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Deuteronomy 28:14 - Stray not from Torah's path

Deuteronomy 28:14 - דברים 28:14

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא תָסוּר מִכָּל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם הַיּוֹם יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאול לָלֶכֶת אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים לְעָבְדָם׃

English Translation

and thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Transliteration

Ve'lo tasur mikol-hadevarim asher anochi metzaveh etchem hayom yamin u'smol lalechet acharei elohim acherim la'avodam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹ֣א תָס֗וּר מִכׇּל־הַדְּבָרִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֜י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֛ם הַיּ֖וֹם יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֑אול לָלֶ֗כֶת אַחֲרֵ֛י אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים לְעׇבְדָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְלֹ֣א תָס֗וּר מִכׇּל־הַדְּבָרִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֜י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶ֛ם הַיּ֖וֹם יָמִ֣ין וּשְׂמֹ֑אול לָלֶ֗כֶת אַחֲרֵ֛י אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֲחֵרִ֖ים לְעׇבְדָֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

The verse (Devarim 28:14) commands strict adherence to Hashem's mitzvot without deviation—neither to the right (adding stringencies beyond halacha) nor to the left (neglecting obligations). Rashi emphasizes that this prohibits following elohim acherim (foreign gods), underscoring the centrality of exclusive devotion to Hashem.

Halachic Implications (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:4) derives from this verse the prohibition against any association with idolatry, even indirect. The phrasing "to the right or to the left" teaches that one must not rationalize compromises, such as engaging with idolatrous practices for social or economic reasons.

Midrashic Insight (Sifrei Devarim)

The Midrash (Sifrei 281) interprets "to the right or to the left" as a warning against altering mitzvot—whether by:

  • Adding: Creating new rituals (e.g., a fifth species on Sukkot).
  • Subtracting: Omitting required elements (e.g., neglecting tzitzit on a garment).

Kabbalistic Dimension (Zohar)

The Zohar (III:264b) links "right and left" to the sefirot of Chesed (kindness) and Gevurah (severity). Straying "to the right" represents excessive leniency in divine service, while "to the left" signifies undue harshness—both distortions of balanced avodat Hashem.

Practical Application (Chatam Sofer)

Chatam Sofer (Torat Moshe) notes that the verse follows blessings for obedience (Devarim 28:1-13), teaching that success must not lead to spiritual complacency. Even in prosperity, one must vigilantly avoid rationalizing deviations from Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 90a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of adhering strictly to the commandments and not deviating from them, emphasizing the prohibition against idolatry.
📖 Sotah 37b
The verse is referenced in the context of the covenant at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, highlighting the commitment to follow God's commandments without deviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'not turn aside to the right or left' mean in Deuteronomy 28:14?
A: This phrase means that we must follow all of Hashem's commandments precisely, without adding or subtracting from them (Rashi). The Torah warns against deviating even slightly, whether by being too strict ('right') or too lenient ('left'), as this can lead to serving other gods.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 28:14 important in Judaism?
A: This verse emphasizes the importance of complete loyalty to Hashem and His mitzvot. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:4) explains that even small deviations can lead to idolatry, making this a foundational principle in Jewish belief and practice.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 28:14 in daily life?
A: We apply this by carefully observing halacha (Jewish law) as transmitted by our sages, without introducing unauthorized changes. The Talmud (Sotah 22b) teaches that even well-intentioned additions to Torah can be problematic, so we follow the mesorah (tradition) faithfully.
Q: What does 'other gods' refer to in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that 'other gods' includes not only idol worship, but anything that distracts us from serving Hashem properly - whether material pursuits, ideologies, or personal desires that take priority over Torah observance.
Q: Does this verse mean we can never change Jewish practices?
A: No - the verse warns against unauthorized changes, but Judaism has a system for proper halachic development. The Talmud (Megillah 19b) teaches that legitimate Torah authorities can establish safeguards and ordinances, but these must be within the framework of Torah tradition, not personal innovation.