood that the Egyptians valued beautiful women and would want to keep Sarai alive rather than harm her. This reflects the moral corruption of Egyptian society at that time, as discussed in Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (40:4).

Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of 'yirat chet' (fear of sin)?
A: Avram's concern demonstrates 'yirat chet' - being cautious to avoid situations that could lead to sin or danger. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:1) teaches that we should distance ourselves from potentially harmful circumstances, just as Avram did here.

Q: What does this verse teach us about marriage?
A: This verse shows Avram's deep concern for his wife's safety and their marital bond. It teaches the Jewish value of 'shalom bayit' (marital harmony) and protecting one's spouse, as emphasized throughout Jewish tradition (Talmud Yevamot 62b).