 | VaYera |  |
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| | 18:1 |
First Reading
God appeared to [Abraham] in the Plains of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of the tent in the hottest part of the day.
Vayera elav Adonay be'Eloney Mamre vehu yoshev petach-ha'ohel kechom hayom. |
| 18:2 |
[Abraham] lifted his eyes and he saw three strangers standing a short distance from him. When he saw [them] from the entrance of his tent, he ran to greet them, bowing down to the ground.
Vayisa eynav vayar vehineh shloshah anashim nitsavim alav vayar vayarots likratam mipetach ha'ohel vayishtachu artsah. |
| 18:3 |
He said, 'Sir, if you would, do not go on without stopping by me.
Vayomar Adonay im-na matsati chen be'eyneycha al-na ta'avor me'al avdecha. |
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Commentary:
strangers
Literally, anonymous 'men;' see Genesis 24:29. They were actually angels in disguise (Rashi). See Genesis 19:1.
| Sir
Literally, 'My lords.' According to others, 'O God.' According to the second opinion, Abraham was asking God not to break off the prophecy (Shevuoth 35b; Rashi). See Genesis 18:13.
| if you would
Literally, 'If I have found favor in your eyes.'
| go on...
Literally, 'go on from your servant.' This form of address, however, is not used in the current English idiom. Therefore, wherever 'your servant' is used in this manner, it is usually translated as 'me.'
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