And now, restore the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live; but if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.
English: “And he will pray for you.” One who injures his fellow—even though he pays him for damage, pain, medical costs, loss of work and humiliation—is not forgiven until he asks him for forgiveness, as it is said, “And now restore the man’s wife… and he will pray for you.”
On the daf / in context: The requirement that Avimelech obtain Avraham’s prayer (and by implication his forgiveness) is the classic source for the duty to seek mechilah after causing injury.
Type of Learning
Derash on the verse (Bavli sugya) — not a formal named middah of the 13. Monetary payment alone does not complete atonement; verbal request for forgiveness is required.
What Is Learned
After injuring another person, payment of damages is insufficient; one must also request forgiveness, as Avimelech had to obtain Avraham’s prayer.