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Hebrew Text
לָמָה אָמַרְתָּ אֲחֹתִי הִוא וָאֶקַּח אֹתָהּ לִי לְאִשָּׁה וְעַתָּה הִנֵּה אִשְׁתְּךָ קַח וָלֵךְ׃
English Translation
Why didst thou say, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.
Transliteration
Lama amarta achoti hi va'ekach ota li le'isha ve'ata hine ishtecha kach valech.
Hebrew Leining Text
לָמָ֤ה אָמַ֙רְתָּ֙ אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֔וא וָאֶקַּ֥ח אֹתָ֛הּ לִ֖י לְאִשָּׁ֑ה וְעַתָּ֕ה הִנֵּ֥ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֖ קַ֥ח וָלֵֽךְ׃
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Sanhedrin 99b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of Abraham's actions and the ethical implications of his statement that Sarah was his sister.
📖 Bava Kamma 92a
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the moral and legal repercussions of deceit, particularly in the context of familial relationships.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Genesis 12:19) is part of the narrative where Pharaoh confronts Avram (later Avraham) after discovering that Sarai (later Sarah) is his wife, not his sister as Avram had claimed. The verse reflects Pharaoh's rebuke and his command for Avram to take Sarai and leave Egypt.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Pharaoh's words, "Why didst thou say, She is my sister?", highlight Avram's lack of trust in Hashem's protection. Avram feared that the Egyptians would kill him to take Sarai, so he presented her as his sister. Rashi notes that this incident served as a reproach, as Avram should have relied on divine protection rather than resorting to deception.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Maimonides) discusses this episode in the context of pikuach nefesh (saving a life). He suggests that Avram's decision to conceal Sarai's true identity was permissible under the principle of preserving life, as he genuinely feared for his safety. However, Rambam also emphasizes that complete trust in Hashem is ideal, even in life-threatening situations.
Midrashic Insights
Ibn Ezra's Interpretation
Ibn Ezra focuses on the phrase "so I might have taken her to me to wife", noting that Pharaoh's words reveal his regret and moral awakening. Despite his initial intentions, Pharaoh recognized the wrongdoing in taking another man's wife, demonstrating that even a pagan ruler could acknowledge ethical boundaries.
Halachic Implications
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) references this incident in discussions about the Noahide laws, particularly the prohibition of adultery. Pharaoh's return of Sarai underscores the universal recognition of marital sanctity, even among non-Jewish nations.