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Deuteronomy 10:16 - Remove heart's barriers to holiness

Deuteronomy 10:16 - דברים 10:16

Hebrew Text

וּמַלְתֶּם אֵת עָרְלַת לְבַבְכֶם וְעָרְפְּכֶם לֹא תַקְשׁוּ עוֹד׃

English Translation

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be stiffnecked no more.

Transliteration

Umaltem et orlat levavchem ve'arpchem lo takshu od.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמַלְתֶּ֕ם אֵ֖ת עׇרְלַ֣ת לְבַבְכֶ֑ם וְעׇ֨רְפְּכֶ֔ם לֹ֥א תַקְשׁ֖וּ עֽוֹד׃
וּמַלְתֶּ֕ם אֵ֖ת עׇרְלַ֣ת לְבַבְכֶ֑ם וְעׇ֨רְפְּכֶ֔ם לֹ֥א תַקְשׁ֖וּ עֽוֹד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Literal and Metaphorical Meaning

The verse (Devarim 10:16) uses the metaphor of circumcision ("וּמַלְתֶּם אֵת עָרְלַת לְבַבְכֶם") to describe spiritual refinement. Just as brit milah removes physical foreskin, one must remove the "foreskin of the heart"—the spiritual barriers that prevent closeness to Hashem. Rashi explains that this refers to removing the yetzer hara (evil inclination) and stubbornness that obstruct divine service.

Stiff-Neckedness (עָרְפְּכֶם לֹא תַקְשׁוּ)

The phrase "וְעָרְפְּכֶם לֹא תַקְשׁוּ עוֹד" warns against obstinacy in rejecting divine commandments. The Sforno notes that the "neck" symbolizes resistance—just as a stiff neck refuses to turn, a hardened heart refuses to heed moral correction. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) connects this to the need for humility in prayer and repentance.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:16) elaborates that physical circumcision alone is insufficient without inner spiritual refinement. The heart's "foreskin" represents arrogance and insensitivity, which must be "circumcised" to achieve true teshuvah (repentance). Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) similarly teaches that moral refinement requires active effort to soften one's nature.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

  • Mitzvah of Circumcision: The verse underscores that brit milah is incomplete without internal commitment (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 2).
  • Character Development: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:3) links this to the obligation to abandon stubbornness and cultivate openness to Torah.
  • Collective Responsibility: The plural language ("לְבַבְכֶם") implies a communal duty to foster spiritual sensitivity (Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 32b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the spiritual aspect of circumcision, emphasizing the need for inner purity and humility.
📖 Yevamot 72a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the mitzvah of circumcision and its deeper spiritual significance beyond the physical act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'circumcise the foreskin of your heart' mean in Deuteronomy 10:16?
A: This verse uses the metaphor of physical circumcision (brit milah) to teach that we must remove spiritual barriers ('foreskin of the heart') - meaning we should remove stubbornness, arrogance, and anything blocking us from serving Hashem properly. Rashi explains it means to purify our hearts from evil inclinations.
Q: Why does the Torah mention being 'stiffnecked' in this verse?
A: Being 'stiffnecked' (kasheh oref) refers to stubbornness in refusing to accept Divine guidance. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches this verse warns against arrogance and teaches the importance of humility before Hashem. The Talmud (Taanit 7a) says a stiff neck represents resistance to Torah wisdom.
Q: How can we apply 'circumcising the heart' in daily life today?
A: The Sforno explains this means actively removing negative traits and opening ourselves to spiritual growth. Practically, this means working on character improvement (mussar), being open to rebuke, and removing ego - just as circumcision removes physical flesh, we must 'remove' negative spiritual barriers through teshuva (repentance) and mitzvot.
Q: Is this verse connected to the mitzvah of physical circumcision (brit milah)?
A: Yes. While brit milah is a physical commandment, this verse (as explained by Ramban) teaches that the physical act must accompany internal spiritual commitment. The Midrash (Tanchuma Lech Lecha 20) connects them - just as Abraham had both physical circumcision and complete devotion to Hashem, we must strive for both external observance and internal purity.