For the source text click/tap here: Bava Kamma 92
To download, click/tap here: PDF
The Mishnah states that although one who damages his friend pays him the required compensation, he does not receive atonement for what he did until he requests forgiveness from his victim. This is derived from Hashem's words to Avimelech, "And now return the man's wife" (Bereishis 20:7). The ME'IRI explains that this is derived from the continuation of the verse, "v'Yispalel Ba'adcha" -- "and he will pray for you" (Bereishis 20:7). Hashem instructed Avimelech to appease Avraham and seek forgiveness from him in order to have Avraham pray for him.
The Gemara cites a Beraisa which states that all the sums mentioned in the Mishnah (90a) are payments for "Boshes," "embarrassment." Even when all of the payments have been paid, the pain of having been shamed is not forgiven "even if he brought all the choice rams of Nevayos" (see Yeshayah 60:7). Therefore, he must request forgiveness from the person he embarrassed. The Beraisa derives this from Hashem's command to Avimelech, "And now, return the man's wife, because he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live" (Bereishis 20:7).
We explore the Biblical scene and the motives for Avraham’s deception.