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Deuteronomy 6:20 - Teach children Torah's eternal wisdom

Deuteronomy 6:20 - דברים 6:20

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יִשְׁאָלְךָ בִנְךָ מָחָר לֵאמֹר מָה הָעֵדֹת וְהַחֻקִּים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֶתְכֶם׃

English Translation

When thy son asks thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord our God has commanded you?

Transliteration

Ki-yish'alcha vincha machar lemor ma ha'edot vehachukim vehamishpatim asher tziva Adonai Eloheinu etchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥ בִנְךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֑ר מָ֣ה הָעֵדֹ֗ת וְהַֽחֻקִּים֙ וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ אֶתְכֶֽם׃
כִּֽי־יִשְׁאָלְךָ֥ בִנְךָ֛ מָחָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֑ר מָ֣ה הָעֵדֹ֗ת וְהַֽחֻקִּים֙ וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ אֶתְכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:20, within the broader context of the Shema and the mitzvah to teach Torah to one's children. This passage is part of Moshe's address to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing the transmission of Torah to future generations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this verse refers to the ben chacham (wise son) mentioned in the Haggadah of Pesach. The son asks about the deeper meaning behind the mitzvot, not merely their practical observance. Rashi notes that the phrase "מָחָר" (tomorrow) implies a future time when the child will reflect on the purpose of the commandments.

Categories of Mitzvot

The verse lists three types of commandments:

  • עֵדֹת (Testimonies): Mitzvot that serve as reminders of historical events, such as Pesach (commemorating Yetziat Mitzrayim) or Shabbat (commemorating Creation). Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim explains these as "testimonies" to foundational beliefs.
  • חֻקִּים (Statutes): Laws whose reasons are not immediately apparent, such as kashrut or sha'atnez. The Talmud (Yoma 67b) teaches that these are decrees from Hashem, and we observe them out of obedience.
  • מִשְׁפָּטִים (Judgments): Logical laws like civil justice or prohibitions against theft, which human intellect would dictate even without divine command.

Educational Approach

The Sifrei (a halachic midrash) derives from this verse that a parent must respond to a child's question with patience and depth, tailoring the answer to the child's level of understanding. The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz u'Matzah 7:2) applies this principle to the mitzvah of telling the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim on Pesach.

Theological Implication

The Ibn Ezra notes that the phrase "אֱלֹהֵינוּ" (our God) emphasizes the personal and communal relationship with Hashem. The mitzvot are not arbitrary but are given by the God who took us out of Egypt and established a covenant with us.

Practical Lesson

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 21) explains that this verse teaches the obligation of chinuch (education) - to instill in children an appreciation for mitzvot as divine commandments, not merely cultural practices. The question "מָה הָעֵדֹת" invites dialogue about the purpose and wisdom behind Torah observance.

📚 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 'Four Questions' or 'Mah Nishtanah' section, illustrating the importance of teaching children about the commandments.
📖 Chagigah 3a
The verse is discussed in relation to the obligation of teaching Torah to one's children and the broader context of transmitting Jewish law and tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 6:20 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 6:20 refers to a child asking their parent about the meaning of the Torah's commandments ('testimonies, statutes, and judgments'). According to Rashi, this teaches us the importance of educating children about the mitzvot (commandments) and explaining their purpose in a way they can understand. The verse emphasizes passing down Jewish tradition to the next generation.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is foundational in Judaism because it highlights the mitzvah of teaching Torah to children. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Talmud Torah) explains that parents have an obligation to educate their children in Torah and mitzvot. The Talmud (Chagigah 6a) also discusses how this verse underscores the transmission of Jewish heritage through questioning and dialogue.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 6:20 today?
A: We learn that Jewish education is based on open discussion and curiosity. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that questions from children should be welcomed and answered thoughtfully. Today, this reminds parents and teachers to encourage children's questions about Judaism and provide meaningful explanations about Torah observance.
Q: How does this verse apply to Passover?
A: This verse is part of the 'Four Sons' section in the Haggadah, where it represents the 'wise son' who asks detailed questions about mitzvot. The Talmud (Pesachim 116a) connects this to the obligation of telling the Exodus story in response to a child's inquiry, showing how Torah learning begins with curiosity.
Q: What are 'testimonies, statutes, and judgments' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'testimonies' (eidot) refer to mitzvot that testify to major events (like Shabbat recalling Creation), 'statutes' (chukim) are laws with reasons beyond human understanding (like kashrut), and 'judgments' (mishpatim) are logical ethical laws (like honoring parents). Together, they represent the full range of Torah commandments.