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Deuteronomy 16:12 - Remember Egypt, keep commandments.

Deuteronomy 16:12 - דברים 16:12

Hebrew Text

וְזָכַרְתָּ כִּי־עֶבֶד הָיִיתָ בְּמִצְרָיִם וְשָׁמַרְתָּ וְעָשִׂיתָ אֶת־הַחֻקִּים הָאֵלֶּה׃

English Translation

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Miżrayim: therefore thou shalt observe and do these statutes.

Transliteration

Vezakharta ki-eved hayita bemitzrayim veshamarta ve'asita et-hachukim ha'eleh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔ כִּי־עֶ֥בֶד הָיִ֖יתָ בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣ וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ אֶת־הַֽחֻקִּ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔ כִּי־עֶ֥בֶד הָיִ֖יתָ בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֣ וְעָשִׂ֔יתָ אֶת־הַֽחֻקִּ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Remembering Egyptian Bondage

The verse commands us to remember our servitude in Egypt (Mitzrayim) as a motivation for observing the commandments. Rashi (Devarim 16:12) explains that this remembrance should inspire humility and gratitude, preventing arrogance despite our elevated spiritual status. The experience of oppression should sensitize us to justice and kindness in fulfilling mitzvot.

Connection to Mitzvah Observance

Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U’Matzah 7:1) derives from this verse that recalling the Exodus is a Torah obligation. The Sifrei (Devarim 49) emphasizes that remembering Egyptian bondage is intrinsically linked to mitzvah performance—our redemption obligates us to Divine service. The Talmud (Berachot 21a) connects this to daily Torah study, as liberation from slavery enabled us to receive the Torah.

Practical Implications

  • Empathy: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 421) teaches that remembering slavery cultivates compassion for the vulnerable, influencing how we observe interpersonal mitzvot.
  • Humility: The Kli Yakar (Devarim 16:12) notes that recalling our servile origins counters pride when experiencing material success.
  • Gratitude: The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) interprets this remembrance as acknowledging God’s redemption, reinforcing our commitment to halachah.

Chassidic Perspective

The Sfat Emet (Bo 5631) interprets "עבד במצרים" allegorically: Egypt (Mitzrayim, from meitzarim, constraints) represents spiritual limitations. Remembering our bondage reminds us to break personal barriers in serving Hashem through mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 13b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the obligation to remember the Exodus from Egypt during the recitation of the Shema.
📖 Pesachim 116b
The verse is cited in the context of the Haggadah, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Exodus during the Passover Seder.
📖 Sotah 14a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the mitzvah of emulating God's attributes, specifically the act of redeeming the oppressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 16:12 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 16:12 reminds the Jewish people to remember their slavery in Egypt as a motivation to observe and fulfill G-d's commandments (mitzvot). Rashi explains that remembering our past suffering should inspire gratitude and commitment to following Torah laws.
Q: Why is remembering Egyptian slavery important in Judaism?
A: The Torah frequently commands us to remember our Egyptian slavery (e.g. Exodus 22:20, Deuteronomy 5:15). Rambam teaches that this memory creates empathy for others and motivates us to serve G-d with humility. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 10b) also derives from this verse that former slaves should be particularly careful about keeping mitzvot.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse teaches that our historical experience should shape our religious practice. The Sforno explains that remembering our slavery helps us appreciate freedom to serve G-d. Today, we fulfill this through Passover observances, daily prayers mentioning the Exodus, and applying lessons of empathy to how we treat converts, workers, and the vulnerable.
Q: What specific commandments is this verse referring to?
A: In context, this verse refers to the laws of the pilgrimage festivals (Deut. 16:1-17), particularly rejoicing on Shavuot. However, the Ramban explains it as a general principle - remembering Egypt should inspire observance of all mitzvot. The Talmud (Berachot 21a) connects this to the obligation to recite blessings before Torah study.
Q: How does remembering slavery help us keep mitzvot?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that remembering our lowly origins prevents arrogance and helps us accept G-d's commandments with humility. The Kli Yakar adds that experiencing oppression makes us more sensitive to the 'yoke' of mitzvot. This memory transforms obligation into privilege - we now serve G-d rather than human masters.