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Deuteronomy 17:11 - Follow Torah sages' rulings absolutely

Deuteronomy 17:11 - דברים 17:11

Hebrew Text

עַל־פִּי הַתּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר יוֹרוּךָ וְעַל־הַמִּשְׁפָּט אֲשֶׁר־יֹאמְרוּ לְךָ תַּעֲשֶׂה לֹא תָסוּר מִן־הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־יַגִּידוּ לְךָ יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאל׃

English Translation

according to the sentence of the Tora which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not deviate from the sentence which they shall tell thee, to the right hand, or to the left.

Transliteration

Al-pi ha-Torah asher yorukha ve-al ha-mishpat asher yomru lekha ta'aseh lo tasur min ha-davar asher yagidu lekha yamin u-smol.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַל־פִּ֨י הַתּוֹרָ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יוֹר֗וּךָ וְעַל־הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט אֲשֶׁר־יֹאמְר֥וּ לְךָ֖ תַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה לֹ֣א תָס֗וּר מִן־הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־יַגִּ֥ידֽוּ לְךָ֖ יָמִ֥ין וּשְׂמֹֽאל׃
עַל־פִּ֨י הַתּוֹרָ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יוֹר֗וּךָ וְעַל־הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט אֲשֶׁר־יֹאמְר֥וּ לְךָ֖ תַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה לֹ֣א תָס֗וּר מִן־הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־יַגִּ֥ידֽוּ לְךָ֖ יָמִ֥ין וּשְׂמֹֽאל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Obligation to Follow Rabbinic Authority

The verse (Devarim 17:11) establishes the binding authority of the Sanhedrin and later halachic decisors (poskim). Rashi explains that this refers to the Torah scholars of each generation who determine halacha—even if their ruling appears to contradict what one has learned, one must obey their instruction. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 1:1-2) codifies this as a positive commandment to heed the Great Sanhedrin and subsequent courts.

Prohibition Against Deviation

The phrase "lo tasur" ("do not deviate") is understood by the Talmud (Sotah 44b) as an independent prohibition against rejecting rabbinic rulings. The Sifrei emphasizes that this applies even if the court instructs that right is left or left is right—one must follow their interpretation, as they are the authorized transmitters of Torah tradition.

Scope of Rabbinic Authority

  • Temporary Decrees: The Talmud (Shabbat 23a) discusses how rabbinic enactments (takanot) have binding force, even when their original reason may no longer apply.
  • Interpretive Authority: Ramban notes that this verse grants sages the power to derive laws through the 13 hermeneutical principles, even for matters not explicitly stated in the Written Torah.
  • Limitations: The Mishnah (Sanhedrin 11:2) clarifies that this obligation applies only to rulings made through proper halachic process by qualified scholars.

Practical Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 495) explains that this mitzvah maintains Torah unity—without a central halachic authority, Jewish practice would fragment. The Chatam Sofer (Responsa 6:86) applies this principle to contemporary rabbinic leadership, showing how later authorities inherit this binding status from the Sanhedrin.

Metaphorical Meaning

The Kli Yakar interprets "right or left" symbolically: even if a ruling seems to favor strictness (right) or leniency (left) beyond what one might choose personally, one must follow the established halachic process rather than personal inclination.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 88b
The verse is cited to emphasize the authority of the Sages in interpreting the Torah and the obligation to follow their rulings without deviation.
📖 Horayot 2a
The verse is referenced in discussions about the authority of the High Court (Sanhedrin) and the obligation to adhere to their decisions.
📖 Sotah 44a
The verse is mentioned in the context of following the rulings of the Sages even in matters of war and communal decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 17:11 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 17:11 teaches the obligation to follow the rulings of the Torah scholars and judges of each generation. The verse commands us to obey their interpretations and legal decisions without deviation, whether we personally agree or not. This establishes the authority of the Sanhedrin (high court) and later rabbinic leadership in determining halacha (Jewish law).
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 17:11 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is fundamental because it establishes the principle of Torah She'ba'al Peh (the Oral Torah) and rabbinic authority. The Talmud (Sotah 44b) explains that this verse obligates us to follow the rulings of our sages, even if they seem to declare 'right as left' or 'left as right' - meaning we must trust their judgment even when we don't understand their reasoning.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 17:11 apply today?
A: Today, this verse means we must follow the rulings of recognized Orthodox rabbinic authorities in matters of halacha. As Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Mamrim 1:1-2, this includes both the written Torah and the oral traditions passed down through the generations. We consult our rabbis for proper Torah observance rather than relying solely on our own understanding.
Q: What does 'not turn to the right or left' mean in Deuteronomy 17:11?
A: Rashi explains that 'not turning right or left' means we must not deviate from the sages' rulings even if they tell us something that appears contrary to what we think is right or left (correct or incorrect). The Sifrei (Devarim 154) adds that this applies even if the court mistakenly permits something actually forbidden - we must still follow their ruling at that time.
Q: Who are the 'they' referred to in Deuteronomy 17:11?
A: The 'they' refers to the legitimate Torah authorities of each generation. The Talmud (Chagigah 3b) explains this includes both the Sanhedrin (in Temple times) and later qualified rabbinic courts and scholars. Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 1:1) specifies these must be sages properly ordained in an unbroken chain from Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our teacher).