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Hebrew Text
רַק אִם־שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע בְּקוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לִשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־כָּל־הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם׃
English Translation
only if thou carefully hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day.
Transliteration
Rak im-shamo'a tishma b'kol Adonai Elohecha lishmor la'asot et-kol-hamitzvah hazot asher anochi metzav'cha hayom.
Hebrew Leining Text
רַ֚ק אִם־שָׁמ֣וֹעַ תִּשְׁמַ֔ע בְּק֖וֹל יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ לִשְׁמֹ֤ר לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ אֶת־כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּֽוֹם׃
🎵 Listen to leining
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of listening to and observing God's commandments, emphasizing the connection between hearing and doing.
📖 Sotah 37b
The verse is cited in the context of the blessings and curses on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, illustrating the necessity of heeding God's commandments.
Understanding the Verse's Emphasis on Listening
The verse begins with the doubled expression "שָׁמוֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע" ("carefully hearken"), which Rashi explains as emphasizing the need for diligent attention to mitzvot. This repetition teaches that one must not only hear the commandments superficially but must internalize and act upon them with full intention (כַּוָונָה). The Sifrei (Devarim 11:13) similarly notes that this phrasing implies continuous study and review, ensuring that Torah observance remains fresh and meaningful.
The Connection Between Hearing and Observing
The verse links hearing ("תִּשְׁמַע") with observing and doing ("לִשְׁמֹר לַעֲשׂוֹת"). Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:8) derives from this that Torah study must lead to action. The Talmud (Kiddushin 40b) states that study is greater because it leads to observance, but both are inseparable. The phrase "בְּקוֹל יְהוָה" ("the voice of the Lord") is interpreted by the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) as referring not only to the written Torah but also to the oral tradition, underscoring the importance of both aspects of Torah.
The Specificity of "All These Commandments"
The verse emphasizes "כָּל־הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת" ("all these commandments"), which the Or HaChaim explains as a reminder that one must not selectively observe mitzvot but must embrace the entirety of Torah. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 2b) teaches that neglecting even a "light" mitzvah can lead to disregard for more significant ones, highlighting the need for comprehensive commitment.
The Timeliness of "This Day"
The phrase "הַיּוֹם" ("this day") is interpreted by the Seforno as a call to treat the mitzvot as if they were newly given each day, avoiding complacency. The Baal Shem Tov (Kedushat Levi) expands on this, teaching that every moment presents a fresh opportunity to connect with Hashem through mitzvot, renewing one's spiritual dedication daily.