share torah logo

Exodus 13:14 - Teach children redemption's story

Exodus 13:14 - שמות 13:14

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כִּי־יִשְׁאָלְךָ בִנְךָ מָחָר לֵאמֹר מַה־זֹּאת וְאָמַרְתָּ אֵלָיו בְּחֹזֶק יָד הוֹצִיאָנוּ יְהוָה מִמִּצְרַיִם מִבֵּית עֲבָדִים׃

English Translation

And it shall be when thy son asks thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say to him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Miżrayim, from the house of bondage:

Transliteration

Vehaya ki-yish'alcha vincha machar lemor ma-zot ve'amarta elav bechozek yad hotzianu Adonai miMitzrayim mibeit avadim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥ בִנְךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֣ר מַה־זֹּ֑את וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔יו בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֗ד הוֹצִיאָ֧נוּ יְהֹוָ֛ה מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים׃
וְהָיָ֞ה כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥ בִנְךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֣ר מַה־זֹּ֑את וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֵלָ֔יו בְּחֹ֣זֶק יָ֗ד הוֹצִיאָ֧נוּ יְהֹוָ֛ה מִמִּצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֥ית עֲבָדִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 13:14, following the laws of sanctifying firstborn animals and redeeming firstborn sons. It is part of the broader narrative of the Exodus from Egypt, emphasizing the importance of transmitting the story of redemption to future generations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "כִּי־יִשְׁאָלְךָ בִנְךָ מָחָר" ("when your son asks you in time to come") refers to the ben rasha (the "wicked son") mentioned in the Haggadah of Pesach. This son asks "מַה־הָעֲבֹדָה הַזֹּאת לָכֶם" ("What is this service to you?"), excluding himself from the community. The response—"בְּחֹזֶק יָד הוֹצִיאָנוּ יְהוָה מִמִּצְרַיִם" ("By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt")—is meant to remind him that Hashem redeemed us personally, and had he been in Egypt, he would not have been worthy of redemption.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah (7:2), the Rambam emphasizes the mitzvah of recounting the Exodus to children, particularly in response to their questions. He notes that the Torah provides different responses based on the child's level of understanding, reinforcing the principle of chinuch (education) tailored to each individual.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) elaborates that the phrase "בְּחֹזֶק יָד" ("by strength of hand") alludes to the ten plagues and the miraculous nature of the Exodus. It teaches that Hashem's intervention was not through natural means but through overt divine power, a foundational belief in Judaism.

Practical Lesson

  • The verse underscores the obligation of parents to educate their children about Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt).
  • It highlights the importance of responding to questions with clarity and conviction, reinforcing faith in Hashem's miracles.
  • The phrasing teaches that even a child who asks dismissively must be answered firmly, emphasizing collective Jewish identity and divine redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 116a
The verse is referenced in the context of the Passover Haggadah, where it is part of the explanation given to a child who asks about the significance of the Passover rituals.
📖 Berakhot 40b
The verse is discussed in relation to the obligation of recounting the Exodus from Egypt, emphasizing the importance of teaching children about the miracles performed by God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'And it shall be when thy son asks thee...' mean?
A: This verse teaches us about the importance of passing down the story of the Exodus from Egypt to future generations. When a child asks about the meaning of the mitzvot (commandments) related to the Exodus, parents are instructed to explain how Hashem redeemed us from slavery with a strong hand. This is a central part of Jewish tradition and education, as emphasized in the Passover Haggadah.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is foundational because it establishes the mitzvah of teaching our children about Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). The Rambam (Maimonides) includes this in his list of the 613 mitzvot (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1). It reminds us that our freedom and connection to Hashem must be transmitted to each new generation, ensuring the continuity of Jewish faith and identity.
Q: How does this verse apply to Passover today?
A: This verse is the basis for the 'Four Questions' asked by the youngest child at the Passover Seder. The Talmud (Pesachim 116a) explains that the Seder is structured to prompt children to ask questions, just as the verse describes. We respond by recounting the miracles of the Exodus, as the Torah commands here, fulfilling the mitzvah of 'V'Higadta L'Bincha' (telling your child).
Q: What does 'by strength of hand' refer to in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'by strength of hand' refers to the mighty plagues Hashem brought upon Egypt to force Pharaoh to free the Jewish people. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 20:2) elaborates that this phrase emphasizes the open miracles and clear divine intervention that characterized the Exodus, distinguishing it from natural events.
Q: Why does the Torah mention 'the house of bondage' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'house of bondage' (בית עבדים) underscores the severity of our ancestors' slavery in Egypt. The Ibn Ezra notes that this reminds us that we weren't merely oppressed workers, but actual slaves with no rights. Remembering this helps us appreciate our freedom and our special relationship with Hashem who redeemed us.