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Deuteronomy 26:5 - Exile to nationhood transformation

Deuteronomy 26:5 - דברים 26:5

Hebrew Text

וְעָנִיתָ וְאָמַרְתָּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲרַמִּי אֹבֵד אָבִי וַיֵּרֶד מִצְרַיְמָה וַיָּגָר שָׁם בִּמְתֵי מְעָט וַיְהִי־שָׁם לְגוֹי גָּדוֹל עָצוּם וָרָב׃

English Translation

And thou shalt speak and say before the Lord thy God, An Arammian nomad was my father, and he went down to Miżrayim, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:

Transliteration

Ve'anita ve'amarta lifnei Adonai Eloheicha Arami oved avi vayered mitzrayma vayagar sham bimtei me'at vayehi-sham legoy gadol atzum varav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָנִ֨יתָ וְאָמַרְתָּ֜ לִפְנֵ֣י <b>׀</b> יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ אֲרַמִּי֙ אֹבֵ֣ד אָבִ֔י וַיֵּ֣רֶד מִצְרַ֔יְמָה וַיָּ֥גׇר שָׁ֖ם בִּמְתֵ֣י מְעָ֑ט וַֽיְהִי־שָׁ֕ם לְג֥וֹי גָּד֖וֹל עָצ֥וּם וָרָֽב׃
וְעָנִ֨יתָ וְאָמַרְתָּ֜ לִפְנֵ֣י ׀ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ אֲרַמִּי֙ אֹבֵ֣ד אָבִ֔י וַיֵּ֣רֶד מִצְרַ֔יְמָה וַיָּ֥גׇר שָׁ֖ם בִּמְתֵ֣י מְעָ֑ט וַֽיְהִי־שָׁ֕ם לְג֥וֹי גָּד֖וֹל עָצ֥וּם וָרָֽב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 26:5) is part of the declaration made when bringing the first fruits (Bikkurim) to the Beis HaMikdash. The speaker recounts the history of the Jewish people, beginning with Yaakov Avinu, referred to as "an Aramean nomad." This declaration is known as "Mikra Bikkurim" and is a central part of the mitzvah of Bikkurim.

Meaning of "Arami Oved Avi"

Rashi explains that "Arami Oved Avi" refers to Lavan HaArami, who sought to destroy Yaakov Avinu ("oved" meaning "destroyed" or "sought to destroy"). The phrase highlights the origins of Bnei Yisrael in hardship and Divine salvation. Ramban offers an alternative interpretation, suggesting it refers to Yaakov himself as a wandering Aramean (since he lived in Aram for many years). The Midrash (Sifrei) connects this to the broader theme of Hashem's redemption of our ancestors from oppression.

The Descent to Mitzrayim

The verse continues with Yaakov's descent to Mitzrayim with a small family ("bimei me'at"). The Talmud (Chagigah 3a) notes that "bimei me'at" refers to the 70 souls mentioned in Bereishis 46:27. Despite starting as a small group, they grew into a great nation—fulfilling the promise to Avraham of numerous descendants (Bereishis 15:5). This growth in Mitzrayim demonstrates Hashem's faithfulness to the Avos.

Themes of Gratitude and History

  • Gratitude: The Mikra Bikkurim emphasizes recognizing Hashem's role in Jewish history, from hardship to redemption. The Sforno explains that this declaration instills humility and thankfulness.
  • Historical Continuity: By recounting the journey from Yaakov to Yetzias Mitzrayim, the verse connects the farmer bringing Bikkurim to the broader story of Klal Yisrael.
  • Divine Providence: The growth from a small family to a great nation in exile underscores Hashem's hand in Jewish destiny, as noted by the Rambam in Hilchos Bikkurim.

Halachic Significance

The Mishnah (Bikkurim 1:4) describes how this declaration was made in the Beis HaMikdash with great ceremony. The Tur (Orach Chaim 529) emphasizes that the mitzvah of Bikkurim and its accompanying declaration were only fully observed when all of Klal Yisrael dwelled in Eretz Yisrael. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 606) explains that this mitzvah reinforces emunah by recalling Hashem's kindness throughout history.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 116a
The verse is quoted as part of the Haggadah, which is recited during the Passover Seder. It is used to recount the story of the Israelites' descent into Egypt and their subsequent growth into a great nation.
📖 Sotah 32a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the obligation to recite certain passages in Hebrew during the Temple service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'An Arammian nomad was my father' mean in Deuteronomy 26:5?
A: This phrase refers to Jacob (Yaakov), who lived in Aram (modern-day Syria) for many years with his uncle Lavan (Laban). Rashi explains that it highlights our humble origins, reminding us that our forefathers were wanderers before becoming a great nation in Egypt.
Q: Why do we mention our ancestors' suffering in Egypt in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 116a) teaches that recounting our ancestors' hardships in Egypt is part of expressing gratitude to Hashem for redeeming us. This verse is central to the Passover Haggadah, showing how acknowledging past struggles deepens our appreciation for Divine kindness.
Q: What is the significance of saying this verse 'before the Lord your God'?
A: Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Bikkurim 3:1-4) explains this refers to the declaration made when bringing first fruits to the Temple. It connects material blessings to our spiritual history, recognizing that everything comes from Hashem and our national story shapes our relationship with Him.
Q: How does 'he became a great nation' apply to us today?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches this reminds us that Jewish survival against all odds is miraculous. Just as our small family grew into a nation in Egypt despite oppression, we must trust in Hashem's providence throughout Jewish history, including in modern times.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that our ancestors were few in number?
A: Rashi notes this highlights Hashem's kindness - that He made a great nation from just 70 people (as in Genesis 46:27). It teaches that Jewish significance comes from quality (our covenant with G-d) rather than quantity, a principle that remains true today.