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HEBREW NAMES 'PLUS' VERSION of the TANAKH
A Hebrew Beginner's Primer

B'REISHIT
In Beginning
Part 1 - Chapters 1-25
(Part 2 - Chapters 26-50)

Brief notes on Hebrew pronunciation
can be found at GLOSSARY
or at the bottom of Yirmeyahu.
[♦] See footnotes at the bottom of this page.
Footnotes for the B'rit Chadashah are HERE.
It may help with the pronunciation (or it may be confusing
because of the syntax) to follow along with the reading at
Mechon-Mamre.
Click on "Listen to this chapter in Hebrew" for each chapter.


(1) PARASHAT B'REISHIT[♦]
In beginning[♦]
1:1 - 6:8

PEREQ ‏א‎
CHAPTER 1
1:1 B'reishit (In beginning) bara (created)[1-1] Elohim et ha-shamayim v'et ha-aretz.  2 V'ha-aretz was tohu [formless = confusion ] va-vohu [void = emptiness], and darkness was `al-p'nei the depths; v'ruach Elohim hovered `al-p'nei ha-mayim.

1:3 Vayomer [1-3]  Elohim, "Y'hi, or."  Va-y'hi or.  4 And Elohim saw ha-or, that it was tov; and Elohim separated ben ha-or u'ven[1-4] the darkness.  5 And Elohim called la-or yom, and the darkness he called lailah; va-y'hi `erev va-y'hi voqer, yom echad.[1-5]

1:6 Vayomer Elohim, "Let be raqi`a[1-6] among ha-mayim, and let it divide bein mayim la-mayim.  7 And Elohim made ha-raqi`a, and divided bein ha-mayim which were under la-raqi`a u'vein ha-mayim which were above la-raqi`a, and it was so.  8 And Elohim called ha-raqi`a shamayim; va-y'hi `erev va-y'hi voker, yom sheni.

1:9 Vayomer Elohim, "Let be gathered ha-mayim under ha-shamayim el-maqom echad, and let appear the dry land; and it was so.  10 And Elohim called the dry land eretz, and the gathering of ha-mayim he called yamim, and Elohim saw that it was tov.  11 Vayomer Elohim, "Let ha-aretz put forth grass, herb yielding zera, `etz p'ri yielding p'ri after its kind, wherein is the zera thereof, `al-ha-aretz; and it was so.  12 And ha-aretz brought forth grass, herb yielding zera after its kind, v`etz bearing p'ri wherein is ha-zera after its kind, and Elohim saw that it was tov.  13 Va-y'hi `erev va-y'hi voqer, yom sh'lishi.

1:14 Vayomer Elohim, "Let there be orot bi'r'qi`a ha-shamayim to divide bein ha-yom u'vein ha-lailah, and let them be for otot ul-mo`edim ul-yamim v'shanim.  15 And let them be for orot bi'r'qi`a ha-shamayim to give light `al-ha-aretz, and it was so.  16 And Elohim made the two orot g'dolim, ha-or ha-gadol to rule ha-yom and ha-or ha-qatan to rule ha-lailah, v'et ha-kokhavim.  17 And Elohim set them bi'r'qi`a ha-shamayim to give or `al-ha-aretz,  18 and to rule ba-yom u'va-lailah and to divide bein ha-or u'vein the darkness; and Elohim saw that it was tov.  19 Va-y'hi `erev va-y'hi voqer, yom revi`i.

1:20 Vayomer Elohim, "Let ha-mayim swarm with nefesh chayyah, and let fowl fly `al-ha-aretz `al-p'nei r'qi`a ha-shamayim.  21 And Elohim created the great sea monsters and every nefesh ha-chayyah that creeps with which ha-mayim teemed after its kind, and every winged fowl after its kind; and Elohim saw that it was tov.  22 And Elohim blessed them, lemor, "P'ru ur'vu [Be fruitful and multiply], and fill ha-mayim ba-yamim, and let fowl multiply ba-aretz."  23 Va-y'hi `erev va-y'hi voqer, yom chamishi.

1:24 Vayomer Elohim, "Let ha-aretz bring forth nefesh chayyah after its kind; b'hemah, and creeping thing, and every animal of ha-aretz after its kind, and it was so.  25 And Elohim made the animal of ha-aretz after its kind, and ha-b'hemah after its kind, and every creeping thing after its kind, and Elohim saw that it was tov.

1:26 Vayomer Elohim, "Let us make adam in our tselem[1-26a], after our d'mut[1-26b], and let them have dominion over ha-dagim of ha-yam and birds of ha-shamayim, and ha-b'hemah, and over kol ha-aretz, and every creeping thing that creeps `al-ha-aretz.  27 And Elohim created ha-adam in his own tselem, b'tselem Elohim he created him; male and female, he created them.  28 And Elohim blessed them, vayomer Elohim to them, "P'ru ur'vu, and fill ha-aretz and subdue it, and have dominion over ha-dagim of ha-yam and over the fowls of ha-shamayim and over kol chayyah that creeps upon ha-aretz.  29 Vayomer Elohim, "Hinneh, I have given to you every herb yielding zera asher `al-p'nei khol ha-aretz v'et kol ha`etz in which is p'ri `etz yielding zera; to you it shall be for food;  30 ul'khol chayyat ha-aretz and to every bird of ha-shamayim and to every creeping thing `al-ha-aretz wherein is a nefesh chayyah; every green herb for food;"[1-30] and it was so.  31 And Elohim saw kol asher `asah,v'hinneh, tov me'od.  Va-y'hi `erev va-y'hi voqer, yom ha-shishi.



PEREQ ‏ב‎
CHAPTER 2
2:1 Ha-shamayim v'ha-aretz were finished, and the host of them.  2 Ba-yom ha-sh'vi'i, Elohim finished the work that he had made, and he rested on yom ha-sh'vi'i from all his work which he had made.  3 Elohim blessed yom ha-sh'vi'i and hallowed it, because in it he rested from all his work which Elohim in creating had made.

2:4 Eleh toledot ha-shamayim v'ha-aretz b'yom YHWH Elohim created aretz v'shamayim.  5 No shrub of ha-sadeh was yet ba-aretz, and no herb of ha-sadeh had yet sprung up, for YHWH Elohim had not caused it to rain upon ha-aretz, and there was not an adam to till ha-adamah,  6 but a mist went up min ha-aretz and watered kol p'nei ha-adamah.  7 Then YHWH Elohim formed ha-adam of the dust min-ha-adamah and breathed into his nostrils nishmat chayyim va-y'hi ha-adam nefesh chayyah.

2:8 And YHWH Elohim planted gan-b`Eden mi-kedem, and there he put ha-adam he had formed.  9 And YHWH Elohim made, min-ha-adamah, kol `etz that is pleasant to the sight and good for food to grow; `etz ha-chayyim in the midst of ha-gan v`etz of the knowledge of tov v'ra.

2:10 And a river went me`Eden to water ha-gan; and from there it was parted and became four roshim.  11 Shem ha-echad, Pishon; that it is that surrounds kol eretz ha-Chavilah asher sham ha-zahav.  12 v'zahav ha-aretz ha-hi tov; there is bdellium and the onyx stone.  13 And the name of the second river is Gichon; this surrounds kol eretz Kush.  14 And the name of the third river is Chideqel, the one that goes toward the east of Ashshur.  And the fourth river is P'rat.

2:15 V'YHWH Elohim took ha-adam and put him b'gan-`Eden to dress it and to keep it.  16 V'YHWH Elohim commanded `al-ha-adam lemor, "Mi-kol `etz ha-gan, you may eat for food,  17 but of ha`etz of the knowledge of tov va-ra you may not eat of it, ki b'yom that you eat of it, dying, you shall die.

2:18 Vayomer YHWH Elohim, "Lo tov that ha-adam should be alone; I will make an `ezer k'negdo [helper comparable to him]."  19 V'YHWH Elohim, min ha-adamah, formed kol chayyat ha-sadeh and every bird of ha-shamayim and brought them el-ha-adam to see what he would call them, and whatever ha-adam called them, that was its name.  20 V'ha-adam called all the names of ha-b'hemah and birds of ha-shamayim, v'kol chayyat ha-sadeh, but for adam there was not found an `ezer k'negdo.  21 V'YHWH Elohim caused a deep sleep to fall `al-ha-adam, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs and closed ha-basar in that place.  22 And the rib which YHWH Elohim had taken min ha-adam he fashioned l'ishshah[♦♦] and brought her el-ha-adam.  23 Vayomer ha-adam, "This is now bone of my bone and basar of my basar; she shall be called ishshah, because she was taken me-ish.  24 Therefore shall an ish leave aviv v'et-immo, and shall cleave to ishto and they shall be basar echad.  25 And they were both naked, ha-adam v'ishto, and they were not ashamed.


PEREQ ‏ג‎
CHAPTER 3
3:1 Now ha-nachash was more subtle mi kol chayyat ha-sadeh asher YHWH Elohim had made.  Vayomer el-ha-ishshah, "Really, has Elohim said, you shall not eat mi-kol etz ha-gan?  2 Vatomer ha-ishshah el-ha-nachash, "Mi-p'ri `etz ha-gan we may eat,  3 but mi-p'ri ha`etz in the middle of ha-gan, Elohim said you shall not eat of it, and you shall not touch it,[3-3] lest you die."  4 Vayomer ha-nachash el-ha-ishshah, "Dying you shall not die;  5 for Elohim knows that b'yom you eat of it, your eyes shall be opened and you shall be as elohim, knowing tov va-ra."  6 And when ha-ishshah saw ki tov ha`etz for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that ha`etz was desired to give understanding, she took of ha-p'ri from it and ate, and she also gave l'ishah[♦♦♦][[3-6]] with her, and he ate.  7 And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed for themselves leaves of the fig tree and made for themselves loin coverings.

3:8 And they heard qol YHWH Elohim walking ba-gan l'ruach [breeze] ha-yom; ha-adam v'ishto hid themselves mi-p'nei YHWH Elohim among `etz ha-gan.  9 V'YHWH Elohim called el-ha-adam, vayomer to him, "Where are you?"  10 Vayomer, "I heard your qol ba-gan, and I was afraid for I was naked, and I hid."  11 Vayomer, "Who told you that you were naked?  Have you eaten min-ha`etz that I commanded you not to eat?"  12 Vayomer ha-adam, "Ha-ishshah that you gave to be with me, she gave me from ha`etz and I ate."  13 Vayomer YHWH Elohim la-ishshah, "Ma zot that you have done?"  Vatomer ha-ishshah, "Ha-nachash beguiled me, and I ate."  14 Vayomer YHWH Elohim el-ha-nachash, "Because you have done this, cursed are you mi-kol ha-b'hemah, u'mi-kol chayyat ha-sadeh; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat kol y'mei your chayyim.  15 And I shall put enmity between you u'vein ha-ishshah, and between your zera and between her zera; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.  16 El-ha-ishshah he said, "I will greatly increase your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth banim, and to your ish shall be your desire, and he shall rule over you.  17 Ul'adam he said, "Because you listened to ha-qol ishtekha, and have eaten min ha`etz which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is ha-adamah for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it kol y'mei your chayyim.  18 V'kotz and thistles it will bring forth to you, and you shall eat the herb of ha-sadeh.  19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat lechem until you return el-ha-adamah; for out of it you were taken; for you are dust and to dust you shall return.

3:20 V'ha-adam called shem ishto Chavvah, because she was em kol chai.  21 V'YHWH Elohim made l'adam ul'ishto garments of skins, and clothed them.

3:22 Vayomer YHWH Elohim, "Lo, ha-adam has become as one of us to know tov va-ra; and now, lest he put forth his hand and take me-`etz ha-chayyim and eat, and chai l'olam --  23 therefore YHWH Elohim sent him mi-gan-`Eden to till ha-adamah from where he was taken.  24 So he drove out ha-adam, and he placed at the east of gan-`Eden ha-k'ruvim and the flaming sword which turned every way to keep derekh `etz ha-chayyim.



PEREQ ‏ד‎
CHAPTER 4
4:1 V'ha-adam knew Chavvah ishto.  She conceived, and gave birth to Kayin, vatomer, "I have gotten an ish with (the help of) YHWH."  2 And she gave birth to his brother Hevel.  Hevel was a keeper of sheep, but Kayin was a tiller of ha-adamah.  3 As time passed, it happened that Kayin brought a minchah l'YHWH mi p'ri ha-adamah.  4 Hevel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat of it.  YHWH approved of[4-4] Hevel and his minchah,  5 but he didn't approve of[4-4] Kayin and his minchah.  Kayin was very angry, and the expression on his face fell.  6 Vayomer YHWH el Kayin, "Why are you angry?  Why has the expression of your face fallen?  7 If you do well, will it not be lifted up?  If you don't do well, chet crouches at ha-petach.  It longs for you, but you are to rule over it."

4:8 Vayomer Kayin el-Hevel, achiv, ["Let's go ba-sadeh."][4-8] and it was that, when they were ba-sadeh, Kayin rose up against Hevel achiv, and killed him.  9 Vayomer YHWH el Kayin, "Where is Hevel achikha?"  Vayomer, "I don't know.  Am I my brother's keeper?"  10 Vayomer, "What have you done?  Qol d'mei achikha cries to me min ha-adamah.  11 Now you are cursed because of ha-adamah, which has opened its mouth to receive d'mei achikha from your hand.  12 From now on, when you till ha-adamah, it won't yield its strength to you.  You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer ba-aretz."  13 Vayomer Kayin el-YHWH, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.  14 Behold, you have driven me out ha-yom me`al p'nei ha-adamah.  I will be hidden from your face, and I will be a fugitive and a wanderer ba-aretz.  It will happen that whoever finds me will kill me."  15 Vayomer YHWH to him, "Therefore whoever slays Kayin, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold."  YHWH placed l'Kayin ot, lest any finding him should strike him.  16 Kayin went out mi-lifnei YHWH, and dwelt b'eretz Nod, on the east of `Eden.

4:17 Kayin knew ishto.  She conceived, and gave birth to Chanokh.  He built an `ir, and called shem ha`ir k'shem b'no, Chanokh.  18 To Chanokh was born `Irad.  `Irad begat Mechuya'el.  Mechiyya'el begat Metusha'el.  Metusha'el begat Lemekh.  19 Lemekh took two nashim.  Shem ha-achat `Adah, v'shem ha-shenit Tzillah.  20 `Adah begat Yaval.  Hu hayah avi of those who dwell in ohel and have cattle.  21 V'shem achiv Yuval.  Hu hayah avi kol who handle kinnor and flute.  22 Tzillah also begat Tuval Kayin, the forger of every cutting instrument of n'choshet and iron,  v'achot Tuval Kayin Na`amah.

4:23 Vayomer Lemekh l'nashav:
"`Adah v'Tzillah, Hear my voice,
n'shei Lemekh, listen to my speech,
for I have slain an ish for wounding me,
a young man for bruising me.
24 If Kayin will be avenged seven times,
truly Lemekh seventy-seven times."[4-23]
4:25 Adam knew ishto again.  She bore a ben, and she called sh'mo Shet.  For, she said, "Elohim has appointed me another zera instead of Hevel, for Kayin killed him."  26 There was also born a son to Shet, and he named him Enosh.  Then men began to call b'shem YHWH.



PEREQ ‏ה‎
CHAPTER 5
5:1 Zeh sefer toledot Adam.  Ba-yom that Elohim created adam, he made him bi'd'mut Elohim.  2 He created them male and female, and blessed them, and called their name Adam, ba-yom they were created.  3 Adam lived one hundred thirty years and begat in his own d'mut, after his tselem, and called sh'mo Shet.  4 Y'mei Adam after he begat Shet were eight hundred years, and he begat banim u'vanot.  5 Kol y'mei Adam asher chai were nine hundred thirty years, and he died.

5:6 Shet lived one hundred five years, and begat Enosh.  7 Shet lived after he begat Enosh eight hundred seven years and begat banim u'vanot.  8 Kol y'mei Shet were nine hundred twelve years, and he died.

5:9 Enosh lived ninety years and begat Kenan.  10 Enosh lived after he begat Kenan eight hundred fifteen years and begat banim u'vanot.  11 Kol y'mei Enosh were nine hundred five years, and he died.

5:12 Kenan lived seventy years and begat Mahalal'el.  13 Kenan lived after he begat Mahalal'el eight hundred forty years and begat b'nei u'vanot,  14 Kol y'mei Kenan were nine hundred ten years, and he died.

5:15 Mahalal'el lived sixty-five years and begat Yered.  16 Mahalal'el lived after he begat Yered eight hundred thirty years and begat b'nei u'vanot.  17 Kol y'mei Mahalal'el were eight hundred ninety-five years, and he died.

18 Yered lived one hundred sixty-two years and begat Chanokh.  19 Yered lived after he begat Chanokh eight hundred years and begat b'nei u'vanot.  20 Kol y'mei Yered were nine hundred sixty-two years, and he died.

5:21 Chanokh lived sixty-five years and begat M'tushelach.  22 Chanokh walked with Elohim after he begat M'tushelach three hundred years and begat b'nei u'vanot.  23 Kol y'mei Chanokh were three hundred sixty-five years.  24 Chanokh walked with Elohim, and he was not, for Elohim took him.

5:25 M'tushelach lived one hundred eighty-seven years and beget Lemekh.  26 M'tushelach lived after he begat Lemekh seven hundred eighty-two years and begat banim u'vanot.  27 Kol y'mei M'tushelach were nine hundred sixty-nine years, and he died.

5:28 Lemekh lived one hundred eighty-two years and begat a son,  29 and he named him Noach, saying, "This same will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, because of ha-adamah asher YHWH has cursed."  30 Lemekh lived after he begat Noach five hundred ninety-five years and begat banim u'vanot.  31 Kol y'mei Lemekh were seven hundred seventy-seven years, and he died.

5:32 Noach was a son of five hundred years, and Noach begat Shem, Cham, v'Yafet.



PEREQ ‏ו‎
CHAPTER 6
6:1 It happened when ha-adam began to multiply `al-p'nei ha-adamah, u'vanot were born to them,  2 that b'nei ha-elohim [6-2] saw that banot ha-adam were beautiful, and they took for themselves nashim of all that they chose.  3 Vayomer YHWH, "Ruchi will not strive badam [b'adam] l`olam, because he also is basar; yet will his days be one hundred twenty years."  4 Ha-n'filim were ba-aretz ba-yamim ha-hem, and also after that, when b'nei ha-elohim came el banot ha-adam, they bore children to them.  They were ha-gibborim asher me`olam, anshei renown [shem].

6:5 YHWH saw ki rabbah ra`at ha-adam ba-aretz v'khol yetzer of the thoughts of his heart was only evil kol ha-yom.  6 YHWH was sorry that he had made ha-adam ba-aretz, and it grieved him in his heart.  7 Vayomer YHWH, "I will destroy ha-adam whom I have created me`al p'nei ha-adamah; me-adam `ad b'hemah, creeping things, and birds of ha-shamayim; for I am sorry that I have made them."  8 But Noach found favor in the eyes of YHWH.

HAFTARAH[6-8] B'REISHIT:  Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 42:5-21


(2) PARASHAT NOACH
Noah
6:9 - 11:32

6:9 Eleh toledot Noach.  Noach ish tzaddik, blameless in his dorot.  Noach walked with Elohim.  10 Noach begat three banim: Shem, Cham, v'Yafet.

6:11 Ha-aretz was corrupt lif'nei ha-Elohim, and ha-aretz was filled with chamas.  12 Elohim saw ha-aretz, and saw that it was corrupt, ki kol basar had corrupted their derekh `al ha-aretz.  13 Vayomer Elohim l'Noach, "The end of kol basar has come l'fanai, for ha-aretz is filled with chamas through them.  Hinneh, I will destroy them with ha-aretz.  14 Make for yourself a tevat `etz gofer.  You shall make rooms ba-tevah, and shall seal it inside and outside ba-kofer.  15 This is how you shall make it.  The length of ha-tevah will be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.  16 You shall make a roof ba-tevah, and to a cubit shall you finish it upward.  You shall set petach ha-tevah in the side of it.  You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels.  17 Va-ani, hinneh, I bring the flood of mayim `al ha-aretz, to destroy kol basar having ruach ha-chayyim from under ha-shamayim.  Kol asher ba-aretz will die.  18 But I will establish my b'rit with you.  You shall come el-ha-tevah, attah u'vaneikha, v'isht'kha, u'n'shei vaneikha with you.  19 Mi kol ha-chai mi kol basar, you shall bring two of every sort ba-tevah, to keep them alive with you.  They shall be male and female.  20 Of the birds after their kind, ha-b'hemah after their kind, of every creeping thing of ha-adamah after its kind, two of every sort shall come to you,[6-20] to keep them alive.  21 Take with you of all food that is eaten, and gather it to you; and it will be for food for you, and for them.  22 Thus Noach did.  According to all that Elohim commanded him, so he did.



PEREQ ‏ז‎
CHAPTER 7
7:1 Vayomer YHWH l'Noach, "Come with all of your bayit el ha-tevah, for you I have seen tzaddik l'fanai ba-dor hazeh.  2 You shall take seven pairs mi kol b'hemah ha-t'horah with you, ish v'ishto [male and his female].  Min ha-b'hemah asher lo t'horah, take two, ish v'ishto.  3 Also of the birds of ha-shamayim, shiv`ah shiv`ah, male and female [zachar and n'kevah], to keep zera alive `al-p'nei kol-ha-aretz.  4 In seven days, I will cause it to rain `al-ha-aretz for forty days and forty nights.  Every living thing that I have made, I will destroy me`al p'nei ha-adamah."  5 Noach did kol asher YHWH commanded him.

7:6 Noach was a son of six hundred years when the flood of mayim came `al-ha-aretz.  7 Noach u'vanav v'ishto u'n'shei vanav went el ha-tevah, because of the waters of the flood.  8 Min ha-b'hemah ha-t'horah u'min ha-b'hemah which were not t'horah, birds, and everything that creeps `al-ha-adamah  9 went by pairs el Noach el ha-tevah, male and female, as Elohim commanded Noach.  10 Va-y'hi (after) l'shiv`at ha-yamim and the waters of the flood `al-ha-aretz.

7:11 In the six hundredth year of chayyei Noach, in the second chodesh, on the seventeenth day of ha-chodesh, ba-yom hazeh all the fountains of the great deep were burst open, and the windows of ha-shamayim were opened.  12 The rain was `al-ha-aretz forty days and forty nights.  13 In the same day Noach v'Shem v'Cham v'Yefet, b'nei Noach, v'eshet Noach, and the three nashim of his banim with them, entered into ha-tevah;  14 they, v'kol ha-chayyah after its kind, kol ha-b'hemah after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps `al-ha-aretz after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort.  15 They went el Noach el ha-tevah, by pairs mi kol ha-basar in which was ruach chayyim.  16 Those who went in went in male and female mi kol basar, as Elohim commanded him; and YHWH shut him in.

7:17 The flood was forty days `al-ha-aretz.  Ha-mayim increased, and lifted up ha-tevah, and it was lifted up above ha-aretz.  18 Ha-mayim strengthened and increased greatly `al-ha-aretz; and ha-tevah floated `al-p'nei ha-mayim.  19 Ha-mayim strengthened me'od me'od al ha-aretz.  All the high harim that were under kol ha-shamayim were covered.  20 Ha-mayim strengthened fifteen cubits upward, and ha-harim were covered.  21 Kol basar died that moved `al-ha-aretz, including birds, b'hemah, chayyah, every creeping thing that creeps `al-ha-aretz, and kol ha-adam.  22 Kol asher nishmat ruach chayyim, of all that was on the dry land, died.  23 Every living thing was destroyed that was `al-p'nei ha-adamah, me-adam, `ad b'hemah, to creeping things, and birds of ha-shamayim.  They were destroyed min ha-aretz.  Only Noach was left, and those who were with him ba-tevah.  24 Ha-mayim strengthened `al-ha-aretz one hundred fifty days.



PEREQ ‏ח‎
CHAPTER 8
8:1 Elohim remembered Noach, kol ha-chayyah v'et kol ha-b'hemah that were with him ba-tevah; and Elohim made a ruach `al ha-aretz and ha-mayim subsided.  2 The deep's fountains and the windows of ha-shamayim were also stopped, and the rain min ha-shamayim was restrained.  3 Ha-mayim receded me-al ha-aretz continually.  After the end of one hundred fifty days, ha-mayim decreased.  4 Ha-tevah rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on harei Ararat.  5 Ha-mayim receded continually until the tenth month.  In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, roshei ha-harim were seen.

8:6 It happened at the end of forty days, that Noach opened the window of ha-tevah which he had made,  7 and he sent forth a raven.  It went back and forth, until ha-mayim were dried up me`al ha-aretz.  8 He sent forth a yonah from him, to see if ha-mayim were abated me`al p'nei ha-adamah,  9 but ha-yonah found no place to rest her foot, and she returned to him el ha-tevah; for mayim `al p'nei kol ha-aretz.  He put forth his hand, and took her, and brought her to him el ha-tevah.  10 He stayed yet another shiv`at yamim; and again he sent forth ha-yonah min ha-tevah.  11 Ha-yonah came back to him at `erev, v'hinneh, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off.  So Noach knew that ha-mayim were abated me`al ha-aretz.  12 He stayed yet another shiv`at yamim, and sent forth ha-yonah; and she didn't return to him any more.

8:13 It happened in the six hundred first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, ha-mayim were dried up me`al ha-aretz.  Noach removed the covering of ha-tevah, and looked.  He saw that the surface of ha-adamah was dried.  14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, ha-aretz was dry.  15 Elohim spoke l'Noach, lemor,  16 "Go forth min ha-tevah, attah v'isht'kha u'vaneikha u'n'shei vaneikha with you.  17 Bring forth with you kol ha-chayyah that is with you of kol basar, including birds, b'hemah, and every creeping thing that creeps `al-ha-aretz; that they may breed abundantly ba-aretz, and be fruitful, and multiply `al-ha-aretz."  18 Noach went forth with his banim, ishto u'n'shei vanav with him.  19 Kol ha-chayyah, every creeping thing, and every bird, whatever moves `al-ha-aretz, after their families, went forth min ha-tevah.

8:20 Noach built a mizbeach l'YHWH, and took mi kol ha-b'hemah ha-t'horah, and of every tahor bird, and offered olot ba-mizbeach.  21 YHWH smelled the sweet savor.  Vayomer YHWH in his heart, "I will not again curse ha-adamah any more for the sake of ha-adam, ki yetzer lev ha-adam ra from his youth; neither will I ever again strike kol chai, as I have done.  22 `Od kol y'mei ha-aretz, zera and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, va-yom va-lailah shall not cease."



PEREQ ‏ט‎
CHAPTER 9
9:1 Elohim blessed Noach and his banim, vayomer to them, "P'ru u'r'vu, and fill ha-aretz.  2 The fear of you and the dread of you will be `al kol-chayyat ha-aretz, and on every bird of ha-shamayim.  Everything that ha-adamah teems with, u'v'khol dagei ha-yam are delivered into your hand.  3 Every moving thing asher hu chai will be food for you.  As the green herb, I have given everything to you.  4 But basar b'nefesh of it, the blood of it, you shall not eat.  5 Surely the blood of your nafshot will I require.  Mi-yad kol chayyah will I require it, u'mi-yad ha-adam, mi-yad ish achiv will I require ha-nefesh ha-adam.  6 Whoever sheds dam ha-adam, ba-adam will his dam be shed, for b'tselem Elohim made he ha-adam.  7 And you, p'ru u'r'vu; swarm over ha-aretz, and multiply on it."

9:8 Vayomer Elohim el Noach, and to his banim with him, lemor,  9 "Va-ani, hinneh, I establish my b'rit with you, and with your zera after you,  10 v'et kol nefesh ha-chayyah that is with you: the birds, ha-b'hemah, u'v'khol chayyat ha-aretz with you.  Of all that go out of ha-tevah, even kol chayyat ha-aretz.  11 I will establish my b'rit with you; neither will kol basar be cut off any more by the waters of the flood; neither will there any more be a flood to destroy ha-aretz."  12 Vayomer Elohim, "Zot ot-ha-b'rit which I make between me and you and kol nefesh chayyah that is with you, l'dorot `olam:  13 I set my bow in the cloud, and it will be l'ot b'rit beini u'vein ha-aretz.  14 It will happen, when I bring a cloud over ha-aretz, that the bow will be seen in the cloud,  15 and I will remember my b'rit, which is between me and you and kol nefesh chayyah b'khol basar, and ha-mayim will no more become a flood to destroy kol basar.  16 The bow will be in the cloud.  I will look at it, that I may remember b'rit olam bein Elohim u'vein kol nefesh chayyah b'khol basar asher `al-ha-aretz."  17 Vayomer Elohim el Noach, "Zot ot-ha-b'rit which I have established beini u'vein kol basar asher `al-ha-aretz."

9:18 B'nei Noach who went forth min ha-tevah were Shem, Cham, v'Yafet.  Cham hu avi K'na`an.  19 These three were b'nei Noach, u'me eleh, kol ha-aretz was populated.

9:20 Noach began to be a farmer, and planted a kerem.  21 He drank min ha-yayin, and got drunk.  He was uncovered within his ohel.  22 Cham, avi K'na`an, saw the nakedness of aviv, and told his two achim outside.  23 Shem va'Yefet took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of avihem.  Their faces were backwards, and they didn't see the nakedness of avihem.  24 Noach awoke from his yayin, and knew what his youngest son had done to him,  25 vayomer, "Cursed be K'na`an; `eved `avadim will he be to his achim."  26 Vayomer, "Baruch YHWH, Elohei Shem; let K'na`an be his `eved.  27 Elohim enlarge Yefet; let him dwell ahalei Shem; let K'na`an be his `eved."

9:28 Noach lived three hundred fifty years after the flood.  29 Kol y'mei Noach were nine hundred fifty years, then he died.



PEREQ ‏י‎
CHAPTER 10
10:1 V'eleh toledot b'nei Noach, Shem, Cham, va'Yafet.  Banim were born to them after the flood.

10:2 B'nei Yefet: Gomer u'Magog u'Madai v'Yavan v'Tuval u'Meshekh v'Tiras.  3 U'v'nei Gomer: Ashk'naz v'Rifat v'Togarmah.  4 U'v'nei Yavan: Elishah v'Tarshish, Kittim v'Dodanim.  5 Me-eleh were the isles of ha-goyim divided in their artzot, everyone after his language, after their mishp'chot, in their goyim.

10:6 B'nei Cham: Kush u'Mitzrayim u'Phut u'Kh'na`an.  7 U'v'nei Khush: S'va v'Chavilah v'Savtah, v'Ra`amah v'Savt'kha, u'v'nei Ra`amah: Sh'va u'D'dan.  8 Kush begat Nimrod: he began to be gibbor ba-aretz.  9 Hu hayah gibbor hunter lifnei YHWH.  Therefore it is said, "K'Nimrod, gibbor hunter lifnei YHWH."  10 The beginning of his mamlakhah was Bavel v'Erekh v'Akkad v'Khalneh b'eretz Shin`ar.  11 Min ha-aretz ha-hi, he went forth into Ashshur, and built Nin'veh v'et R'chovot `Ir v'et Kalach,  12 v'et Resen bein Nin'veh u'vein Kalach (hi ha`ir ha-g'dolah).  13 Mitzrayim begat Ludim v'et Anamim v'et L'havim v'et Naftuchim,  14 v'et Patrusim v'et Kasluchim (asher mi-sham P'lishtim descended) v'et Kaftorim.

10:15 U'Kh'na`an begat Tzidon (his firstborn) v'et Chet,  16 v'et ha-Y'vusi, v'et ha-Emori v'et ha-Girgashi,  17 v'et ha-Chivvi v'et ha-`Arki v'et ha-Sini,  18 v'et ha-Arvadi v'et ha-Tz'mari v'et ha-Chamati.  V'achar, mishp'chot ha-K'na`ani were spread abroad.  19 The border of ha-K'na`ani was from Tzidon, as you go toward G'rar, `ad-`Aza; as you go toward S'dom v`Amorah, v'Admah, u'Tz'voyim, `ad-Lasha.  20 Eleh b'nei Cham, l'mishp'chotam, after their languages, in their artzot, in their goyim.

10:21 L'Shem, avi kol b'nei `Ever, achi Yefet ha-gadol, to him also were (children) born.  22 B'nei Shem: `Elam v'Ashshur, v'Arpakhshad, v'Lud, v'Aram.  23 Uv'nei Aram: `Utz v'Chul v'Geter va'Mash.  24 V'Arpakhshad begat Shelach.  v'Shelach begat `Ever.  25 U'l`Ever were born two banim.  Shem ha-echad Peleg, for in his days was ha-aretz divided.  Shem achiv Yoktan.  26 V'Yoktan begat Almodad v'et Shalef v'et Chatzarmavet v'et Yarach,  27 v'et Hadoram v'et Uzal v'et Diklah,  28 v'et `Oval v'et Avima'el v'et Sh'va,  29 v'et Ofir v'et Chavilah v'et Yovav.  Kol eleh b'nei Yoktan.  30 Their dwelling was mi-Mesha as you go toward S'far, har ha-kedem.  31 Eleh b'nei Shem, after their families, after their languages, in their artzot, after their goyim.

10:32 These are the families of b'nei Noach, l'toledot, in their goyim.  Me-eleh were ha-goyim ba-aretz divided after the flood.



PEREQ ‏יא‎
CHAPTER 11
11:1 Kol ha-aretz was of one language and of d'varim achadim[11-1].  2 It happened, as they journeyed east, that they found a plain b'aretz Shin`ar; and they settled there.  3 They said one to another, "Come, let's make brick, and burn them thoroughly."  They had brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.  4 They said, "Come, let's build us an `ir, and a migdal, whose top reaches ba-shamayim, and let's make us a name; lest we be scattered abroad `al-p'nei khol ha-aretz."  5 YHWH came down to see ha`ir v'et ha-migdal asher b'nei ha-adam built.  6 Vayomer YHWH, "Behold, they are `am echad, and they have all one language; and this is what they begin to do.  Now nothing will be withheld from them, which they intend to do.  7 Come, let's go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech."  8 So YHWH scattered them abroad from there `al-p'nei khol-ha-aretz.  They stopped building ha`ir.  9 Therefore the name of it was called Bavel,[11-9] because YHWH confused the language of kol ha-aretz there, u'mi-sham YHWH scattered them abroad `al-p'nei kol-ha-aretz.

11:10 Eleh toledot Shem.  Shem was a son of one hundred years and begat Arpakhshad two years after the flood.  11 Shem lived after he begat Arpakhshad five hundred years, and begat banim u'vanot.

11:12 Arpakhshad lived thirty-five [LXX: 135] years and begat [LXX: Cainan]. 13 Arpakhshad lived after he begat [Cainan] four hundred three [LXX: 400] years and begat banim u'vanot.  And [Cainan lived a hundred and thirty years and begat] Shelach.  and [Cainan lived after he had begotten Shelach three hundred and thirty years and begot banim u'vanot, and died.]

11:14 Shelach lived thirty years [LXX: 130] and begat `Ever:  15 Shelach lived after he begat `Ever four hundred three years [LXX: 330], and begat banim u'vanot.

11:16 `Ever lived thirty-four [LXX: 134] years and begat Peleg.  17 `Ever lived after he begat Peleg four hundred thirty [LXX: 270] years and begat banim u'vanot.

11:18 Peleg lived thirty [LXX: 130] years and begat Re`u.  19 Peleg lived after he begat Re`u two hundred nine years and begat banim u'vanot.

11:20 Re`u lived thirty-two [LXX: 132] years and begat Serug.  21 Re`u lived after he begat Serug two hundred seven years and begat banim u'vanot.

11:22 Serug lived thirty [LXX: 130] years and begat Nachor.  23 Serug lived after he begat Nachor two hundred years and begat banim u'vanot.

11:24 Nachor lived twenty-nine [LXX: 179] years and begat Terach.  25 Nachor lived after he begat Terach one hundred nineteen [LXX: 125] years> and begat banim u'vanot.

11:26 Terach lived seventy years and begat Avram et-Nachor v'et-Haran.

11:27 Now eleh toledot Terach.  Terach begat Avram et-Nachor v'et-Haran, v'Haran begat Lot.  28 Va'yamat Haran `al-p'nei [before] Terach aviv b'eretz his birth, b'Ur Kasdim.  29 Avram v'Nachor took nashim.  Shem eshet Avram Sarai, v'shem eshet Nachor Milkah bat Haran, avi Milkah va'avi Yiskhah.  30 Sarai was barren.  She had no child.

11:31 Terach took Avram b'no, Lot ben Haran, ben b'no, v'et Sarai his daughter-in-law, eshet Avram b'no.  They went forth me-Ur Kasdim, to go into eretz K'na`an.  They came to Charan and settled there.  32 Y'mei Terach were two hundred five years, va'yamat Terach b'Charan.

HAFTARAH NOACH:  Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 54:1-10 [Messianic adaptation: commence reading at 52:13]



(3) PARASHAT LECH L'KHA
Go yourself
12 - 17

PEREQ ‏יב‎
CHAPTER 12
12:1 Vayomer YHWH el Avram, "Get out of your eretz, and from your relatives, u'mi-beit avikha el-ha-aretz that I will show you.  2 I will make of you a goy gadol.  I will bless you, and make your name great.  You will be a blessing.  3 Avarkha m'var'khekha um'kalelekha a'or.  [I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.]  In you will kol mishp'chot ha-adamah be blessed."

12:4 So Avram went, as YHWH had spoken to him.  Lot went with him.  Avram was a son of seventy-five years when he departed me-Charan.  5 Avram took Sarai ishto, Lot ben achiv, all their substance that they had gathered, and ha-nefesh who they had gotten b'Charan; and they went forth to go into eretz K'na`an.  Into eretz K'na`an they came.  6 Avram passed through ba-aretz `ad m'qom Sh'khem, to the oak of Moreh.  Ha-K'na`ani was then ba-aretz.  7 YHWH appeared el-Avram, vayomer, "To your zera I will give ha-aretz hazot."  He built a mizbeach l'YHWH, who appeared to him.  8 He left from there to ha-har mi-kedem l'veit-El, and pitched his ohel, having Beit-El on the west, and `Ai on the east.  There he built a mizbeach l'YHWH, and called b'shem YHWH.  9 Avram journeyed, going on still toward ha-negev.

12:10 There was a famine ba-aretz.  Avram went down into Mitzrayim to sojourn there, for the famine was sore ba-aretz.  11 Va'y'hi, when he was come near to enter into Mitzrayim, vayomer el-Sarai ishto, "Hinneh, I know that you are an ishshah yafeh to look on.  12 It will happen, when ha-Mitzrim will see you, that they will say, 'Ishto zot.'  They will kill me, but they will save you alive.  13 Please say that you are achoti, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my nefesh may live because of you."  14 Va'y'hi that when Avram had come into Mitzrayim, ha-Mitzrim saw ha-ishshah ki yafah hi me'od.  15 Sarei Par`oh saw her, and praised her el-Par`oh; and ha-ishshah was taken into beit Par`oh.  16 He dealt well with Avram for her sake.  He had sheep, and oxen, v'chamorim va`avadim and maid-servants va'atonot u'g'malim.

12:17 YHWH plagued Par`oh v'et-beito with great plagues because of Sarai, eshet Avram.  18 Par`oh called Avram vayomer, "Mah-zot that you have done to me?  Why didn't you tell me that she was your ishshah?  19 Why did you say, 'She is achoti,' so that I took her to be my ishshah?  Now therefore, see your ishshah, take her, and go your way."  20 Par`oh gave anashim charge concerning him: and they sent him (on his way), and ishto, and all that he had.



PEREQ ‏יג‎
CHAPTER 13
13:1 Avram went up mi-Mitzrayim: hu v'ishto, all that he had, and Lot with him, into ha-negev.

13:2 Avram was very rich in cattle, ba-kesef, u'va-zahav.  3 He went on his journeys mi-negev v`ad Beit-El, `ad ha-maqom asher hayah his ohel had been at the beginning, bein Beit-El u'vein ha-`Ai,  4 el m'qom ha-mizbeach, which he had made there at the first.  There Avram called b'shem YHWH.  5 V'gam Lot, who went with Avram, had flocks, and herds, and ohalim.  6 Ha-aretz was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.  7 There was a strife between the herdsmen of the cattle of Avram and between the herdsmen of the cattle of Lot: and ha-K'na`ani v'ha-Perizzi dwelt then ba-aretz.

13:8 Vayomer Avram el-Lot, "Please, let there be no strife between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; ki anashim achim anachnu.  9 Isn't kol ha-aretz before you?  Please separate yourself from me.  If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right.  Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left."  10 Lot lifted up his eyes and saw kol kikkar ha-Yarden, that it was well watered everywhere, before YHWH destroyed S'dom v'et `Amorah k'gan YHWH, k'eretz Mitzrayim, as you go to Tzo`ar.  11 So Lot chose kol kikkar ha-Yarden for himself.  Lot journeyed east, and they separated themselves the one from the other.  12 Avram dwelt b'eretz K'na`an, and Lot dwelt b`arei ha-kikkar, and moved his ohel as far as S'dom.  13 V'anshei S'dom were exceedingly wicked and chatta'im l'YHWH.

13:14 Vayomer YHWH el-Avram, after Lot was separated from him, "Now, lift up your eyes, and look min ha-maqom where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward,  15 for kol ha-aretz which you see, I will give to you, and to your zera `ad`olam.  16 I will make your zera as the dust of ha-aretz, so that if a man can number the dust of ha-aretz, then your zera may also be numbered.  17 Arise, walk through ha-aretz in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it to you."  18 Avram moved his ohel, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, asher b'Chevron, and built a mizbeach there l'YHWH.



PEREQ ‏יד‎
CHAPTER 14
14:1 Va'y'hi b'y'mei Amrafel, melekh Shin`ar, Aryokh, melekh Ellasar, K'dorla`omer, melekh `Elam, v'Tid`al, melekh Goyim,  2 that they made war with Bera, melekh S'dom, v'et Birsha, melekh `Amorah, Shin'av, melekh Admah, v'Shem'ever, melekh Tz'voyim, u'melekh Bela (hi Tzo`ar).  3 Kol eleh joined together in the valley of ha-Siddim (hu Yam ha-Melakh).  4 Twelve years they served K'dorla`omer, and in the thirteenth year, they rebelled.  5 In the fourteenth year, K'dorla`omer came, and ha-m'lakhim who were with him, and struck the Refa'im b'`Asht'rot-Karnayim v'et ha-Zuzim b'Ham, v'et ha-Emim b'Shaveh-Kiryatayim,  6 v'et ha-Chori in their Har Se`ir, `ad Eil [oak of] -Paran, asher `al-ha-midbar.  7 They returned, and came el-Ein-Mishpat (hi Kadesh), and struck kol s'deh ha`Amaleki, and also ha-Emori, that dwelt ba-Chatz'tzon-Tamar.  8 There went out melekh S'dom, u'melekh `Amorah u'melekh Admah u'melekh Tz'voyim u'melekh Bela (hi Tzo`ar); and they set the battle in array against them in the valley of ha-Siddim;  9 against K'dorla`omer, melekh `Elam, v'Tid`al, melekh Goyim, v'Amrafel, melekh Shin`ar, v'Aryokh melekh Ellasar; four m'lakhim against the five.  10 Now the valley of ha-Siddim was full of tar pits; and melekh S'dom va'`Amorah fled, and they fell there, and those who remained fled to ha-har.  11 They took all the goods of S'dom va'`Amorah, and all their victuals, and went their way.  12 They took Lot, ben achi Avram, who dwelt bi-S'dom, and his goods, and departed.

14:13 One who had escaped came and told Avram ha-Ivri.  Now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, ha-Emori achi Eshkol, va'achi `Aner; and these were ba'alei v'rit[14-13] Avram.  14 When Avram heard that achi was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his bayit, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.  15 He divided himself against them by night, he and his `avadim, and struck them, and pursued them ad Chovah, which is on the left hand l'Dammesek.  16 He brought back all the goods, and also brought back Lot achiv and his goods, and ha-nashim also, and ha`am.

14:17 Melekh S'dom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of K'dorla`omer v'et ha-m'lakhim who were with him, at the valley of Shaveh (the same is the Valley of ha-Melekh).  18 Malki-Tzedek melekh Shalem brought forth lechem va-yayin: and he was Kohen l'El `Elyon.  19 He blessed him and said, "Barukh Avram l'El `Elyon, possessor of shamayim va'aretz:  20 u'varukh El `Elyon, who has delivered your enemies into your hand."  And he [Avram] gave him a tenth of all.  21 Vayomer melekh S'dom el-Avram, "Give me ha-nefesh, and take the goods to yourself."  22 Vayomer Avram el-melekh S'dom, "I have lifted up my hand el-YHWH, El `Elyon, possessor of shamayim va-aretz,  23 that I will not take a thread nor a shoe-latchet nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Avram rich.'  24 Except only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of ha-anashim who went with me, `Aner, Eshkol, u'Mamre: let them take their portion."



PEREQ ‏יה‎
CHAPTER 15
15:1 Achar ha-d'varim ha-eleh, d'var YHWH came el-Avram in a vision, saying, "Don't be afraid, Avram.  I am your magen; your reward is exceedingly great."  2 Vayomer Avram, "Adonai YHWH, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and he who will inherit beiti hu Dammesek Eli`ezer?"  3 Vayomer Avram, "Behold, to me you have given no zera: v'hinneh, one born in my bayit is my heir."  4 V'hinneh, d'var YHWH came to him, lemor, "This (man) will not be your heir, but he who will come forth out of you will be your heir."  5 He brought him outside vayomer, "Look now toward ha-shamayim, and count ha-kokhavim, if you are able to count them."  Vayomer, "So shall your zera be."  6 He believed ba-YHWH; and he reckoned it to him for tz'dakah.

15:7 Vayomer to him, "I am YHWH who brought you me-Ur Kasdim, to give you ha-aretz hazot to inherit it."  8 Vayomer, "Adonai YHWH, whereby will I know that I will inherit it?"  9 Vayomer to him, "Take me a heifer of the third year, a female goat of the third year, a ram if the third year, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon."  10 He took him kol eleh, and divided them in the midst, and laid each half opposite the other; but he didn't divide the birds.  11 The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Avram drove them away.

15:12 Va'y'hi ha-shemmesh was going down, a deep sleep fell on Avram.  Now terror and great darkness fell on him.  13 Vayomer l'Avram, "Know for sure that your zera will be sojourners b'eretz that is not theirs, and will serve them.  They will afflict them four hundred years.  14 I will also judge ha-goy whom they will serve.  Afterward they will come out with great substance.  15 But you will go to avoteikha b'shalom.  You will be buried in a good old age.  16 In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of ha-Emori is not yet full."

15:17 Va-y'hi, ha-shemmesh went down, and it was dark, v'hinneh, a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.  18 Ba-yom ha-hu karat YHWH et-Avram b'rit, lemor, "To your zera have I given ha-aretz hazot, from the river of Mitzrayim[15-18] to the great river, the river P'rat:  19 ha-Qeni v'et ha-Q'nizzi v'et ha-Qadmoni  20 v'et ha-Chitti v'et ha-P'rizzi v'et ha-R'fa'im,  21 v'et ha-Emori v'et ha-K'na`ani v'et ha-Girgashi v'et ha-Y'vusi."



PEREQ ‏יו‎
CHAPTER 16
16:1 V'Sarai, eshet Avram, bore him no children.  She had a handmaid, a Mitzrit u'sh'mah Hagar.  2 Vatomer Sarai el-Avram," See now, YHWH has restrained me from bearing.  Please go in to my handmaid.  It may be that I will obtain children by her."  Avram listened l'qol Sarai.  3 Sarai, eshet Avram, took Hagar ha-Mitzrit, her handmaid, after Avram had dwelt ten years b'eretz K'na`an, and gave her to Avram ishah to be his ishshah.  4 He went in el-Hagar, and she conceived.  When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.  5 Vatomer Sarai el-Avram, "This wrong is your fault.  I gave my handmaid into your bosom, and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes.  YHWH judge between me and you."  6 Vayomer Avram el-Sarai, "Hinneh, your maid is in your hand.  Do to her whatever is good in your eyes."  Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled mi-paneiha.

16:7 Malakh YHWH found her `al-ein ha-mayim ba-midbar `al-ha-`ayin b'midbar b'derekh Shur.  8 Vayomer, "Hagar, handmaid of Sarai, where did you come from?  Where are you going?"  Vatomer, "I am fleeing mi-p'nei Sarai my mistress."  9 Vayomer malakh YHWH to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands."  10 Vayomer malakh YHWH to her, "I will greatly multiply your zera, that they will not be numbered for multitude."  11 Vayomer malakh YHWH to her, "Hinneh, you are with child, and will bear a son.  You shall call his name Yishma`el, because YHWH has heard your affliction.  12 He will be like a wild donkey among men.  His hand will be against all, and the hand of all will be against him.  He will dwell opposite all of his brothers."  13 She called shem YHWH who spoke to her, "Attah El ro'i," for she said, "Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?"  14 Therefore ha-be'er was called Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i.  [Well of the Living One who sees me.]  Hinneh, ben Kadesh u'ven Bered.

16:15 Hagar bore a son for Avram.  Avram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Yishma`el.  16 Avram was a son of eighty-six years when Hagar bore Yishma`el l'Avram.



PEREQ ‏יז‎
CHAPTER 17
17:1 When Avram was a son of ninety-nine years, YHWH appeared to Avram, vayomer to him, "Ani El Shaddai.  Walk l’fanai, and be blameless.  2 I will make my b'rit between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly."  3 Avram fell on his face.  Elohim talked with him, lemor,  4 "As for me, hinneh, b'riti is with you.  You will be the father of hamon goyim.  5 Neither will your name any more be called Avram, but your name will be Avraham;[17-5] for av hamon goyim have I made you.  6 I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make goyim of you.  M'lakhim will come out of you.  7 I will establish my b'rit between me and you and your zera after you throughout their dorot for a b'rit olam, to be an Elohim to you and to your zera after you.  8 I will give to you and to your zera after you eretz where you are traveling, kol eretz K'na`an, for an everlasting possession.  I will be their Elohim."

17:9 Vayomer Elohim el-Avraham, "As for you, you will keep b'riti, you and your zera after you throughout their dorot.  10 This is b'riti, which you shall keep, between me and between you and between your zera after you.  Every male among you shall be circumcised.  11 You shall be circumcised in basar of your foreskin.  It will be l'ot b'rit beni and between you.  12 He who is eight days old will be circumcised among you, every male throughout your dorot, he who is born in the bayit, or bought with kesef of any foreigner who is not of your zera.  13 He who is born in your bayit and he who is bought with your kesef must be circumcised.  B'riti will be in your basar liv'rit olam.  14 The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the basar of his foreskin, ha-nefesh ha-hi shall be cut off from his people.  He has broken b'riti."

17:15 Vayomer Elohim el-Avraham, "(As for) Sarai your ishshah, you shall not call her name Sarai, ki Sarah sh'mah.  16 I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her.  Yes, I will bless her, and she will be a mother of goyim.  Malkhei `amim will come from her."  17 Then Avraham fell on his face, va-yitzchak, vayomer b'libo, "Will a child be born to him who is a son of one hundred years?  Will Sarah, who is a daughter of ninety years, give birth?"  18 Vayomer Avraham el-ha-Elohim, "If only Yishma`el might live l'faneikha!"  19 Vayomer Elohim, "No, but Sarah, your ishshah, will bear you a son.  You shall call his name Yitzchak.  I will establish b'riti with him liv'rit olam for his zera after him.  20 As for Yishma`el, I have heard you.  Hinneh, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly.  He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a goy gadol.  21 But b'riti I establish with Yitzchak, whom Sarah will bear to you la-mo`ed hazeh ba-shanah ha-acheret."

17:22 When he finished talking with him, Elohim went up from Avraham.  23 Avraham took Yishma`el b'no, all who were born in beito, and all who were bought with his kesef; every male among anshei beit Avraham, and circumcised ha-basar of their foreskin ha-yom hazeh, as Elohim had said to him.  24 Avraham was a son of ninety-nine years when he was circumcised ba-basar of his foreskin.  25 Yishma`el b'no was a son of thirteen years when he was circumcised ba-basar of his foreskin.  26 In the same day both Avraham v'Yishma`el b'no were circumcised.  27 Kol anshei beito, those born in the bayit and those bought with kesef of a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

HAFTARAH LEKH L'KHA:  Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 40:27-41:16



(4) PARASHAT VAYERA
And he appeared
18 - 22

PEREQ ‏יח‎
CHAPTER 18
18:1 YHWH appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in petach ha-ohel in the heat of the day.  2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, v'hinneh, shloshah anashim[18-2] stood opposite him.  When he saw them, he ran to meet them mi-petach ha-ohel, and bowed himself to ha-aretz,  3 vayomar, "Adonai, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don't go away from your `eved.  4 Now let a little mayim be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under ha`etz.  5 I will get a morsel of lechem so you can refresh your heart.  After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your `eved."  They said, "Very well, do as you have said."  6 Avraham hurried into ha-ohel el-Sarah, vayomer, "Quickly make ready three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes."  7 Avraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the youth.  He hurried to dress it.  8 He took curds, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them.  He stood by them under ha`etz, and they ate.

18:9 They said to him, "Where is Sarah, your ishshah?  Vayomer, "Hinneh, ba-ohel."  10 Vayomer, "I will certainly return to you at the time of chayyah, v'hinneh, Sarah your ishshah will have a son."  Sarah heard in petach ha-ohel, which was behind him.  11 Now Avraham v'Sarah z'qenim, well advanced in age.  It had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of nashim.  12 Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old will I have pleasure, vadoni zaqen also?"  13 Vayomer YHWH el-Avraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Will I really bear a child, yet I am old?'  14 Is anything too hard for YHWH?  At ha-mo`ed I will return to you, at the time of chayyah, and Sarah will have a son."  15 Then Sarah denied, saying, "I didn't laugh," for she was afraid."  Vayomer, "No, but you did laugh."

18:16 Ha-anashim rose up from there, and looked `al-p'nei S'dom.  Avraham went with them to see them on their way.  17 Vayomer YHWH, "Will I hide from Avraham what I do,  18 seeing that Avraham has surely become a goy gadol and mighty, and kol goyei ha-aretz will be blessed in him?  19 For I have known him, to the end that he may command his banim v'et beito after him, that they may keep derekh YHWH, to do tz'dakah u'mishpat; to the end that YHWH may bring on Avraham that which he has spoken of him."  20 Vayomer YHWH, "Because the cry of S'dom and `Amorah is great, and because their chet is very grievous,  21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come to me.  If not, I will know."

18:22 Ha-anashim turned from there, and went toward S'dom, but Avraham stood yet lif'nei YHWH.  23 Avraham drew near vayomer, "Will you consume tzaddik with the wicked?  24 What if there are fifty tzaddikim within ha`ir?  Will you consume and not spare ha-maqom for the fifty tzaddikim who are therein?  25 Be it far from you to do things like that, to kill tzaddik with the wicked, that so the tzaddik should be as the wicked.  May that be far from you.  Shouldn't ha-shophet kol ha-aretz do mishpat?"  26 Vayomer YHWH, "If I find bi'S'dom fifty tzaddikim within ha`ir, then I will spare kol ha-maqom for their sake."  27 Avraham answered vayomer, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak el-Adonai, who am but dust and ashes.  28 What if there will lack five of the fifty tzaddikim?  Will you destroy kol ha`ir for lack of five?"  Vayomer, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there."  29 He spoke to him yet again and said, "What if there are forty found there?"  Vayomer, "I will not do it for the forty's sake."  30 Vayomer, "Please don't let Adonai be angry, and I will speak.  What if there are thirty found there?"  Vayomer, "I will not do it if I find thirty there."  31 Vayomer, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to Adonai.  What if there are twenty found there?"  Vayomer, "I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake."  32 Vayomer, "Please don't let Adonai be angry, and I will speak yet but this once.  What if ten are found there?"  Vayomer, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake."  33 YHWH went his way, as soon as he had finished communing with Avraham, v'Avraham returned to his place.



PEREQ ‏יט‎
CHAPTER 19
19:1 The two malakhim came to S'dom ba-`erev.  Lot sat in the gate of S'dom.  Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them.  He bowed himself with his face to ha-aretz,  2 Vayomer, "Hinneh, Adonai, please turn aside into ha-bayit of your `eved, stay all night, wash your feet, and you will rise up early, and go on your way."  They said, "No, but we will stay in the street all night."  3 He urged them greatly, and they came in with him, and entered into beito.  He made them a feast, and baked matzot, and they ate.  4 But before they lay down, anshei ha`ir, anshei S'dom, surrounded ha-bayit, both young and old, kol ha`am from every quarter.  5 They called el-Lot, and said to him, "Where are ha-anashim who came in to you ha-lailah?  Bring them out to us, that we may know them."  6 Lot went out to them to ha-petach, and shut ha-delet after him.  7 He said, "Please, achai, don't act so wickedly.  8 Hinneh, I have two banot who have never known a man.  Please let me bring them out to you, and do you to them as is good in your eyes.  Only don't do anything to these anashim, because they have come under the shadow of my roof."  9 They said, "Stand back!"  They said, "This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he appoints himself a judge.  Now will we deal worse with you than with them!"  They pressed hard ba-ish, Lot, and drew near to break ha-delet.  10 But ha-anashim put forth their hand, and brought Lot into ha-bayit to them, and shut ha-delet.  11 They struck ha-anashim who were at petach ha-bayit with blindness, mi-qatan v`ad-gadol, so that they wearied themselves to find ha-petach.

19:12 Ha-anashim said to Lot, "Do you have anybody else here?  Sons-in-law, banim, banot, and whoever you have ba`ir, bring them min ha-maqom:  13 for we will destroy ha-maqom hazeh, because the cry of them is grown gadol p'nei YHWH.  YHWH has sent us to destroy it."  14 Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his banot, vayomer, "Get up!  Get out of ha-maqom hazeh, for YHWH will destroy ha`ir."  But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be joking.

19:15 When ha-shachar arose, then ha-malakhim hurried Lot, lemor, "Arise, take your ishshah, and your two banot who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of ha`ir."  16 But he lingered; and ha-anashim laid hold on his hand, and on the hand of his ishshah, and on the hand of his two banot, YHWH being merciful to him; and they took him out, and set him outside of ha`ir.  17 Va'y'hi that they took them out, vayomer, "Escape for your nefesh!  Don't look behind you, neither stay anywhere b'khikkar.  Escape to ha-har, lest you be consumed!"  18 Vayomer Lot to them, "Oh, not so, adonai.  19 See now, your `eved has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your chesed, which you have shown to me in saving my nefesh.  I can't escape to ha-har, lest evil overtake me, and I die.  20 Hinneh, ha`ir hazot is near to flee to, and it is a little one.  Please let me escape there (isn't it a little one? [tzaar = insignificant]), and my nefesh will live."  21 Vayomer to him, "Hinneh, I have granted your request concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow ha`ir of which you have spoken.  22 Hurry, escape there, for I can't do anything until you get there."  Therefore shem ha`ir was called Tzo`ar [insignificance].  23 The sun was risen `al-ha-aretz when Lot came to Tzo`ar.

19:24 Then YHWH rained on S'dom and on `Amorah sulfur and fire from YHWH min-ha-shamayim.  25 He overthrew those `irim, kol ha-kikkar, all the inhabitants of ha`arim, and that which grew on ha-adamah.  26 But ishto looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of melakh.

19:27 Avraham got up early ba-boqer el-ha-maqom where he had stood p'nei YHWH.  28 He looked `al-p'nei S'dom va-`Amorah, v'al kol p'nei eretz ha-kikkar, and looked, v'hinneh, he saw that the smoke of ha-aretz went up as the smoke of a furnace.

19:29 Va'y'hi, when Elohim destroyed he`arim ha-kikkar, that Elohim remembered Avraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew he`arim in which Lot lived.

19:30 Lot went up mi-Tzo`ar and lived ba-har, and his two banot with him; for he was afraid to live b'Tzo`ar.  He lived in a cave with his two banot.  31 Vatomer the firstborn to the younger, "Avinu zaqen, and there is not an ish ba-aretz to come in to us after derekh kol ha-aretz.  32 Come, let's make avinu drink yayin, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve me-avinu zera."  33 They made avihen drink yayin ba-lailah hu: and the firstborn went in, and lay with aviha.  He didn't know when she lay down, nor when she arose.  34 Va'y'hi on the next day, vatomer the firstborn to the younger, "Behold, I lay last night with avi.  Let us make him drink yayin gam ha-lailah.  You go in, and lie with him, that we may preserve me-avinu zera."  35 Gam ba-lailah ha-hu they made avihen to drink yayin.  The younger arose, and lay with him.  He didn't know when she lay down, nor when she arose.  36 Thus both banot Lot were with child me-avihen.  37 The firstborn bore a son, and named him Mo'av.  Hu avi Mo'av `ad ha-yom.  38 The younger also bore a son, and called his name Ben-`Ammi.  Hu avi b'nei `Ammon `ad ha-yom.


PEREQ ‏כ‎
CHAPTER 20
20:1 Avraham journeyed from there toward eretz ha-Negev, and lived bein Kadesh u'vein Shur.  He sojourned b'G'rar.  2 Vayomer Avraham about Sarah ishto, "Achoti hi."  Avimelekh, melekh G'rar sent, and took Sarah.  3 But Elohim came to Avimelekh in a dream ba-lailah, vayomer to him, "Hinneh, you are a dead man, because of ha-ishshah whom you have taken, for hi ba`ulat ba`al" [she is married to a husband].  4 Now Avimelekh had not come near her vayomer, "Adonai, will you kill even a goy even though it is tzaddik?  5 Didn't he tell me, 'She is achoti?'  She, even she herself, said, 'Achi hu.'  In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands have I done this."  6 Vayomer Elohim to him in the dream, "Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me.  Therefore I didn't allow you to touch her.  7 Now therefore, restore eshet ha-ish ki-navi hu, and he will pray for you, and you will live.  If you don't restore her, know for sure that you will die, you, and all who are yours.

20:8 Avimelekh rose early ba-boqer, and called all his `avadim and told all these things in their ear.  Ha-anashim were very scared.  9 Then Avimelekh called Avraham vayomer to him, "What have you done to us?  How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my mamlakhah a great chet?  You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!"  10 Vayomer Avimelekh el-Avraham, "What did you see, that you have done this thing?"  11 Vayomer Avraham, "Because I thought, 'Surely the fear of Elohim is not ba-maqom hazeh.  They will kill me for my the sake of my ishshah.'  12 Moreover she is indeed achoti, bat avi hi, but not bat imi; and she became my ishshah.  13 It happened, when Elohim caused me to wander mi-beit avi, that I said to her, 'This is your chesed which you shall show to me, that el kol ha-maqom we go, say of me, "Achi hu."'"  14 Avimelekh took sheep and oxen, `avadim and women-servants, and gave them to Avraham, and restored to him Sarah ishto.  15 Vayomer Avimelekh, "Hinneh, my eretz is before you.  Dwell where it pleases you."  16 U'l'Sarah he said, "Hinneh, I have given your ach a thousand pieces of kesef.  Hinneh, it is for you a covering of the eyes to all that are with you.  In front of all you are vindicated."  17 Avraham prayed el-ha-Elohim.  Elohim healed Avimelekh, and his ishshah, and his maid-servants, and they bore y'ladim,  18 ki YHWH had closed up tight all the wombs of bet Avimelekh, because of Sarah, eshet Avraham.


PEREQ ‏כא‎
CHAPTER 21
21:1 YHWH visited Sarah as he had said, and YHWH did to Sarah as he had spoken.  2 Sarah conceived and bore Avraham a son in his old age, la-mo`ed of which Elohim had spoken to him.  3 Avraham called b'no who was born to him, whom Sarah bare to him, Yitzchak.  4 Avraham circumcised b'no Yitzchak when he was eight days old, as Elohim had commanded him.  5 Avraham was a son of one hundred years when b'no Yitzchak was born to him.  6 Vatomer Sarah, "Elohim has made me laugh.  Everyone who hears will laugh with me."  7 Vatomer, "Who would have said to Avraham that Sarah would nurse banim?  For I have borne him a son in his old age."

21:8 Ha-yeled grew and was weaned.  Avraham made a great feast on the day that Yitzchak was weaned.[21-8]  9 Sarah saw ben Hagar ha-Mitzrit, whom she had borne to Avraham, mocking.  10 Vatomer l'Avraham, "Cast out this handmaid and her son, for the son of this handmaid will not be heir im-b'ni, im Yitzchak."  11 The thing was very grievous in the sight of Avraham on account of b'no.  12 Vayomer Elohim el-Avraham, "Don't let it be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your handmaid.   In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice, for from Yitzchak will your zera be called.  13 Also of the son of the handmaid will I make a goy because he is your zera."  14 Avraham rose up early ba-boqer and took lechem and a skin of mayim and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and gave her ha-yeled and sent her away.  She departed, and wandered b'midbar Be'er-Sheva.

21:15 Ha-mayim in the skin was spent, and she cast ha-yeled under one of the shrubs.  16 She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away, for she said, "Don't let me see the death of ha-yeled."  She sat over against him, and lifted up her voice, and wept.  17 Elohim heard the voice of the lad.  Malakh Elohim called el-Hagar min ha-shamayim vayomer lah, "What ails you, Hagar?  Don't be afraid, for Elohim has heard the voice of the lad where he is.  18 Get up, lift up the lad, and hold him in your hand, for I will make him a goy gadol."  19 Elohim opened her eyes, and she saw a be'er mayim.  She went, filled the skin with mayim, and gave the lad drink.  20 Elohim was with the lad, and he grew.  He lived ba-midbar, and became, as he grew up, an archer.  21 He lived b'midbar Paran.  Immo took for him ishshah me-eretz Mitzrayim.

21:22 It happened at that time, that Avimelekh u'Fikhol the captain of his host spoke to Avraham, lemor, "Elohim is with you b'khol asher attah `oseh.  23 Now therefore swear to me here by Elohim that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son, but according to the chesed that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to ha-aretz in which you have sojourned."  24 Vayomer Avraham, "I will swear."

21:25 Avraham complained to Avimelekh because of a be'er ha-mayim, which the `avadim of Avimelekh had violently taken away.  26 Vayomer Avimelekh, I don't know who has done ha-davar hazeh.  Neither did you tell me, neither did I hear of it until today."  27 Avraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Avimelekh, and the two of them cut a b'rit.  28 Avraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.  29 Vayomer Avimelekh el-Avraham, "What do these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves mean?"  30 Vayomer, "You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that it may be an `ed to me, that I have dug ha-be'er ha-zot."  31 Therefore he called la-maqom ha-hu Be'er-Sheva, because they both swore there.[21-31]  32 So they cut a b'rit b've'er-shava.  Avimelekh rose up with Pikhol, the captain of his host, and they returned el-eretz P'lishtim.  33 Avraham planted a tamarisk tree bi'v'er-shava, and called there b'shem YHWH, El `olam.  34 V'Avraham sojourned b'eretz P'lishtim yamim rabbim.


PEREQ ‏כב‎
CHAPTER 22
22:1 Va'y'hi achar ha-d'varim ha-eleh v'ha-Elohim tested Avraham vayomer to him, "Avraham!"  Vayomer, "Hinneni".  2 Vayomer, "Now take binkhah, your only (one), whom you love,[22-2] Yitzchak, and go el-eretz Moriyyah.  Offer him there l`olah `al achad ha-harim which I will tell you of."  3 Avraham rose early ba-boker and saddled his chamor and took two of his young men with him, and Yitzchak b'no.  He split the wood for ha`olah, and rose up and went el-ha-maqom asher ha-Elohim had told him.  4 Ba-yom ha-shlishi, Avraham lifted up his eyes, and saw ha-maqom far off.  5 Vayomer Avraham to his young men, "Stay here with ha-chamor, and the lad and I will go yonder.  We will worship, and come back to you.  6 Avraham took the wood of ha`olah and laid it on Yitzchak b'no.  He took b'yado et ha-esh and the knife, and they went together.  7 Vayomer Yitzchak el-Avraham aviv vayomer, "Avi."  Vayomer, "Hinneni, b'ni."  Vayomer, "Hinneh ha-esh v'ha`etzim, but where is ha-seh l`olah?"  8 Vayomer Avraham, "Elohim will provide for himself ha-seh l`olah, b'ni."  And the two of them went together.

22:9 They came el-ha-maqom which Elohim had told him of.  Avraham built there ha-mizbeach, and laid the wood in order, bound Yitzchak b'no,[22-9] and laid him `al-ha-mizbeach, on the wood.  10 Avraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to kill his son.  11 Malakh YHWH called to him min ha-shamayim vayomer, "Avraham, Avraham!" vayomer, "Hinneni."  12 Vayomer, "Don't lay your hand on the lad, neither do anything to him, for now I know that you fear Elohim, seeing you have not withheld binkhah, your only (son) from me."  13 Avraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns.  Avraham went and took the ram, and offered him up l`olah instead of b'no.  14 Avraham called shem ha-maqom ha-hu YHWH-Yireh.  As it is said to this day, "B'har YHWH-Yireh, it will be provided.

22:15 Malakh YHWH called el-Avraham shenit min-ha-shamayim,  16 vayomer, "I have sworn by myself, says YHWH, because you have done ha-davar hazeh, and have not withheld binkhah, your only (son),  17 that in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your zera k'khokhvei ha-shamayim, and as the sand which is on the shore of ha-yam.  Your zera will possess the gate of his enemies.  18 In your zera will kol goyei ha-aretz be blessed,[A] because you have obeyed my voice."  19 So Avraham returned to his young men, and they rose up and went together to Be'er-Sheva.  Avraham lived at Be'er-Sheva.

22:20 Va'y'hi acharei ha-d'varim ha-eleh, that it was told Avraham, lemor, "Hinneh, Milkah also has borne children to your ach, Nachor:  21 `Utz his firstborn and Buz achiv, and K'muel avi Aram,  22 Kesed and Chazo and Pildash and Yidlaf and B'tuel."  23 B'tuel begat Rivka.  These eight Milkah bore to Nachor, achi Avraham.  24 His concubine, ushmah R'umah, also bore Tevach and Gacham and Tachash and Ma`akhah.

[A] Gal. 3:7.

HAFTARAH VAYERA:  M'lakhim Bet (2 Kings) 4:1-37


(5) PARASHAT CHAYYEI SARAH
Life of Sarah
23:1 - 25:18

PEREQ ‏כג‎
CHAPTER 23
23:1 Sarah lived one hundred twenty-seven years.  These were the years of chayyei Sarah.  2 Sarah died b'Kiryat-Arba (hi Chevron), b'eretz K'na`an.  Avraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.  3 Avraham rose up from before his dead, and spoke el-b'nei Chet, lemor,  4 "Ger v'toshav anokhi with you.  Give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight."  5 B'nei Chet answered Avraham, lemor to him,  6 "Hear us, Adoni.  N'si Elohim attah among us.  In the choice of our tombs bury your dead.  None of us will withhold from you his tomb, but that you may bury your dead."  7 Avraham rose up, and bowed himself l`am ha-aretz, l'v'nei Chet.  8 He talked with them, saying, "If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me b`Efron ben Tzochar,  9 that he may give me the cave of Makhpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field.  For the full price let him give it to me in the midst of you for a possession of a burying-place."  10 V`Efron was sitting in the midst of b'nei Chet.  V`Efron ha-Chitti answered Avraham in the hearing of b'nei Chet, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying,  11 "Lo, adoni, hear me.  I give you ha-sadeh, and I give you the cave that is in it.  In the presence of b'nei `ami I give it to you.  Bury your dead."  12 Avraham bowed himself down lifnei `am ha-aretz.  13 He spoke el-`Efron in the audience of `am ha-aretz, lemor, "But if you will, please hear me. I will give the price of ha-sadeh.  Take it from me, and I will bury my dead there."  14 `Efron answered Avraham lemor to him,  15 "Adoni, listen to me.  What is a piece of land worth four hundred shekel kesef between me and you?[23-15]  Therefore bury your dead."  16 Avraham listened to `Efron.  Avraham weighed to `Efron ha-kesef which he had named in the hearing of b'nei Chet, four hundred shekel kesef, according to the current merchants' standard.  17 So s'deh `Efron, asher ba-Makhpelah, asher lifnei Mamre, ha-sadeh, the cave which was therein, v'khol ha`etz asher ba-sadeh, that were in all the border of it round about, were made sure  18 l'Avraham for a possession in the presence of b'nei Chet, before all who went in at the gate of his city.  19 After this, Avraham buried Sarah ishto in the cave of s'deh ha-Makhpelah `al-p'nei Mamre (hi Chevron), b'eretz K'na`an.  20 Ha-sadeh and the cave that is therein were made sure to Avraham for a possession of a burying place by b'nei Chet.


PEREQ ‏כד‎
CHAPTER 24
24:1 Avraham zaqen, (far) gone in days.  YHWH had blessed Avraham ba-kol.  2 Vayomer Avraham el-avdo, zaqan beito, who ruled over all that he had, "Please put your hand under my thigh.  3 I will make you swear ba-YHWH, Elohei ha-shamayyim v'Elohei ha-eretz, that you shall not take an ishshah for b'ni mi-b'not ha-K'na`ani, among whom I live.  4 But you shall go to my country, and to my relatives, and take an ishshah li'v'ni Yitzchak."  5 Vayomer ha-`eved to him, "What if ha-ishshah isn't willing to follow me el-ha-aretz hazot?  Must I bring binkhah el-ha-aretz you came from?"  6 Vayomer Avraham to him, "Beware that you don't bring my son there again.  7 YHWH, Elohei ha-shamayim, who took me mi-beit avi u'me-eretz of my birth, who spoke to me, and who swore to me, saying, 'To your zera I will give ha-aretz hazot.'  He will send malakho l'faneikha, and you shall take an ishshah liv'ni mi-sham.  8 If ha-ishshah isn't willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this my oath.  Only you shall not bring b'ni there again."  9 Ha-`eved put his hand under the thigh of Avraham adonav, and swore to him `al-ha-davar hazeh.

24:10 Ha-`eved took ten g'malim mi-g'malei adonav, and departed, having all goodly things of his master's b'yado.  He arose and went el-Aram-Naharayim, el`ir Nachor.  11 He made ha-g'malim kneel down outside la`ir el-be'er ha-mayim at the time of `erev, the time [for women] to go out to draw [water].  12 Vayomer, "YHWH, Elohei adoni Avraham, please cause her to meet l'fanai ha-yom, and show chesed `im adoni Avraham.  13 Hinneh, I am standing by ein ha-mayim, u'vanot anshei ha`ir are coming out to draw mayim.  14 Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, 'Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,' will say, 'Drink, and I will also give your g'malim a drink.'  Let the same be she whom you have appointed for your `eved Yitzchak.  Thereby will I know that you have shown chesed `im-adoni."

24:15 Va'y'hi, before he had done speaking, that hinneh, Rivka came out, who was born to Betu'el ben Milkah, eshet Nachor, achi Avraham, with her pitcher on her shoulder.  16 The young lady was very beautiful to look at, a virgin, neither had any man known her.  She went down to the spring, filled her pitcher, and came up.  17 Ha-`eved ran to meet her, vayomer, "Please give me a drink, a little mayim from your pitcher."  18 Vatomer, "Drink, adoni."  She hurried and let down her pitcher on her hand, and gave him drink.  19 She finished giving him drink, vatomer, "I will also draw for your g'malim until they have done drinking."  20 She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his g'malim.  21 The man looked steadfastly at her in silence to know whether YHWH had made his journey prosperous or not.

24:22 Va'y'hi, as ha-g'malim had done drinking, that ha-ish took a ring of zahav of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of a weight of ten sh'kalim zahav,  23 vayomer, "Bat mi at?  Please tell me.  Is there room in beit avikha for us to lodge?"  24 Vatomer to him, "Bat Betu'el anokhi, ben Milkah, whom she bore to Nachor."  25 Vatomer to him, "We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in."  26 The man bowed his head, and worshiped YHWH.  27 Vayomer, "Barukh YHWH, Elohei adoni Avraham, who has not forsaken chasdo and his emet toward adoni.  As for me, YHWH has led me ba-derekh to the house of the relatives of adoni."

24:28 The young lady ran, and told beit immah ka-d'varim ha-eleh.  29 L'Rivka ach u'sh'mo Lavan.  Lavan ran outside el-ha-ish, el-ha-`ayin.  30 Va'y'hi, when he saw the ring, and the bracelets `al-y'dei achoto, and when he heard divrei Rivka achoto, lemor, "This is what ha-ish said to me," that he came to ha-ish.  Hinneh, he was standing `ad-ha-g'malim `al-ha-`ayin.  31 Vayomer, "Come in, you blessed of YHWH.  Why do you stand outside?  For I have prepared ha-bayit u'maqom la-g'malim."  32 Ha-ish came into ha-bayit, and he unloaded ha-g'malim.  He gave straw and provender for ha-g'malim u'mayim to wash his feet and the feet of ha-anashim who were with him.  33 Food was set before him to eat.  Vayomer, "I will not eat until I have told my message."  Vayomer, "Speak on."

24:34 Vayomer, "`Eved Avraham anokhi.  35 YHWH has blessed adoni me'od.  He has become great.  He has given him flocks and herds, kesef v'zahav va-`avadim and maid-servants u'g'malim v'chamorim.  36 Sarah, eshet adoni, bore a son to adoni when she was old.  He has given all that he has to him.  37 Adoni made me swear, lemor, 'You shall not take ishshah li'v'ni mi'b'not ha-Kana`ani, in whose land I live,  38 but you shall go to beit avi, and to my relatives, and take an ishshah li'v'ni.'  39 I said el-adoni, 'What if ha-ishshah will not follow me?'  40 Vayomer to me, 'YHWH, before whom I walk, will send his malakh with you and prosper your way.  You shall take an ishshah li'v'ni of my relatives, u'mi beit avi.  41 Then will you be clear from my oath, when you come to my relatives.  If they don't give her to you, you shall be clear from my oath.'

24:42 I came ha-yom el-ha-`ayin, and said, 'YHWH, Elohei adoni Avraham, if now you would prosper my way which I go -   43 Hinneh, I am standing by `al`ein ha-mayim - let it happen, that ha-`almah who comes forth to draw, to whom I will say, Give me, I pray you, a little mayim from your pitcher to drink,   44 she will tell me, "Drink, and I will also draw for your g'malim -"  let the same be ha-ishshah asher YHWH has appointed l'ven adoni.'

24:45 Before I had done speaking in my heart, hinneh, Rivka came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder.  She went down to ha`ein, and drew.  I said to her, 'Please let me drink.'  46 She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, vatomer, 'Drink, and I will also give your g'malim a drink.'  So I drank, and she made ha-g'malim drink also.  47 I asked her, and said, 'Bat mi at?'  Vatomer, 'Bat Betu'el, ben Nachor, whom Milkah bore to him.'  I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her hands.  48 I bowed my head, and worshiped YHWH, and blessed YHWH, Elohei adoni Avraham, who had led me ba-derekh emet to take bat achi adoni li'v'no.  49 Now if you will deal kindly and truly with adoni, tell me.  If not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left."

24:50 Then Lavan u'Vetu'el answered, "Ha-davar proceeds from YHWH.  We can't speak to you ra o tov.  51 Hinneh, Rivka l'faneikha.  Take her, and go, and let her be ishshah l'ven adoneikha, as YHWH has spoken."

24:52 Va'y'hi that when `eved Avraham heard their words, he bowed himself down to ha-aretz to YHWH.  53 Ha-`eved brought forth vessels of kesef, and vessels of zahav, and clothing, and gave them to Rivka.  He gave also to her ach and to immah precious things.  54 They ate and drank, hu v'ha-anashim who were with him, and stayed all night.  They rose up ba-boker, vayomer, "Send me away la-adoni."  55 Vayomer Her ach v'immah,   "Let the young lady stay with us a few days, at least ten.  After that she will go."  56 Vayomer to them, "Don't hinder me, seeing YHWH has prospered my way.  Send me away that I may go to adoni."  57 They said, "We will call the young lady, and ask her."  58 They called Rivka, and said to her, "Will you go with ha-ish hazeh?"  Vatomer, "I will go."  59 They sent away Rivka, achotam, with her nurse and `eved Avraham and his anashim.  60 They blessed Rivka, and said to her, "Our sister, may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let your zera possess the gate of those who hate them."  61 Rivka arose with her ladies.  They rode `al-ha-g'malim, and followed acharei ha-ish.  Ha-`eved took Rivka, and went his way.

24:62 Yitzchak came from the way of Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i, for he lived b'eretz ha-negev.  63 Yitzchak went out to meditate ba-sadeh at the evening.  He lifted up his eyes, and saw, v'hinneh, g'malim were coming.  64 Rivka lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Yitzchak, she dismounted from ha-gamal,  65 vatomer el-ha-`eved, "Mi ha-ish who is walking ba-sadeh to meet us?"  Vayomer ha-`eved, "Hu adoni."  She took her veil, and covered herself.  66 Ha-`eved told Yitzchak kol ha-d'varim asher `asah.  67 Yitzchak brought her into ha-ohel Sarah immo, and took Rivka, and she became ishto.  He loved her.  Yitzchak was comforted acharei (the death of) immo.


PEREQ ‏כה‎
CHAPTER 25
25:1 Avraham took an ishshah, ush'mah K'turah.  2 She bore him Zimran v'et Yokshan v'et M'dan v'et Midyan v'et Yishbak v'et Shuach.  3 V'Yokshan begat Sh'va v'et D'dan, uv'nei D'dan hayu Ashshurim u'L'tushim u'L'ummim.  4 U'v'nei Midyan: `Efah, va'`Efer v'Chanokh va'Avida v'Elda`ah.  Kol eleh b'nei K'turah.  5 Avraham gave all that he had to Yitzchak,  6 but to the sons of the concubines whom Avraham had, Avraham gave gifts.  He sent them away from Yitzchak b'no, while he yet lived, eastward el-eretz kedem.

25:7 V'eleh y'mei sh'nei chayyei Avraham asher chai: one hundred shanah, seventy shanah and five shanim.  8 Avraham expired and died in a good old age, zaqen and satisfied, and was gathered to his people.  9 Yitzchak v'Yishma'el, his sons, buried him in the cave of Makhpelah, el-s'deh `Efron, ben Tzochar ha-Chitti asher `al-p'nei Mamre,  10 ha-sadeh which Avraham purchased mi-b'nei Chet.  There was Avraham buried v'Sarah ishto.  11 Va'y'hi acharei mut Avraham, that Elohim blessed Yitzchak b'no.  Yitzchak lived im-Be'er-Lachai-Ro'i.

25:12 V'eleh tol'dot Yishma'el, ben Avraham asher Hagar ha-Mitzrit, Sarah's handmaid, bore to Avraham.  13 V'eleh sh'mot b'nei Yishma'el, by their names, according to their tol'dot: the firstborn of Yishma'el, N'vayot, v'Kedar v'Adb'el u'Mivsam,  14 u'Mishma v'Dumah u'Massa,  15 Chadad v'Tema, Y'tur, Nafish, va'Kedmah.  16 Eleh hem b'nei Yishma'el, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.  17 V'eleh sh'nei chayyei Yishma'el: one hundred shanah and thirty shanah v'sheva shanim.  He expired and died, and was gathered to his people.  18 They lived me-Chavilah `ad-Shur asher `al-p'nei Mitzrayim, as you go toward Ashshur.  He lived `al-p'nei kol achav.

HAFTARAH Chayyei Sarah:  M'lakhim Alef (1 Kings 1:1-31

(6) PARASHAT TOLEDOT
Generations
25:19 - 28:9

25:19 V'eleh tol'dot Yitzchak ben Avraham.  Avraham begat Yitzchak.  20 Va'y'hi Yitzchak was a son of forty shanim when he took Rivka, bat Betu'el ha-Arammi mi-Paddan-Aram, achot Lavan ha-Arammi, to be his ishshah.  21 Yitzchak entreated YHWH on behalf of ishto, because she was barren.  YHWH was entreated by him, and Rivka ishto conceived.  22 Ha-banim struggled together within her, vatomer, "If it be so, why do I live?"  She went to inquire of YHWH.  23 Vayomer YHWH to her, "Two goyim are in your womb, two peoples will be separated from your body.  The one people will be stronger than the other people, and the elder will serve the younger.  24 When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, hinneh, tomim were in her womb.  25 Ha-rishon came out red all over, like a hairy garment, and they called sh'mo `Esav.  26 V'acharei this, achiv came out, v'yado was grasping ba'aqev [on the heel of] `Esav, and they called sh'mo Ya`akov [heel grabber].  Yitzchak was a son of sixty shanim when she bore them.

25:27 The boys grew.  `Esav was a skillful hunter, ish sadeh, v'Ya`akov was a quiet man, living in ohalim.  28 V'Yitzchak loved `Esav, because he ate his venison, v'Rivka ohevet et Ya`akov.

25:29 Ya`akov boiled stew, v`Esav came in min ha-sadeh, and he was famished.  30 Vayomer `Esav el-Ya`akov, "Please let me swallow min ha-adom ha-adom hazeh,[25-30] for I am famished."  Therefore they called sh'mo Edom.  31 Vayomer Ya`akov, "First, sell your birthright to me."  32 Vayomer `Esav, "Hinneh, I am about to die.  What (good) is the birthright to me?"  33 Vayomer Ya`akov, "Swear to me first."  He swore to him, and he sold his birthright l'Ya`akov.  34 Ya`akov gave `Esav lechem and stew of lentils, and he ate and drank, rose up, and went his way.  So `Esav despised his birthright.





[♦]

"Parashat":  parashat (construct state [see instructions in Glossary] of parashah: portion).  The Torah is divided into 54 parashot (pl) as one traditional method of reading through and studying it in the course of a year.
"In beginning" - The Jewish concept is that it's not in THE beginning, because that's not where the emphasis should be.  The important thing is that GOD DID IT.  It should be thought of more as "to begin with."
1:1:  The verb usually precedes the subject in Hebrew. Return
1:3:  The "beginning of creation" was "the word" ("and he SAID") which spoke the universe into existence. Return
1:4:  between … between: hebraically spoken "between this and between that." Return
1:5:  "one day," not "first day," as in some translations.  "First" implies a "second," but Elohim didn't have to make a second day.  We could still be living in that one day. Return
1:6:  raqui`a, from the root raqa. Return
1:261, 27:  tselem: (6754) Zodhiates: "image, likeness, resemblance, illusion; a representative figure, an idol; a phantom, nothingness.  Not an exact duplicate.  Ps. 39:6 shows that it is only the shadow of a thing, representing the original in an imprecise manner, lacking the essential characteristics (reality) of the original." Return
1:262:  d'mut: (1823) Zodhiates: "likeness, resemblance, similitude; image, model, pattern, shape. It is used as an adv., 'like' or 'as' in Is. 13:4; Ps. 58:5.  As a noun it occurs 26 times in the OT.  Ezek. never claims to say that he saw God, only the 'appearance' of God (Ezek. 1:5, 10, 13…).  Is. 13:4 uses the word for audible and structural similarities." Return
1:30:  All animals were vegetarians. Return
3:3:  "you shall not touch it": first violation of Deut. 4:2. Return
3:6:  The feminine form (i.e., spoken by a female) of "her husband" is the same as the masculine of "wife." (See below.) Return
4:4,5:  "approved of": (8159) TWOT #2428. Return
4:8:  Not in the Masoretic text. Return
4:23-24:  Poetic style (parallelism). Return
6:2:  "These were the sons of the princes and judges, for elohim always implies rulership (Rashi).  Daughters of man refers to the general populace (R' Saadiah Gaon)." - - The Stone Edition Tanach, footnote, pg. 12. Return
6:8:  "haftarah": a traditional Jewish reading from the N'vi'im (prophets) as a followup to the parashah.  The origin of the word is not known, but may have some linguistic affinity to patar (6622; to interpret) (my own observation). Return
6:20:  The animals came to Noach; he didn't have to collect them. Return
11:1:  Interesting Hebraism.  Lit. "words ones," variously translated: "one speech," "the same words," "a common speech," "few words." Return
11:9:  "Babel" (H894), perhaps from balal (H1101), to mingle, mix, confuse, confound.(NASC) Return

14:13:  "ba'alei v'rit; sing. ba'al b'rit.  Lit. Master of the covenant.  Idiom for "ally." Return
15:18:  "river of Mitzrayim":  NOT the Nile.  Check maps at the southeastern extreme of the Mediterranean.  It isn't logical for the Nile to be the western border of the land if the "great sea" (the Mediterranean) is (Num. 34:6), considering also the other boundaries set out in verses 3-5. Return
17:5:  "Avram" means "exalted father;" "Avraham" means "father of a multitude. Return
18:2:  "As is apparent from the rest of the narrative, these three men were actually angels in the 'guise' of men." – The Stone Edition Tanach, pg. 35. Return
21:8:  "In the east, weaning is often deferred for as much as three years." (Pictorial Bible Dictionary, The Southwestern Company, 1975) Return
21:31:  Be'er sheva is a play on words.  Sheva (שֶׁ֫בָע) means "seven."  Shava (שָׁבָע) means "to swear."  Without the nikkudim (vowel points), they are the same letters, so this can be read as "well of seven (lambs)" or "well of an oath." Return
22:2:  First occurrence of the word "love" in the (NASB, NLT, NKJV, ESV, CSB, NET, RSV, HNV) Bible. Return
22:9:  It's been estimated that Yitzchak was between 20 and 37 years old at this time, placing Avraham between 120 and 137, obviously no match for a young man who might have been unwilling to be tied up and sacrificed (symbolic of Yeshua). Return
23:15:  Demonstrating Semitic manners of the time.  Efron didn't come right out and say, "I'll take 400 shekels for the land."  He simply stated what the land was worth to him.  Avraham didn't haggle, but simply paid the amount before the elders/witnesses sitting in the gate (v. 10), the place where elders of the city gathered to transact business, hear claims of dispute between citizens, etc. (Deut. 22:15; Josh. 20:4; Lam. 5:14) Return
25:30:  "Please let me swallow (the only occurrence of this word in the TaNaKh) ..."  "ha-adom ha-adom: "very red stuff".  Repetition in Hebrew is a form of emphasis. Return

NASC: New American Standard Concordance

[♦♦]
"ishshah" - "woman," "wife" (802 אִשָּה)
[♦♦♦]
"ishah" - ‏אִשָׁהּ‎ "her husband".  (The main difference is the dagesh in the shin).  (from 376 - אִישׁ).


The REVELATION - - - - - - Next - GENESIS Part 2

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Last update 23 February 2020