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Deuteronomy 26:14 - Purity in tithes, divine obedience affirmed.

Deuteronomy 26:14 - דברים 26:14

Hebrew Text

לֹא־אָכַלְתִּי בְאֹנִי מִמֶּנּוּ וְלֹא־בִעַרְתִּי מִמֶּנּוּ בְּטָמֵא וְלֹא־נָתַתִּי מִמֶּנּוּ לְמֵת שָׁמַעְתִּי בְּקוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי עָשִׂיתִי כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתָנִי׃

English Translation

I have not eaten of it in my mourning, neither have I consumed any part of it when unclean, nor given of it for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded me.

Transliteration

Lo-achalti ve'oni mimeno velo-vi'arti mimeno betame velo-natati mimeno lemet shama'ti bekol Adonai Elohai asiti kechol asher tzivitani.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־אָכַ֨לְתִּי בְאֹנִ֜י מִמֶּ֗נּוּ וְלֹא־בִעַ֤רְתִּי מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ בְּטָמֵ֔א וְלֹא־נָתַ֥תִּי מִמֶּ֖נּוּ לְמֵ֑ת שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי בְּקוֹל֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֔י עָשִׂ֕יתִי כְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּיתָֽנִי׃
לֹא־אָכַ֨לְתִּי בְאֹנִ֜י מִמֶּ֗נּוּ וְלֹא־בִעַ֤רְתִּי מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ בְּטָמֵ֔א וְלֹא־נָתַ֥תִּי מִמֶּ֖נּוּ לְמֵ֑ת שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי בְּקוֹל֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֔י עָשִׂ֕יתִי כְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּיתָֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 26:14) is part of the declaration made when bringing bikkurim (first fruits) to the Beit HaMikdash. The speaker affirms that they have fulfilled the mitzvah properly and avoided any improper use of the tithes associated with the produce.

Explanation of the Prohibitions

  • "I have not eaten of it in my mourning" (לֹא־אָכַלְתִּי בְאֹנִי מִמֶּנּוּ): Rashi explains that this refers to the ma'aser sheni (second tithe), which must be eaten in purity and joy in Yerushalayim. Eating it while in a state of mourning (when one is ritually impure due to contact with the dead) violates this requirement (see Moed Katan 14b).
  • "Nor have I consumed any part of it when unclean" (וְלֹא־בִעַרְתִּי מִמֶּנּוּ בְּטָמֵא): Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aser Sheni 3:10) clarifies that one must not eat ma'aser sheni while in a state of ritual impurity (tumah), as it is considered sacred and must be consumed in purity.
  • "Nor given of it for the dead" (וְלֹא־נָתַתִּי מִמֶּנּוּ לְמֵת): The Talmud (Berachot 35a) interprets this as a prohibition against using tithed produce for idolatrous practices related to mourning, such as feeding the dead or using it in pagan rites.

Affirmation of Obedience

"I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord my God" (שָׁמַעְתִּי בְּקוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי): The Sforno emphasizes that this declaration demonstrates complete adherence to Hashem's commandments, not just in action but in intent—fulfilling the mitzvah with proper kavanah (devotion).

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this verse underscores the importance of separating tithes correctly and treating sanctified produce with reverence. The declaration serves as both a personal accounting and a public affirmation of one's commitment to Torah law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 26:14 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 26:14 is part of the declaration made when bringing the first fruits (Bikkurim) to the Temple. The speaker affirms that they have not misused the tithes—they did not eat them while in mourning (when certain restrictions apply), did not consume them while ritually impure, and did not give them for improper purposes like honoring the dead. Instead, they followed Hashem's commandments fully.
Q: Why is it important not to eat tithes while in mourning or in a state of impurity?
A: According to Jewish law (Halacha), tithes (Ma'aser) and other sacred offerings must be eaten in a state of purity and joy. Eating them while in mourning (when one is distracted by grief) or in a state of ritual impurity (טומאה) shows disrespect for their holiness. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of treating holy things with proper reverence.
Q: What does 'not giving of it for the dead' refer to in Deuteronomy 26:14?
A: The phrase means that the tithes were not used for rituals honoring the dead, such as pagan customs of leaving food at graves. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aser Sheni) teaches that tithes must be used only for their intended holy purposes, not for unrelated or idolatrous practices.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we no longer bring Bikkurim to the Temple, the principle remains: we must treat mitzvot (commandments) with respect and follow them carefully. The Talmud (Berachos) teaches that performing mitzvot with proper intention and joy is essential, just as the verse concludes, 'I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord... and have done all that You commanded me.'
Q: What is the significance of declaring this when bringing first fruits?
A: The declaration (Mikra Bikkurim) affirms that the mitzvah was performed correctly. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains that this public statement reinforces accountability and gratitude to Hashem. By specifying what was not done improperly, the person demonstrates their commitment to fulfilling the commandment with purity and sincerity.