Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avraham say Sarah was his sister instead of his wife?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 12:13), Avraham was concerned that if people knew Sarah was his wife, they might kill him to take her, since she was very beautiful. By saying she was his sister, he hoped they would treat him well for her sake.
Q: Was it wrong for Avraham to say Sarah was his sister?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:2) explains that this was permitted under the principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life), as Avraham genuinely feared for his life. However, the Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 40:5) notes that this caused difficulties, teaching us to be careful even when taking necessary precautions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this incident with Avraham and Sarah?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 21a) teaches that even great people can make mistakes when afraid. This shows the importance of trusting in Hashem's protection, as Avraham later does in similar situations (Genesis 20). The incident also demonstrates how our actions can affect others, as Sarah was taken because of Avraham's words.
Q: Why did Pharaoh return Sarah to Avraham?
A: Rashi (Genesis 12:17) explains that Pharaoh and his household were struck with severe plagues when they took Sarah. Realizing this was divine punishment for taking a married woman, Pharaoh immediately returned her to Avraham, showing that Hashem protects the righteous.
Q: How does this story relate to Jewish values about marriage?
A: This episode highlights the sanctity of marriage in Judaism. Even when Avraham and Sarah were separated, their marital bond remained sacred, as shown by Pharaoh's punishment for violating it. The Rambam (Ishut 1:1-2) later codifies the importance of proper marriage in Jewish law, building on these foundational stories.
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.