Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'cursed be he that makes the blind to wander out of the way' mean in Deuteronomy 27:18?
A: This verse refers to someone who intentionally misleads or deceives others, particularly those who are vulnerable or lack knowledge ('blind' in a metaphorical sense). According to Rashi, this includes giving bad advice or causing someone to sin. The Torah strongly condemns such behavior, placing a curse upon those who do it.
Q: Why does the verse say 'and all the people shall say, Amen'?
A: When the Jewish people stood at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, they affirmed the curses and blessings by responding 'Amen,' showing their acceptance of divine justice. The Talmud (Shevuot 36a) explains that saying 'Amen' is like taking an oath, acknowledging the truth of the statement and accepting its consequences.
Q: How does this verse apply to everyday life today?
A: The verse teaches us to be careful not to mislead others, whether through bad advice, false information, or causing someone to stumble morally. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:7) emphasizes ethical behavior in speech and action, warning against harming others—physically or spiritually—through deception.
Q: Is the 'blind' in this verse only referring to physical blindness?
A: No, traditional Jewish sources interpret 'blind' broadly. Rashi explains it includes anyone who is unaware or ignorant in a particular matter. Misleading such a person—whether in business, Torah study, or personal decisions—is considered a serious offense under this curse.
Q: What is the significance of this curse being listed among the others in Deuteronomy 27?
A: The curses in Deuteronomy 27 highlight behaviors that undermine society, such as dishonesty, injustice, and exploitation of the vulnerable. The Talmud (Sotah 37b) teaches that these curses were proclaimed to reinforce moral responsibility, ensuring the Jewish people uphold righteousness in all dealings.
Literal Interpretation (Peshat)
The verse (Devarim 27:18) pronounces a curse upon one who deliberately misleads a blind person, causing them to stray from their path. Rashi explains that this refers to a literal act of deception against someone who is physically blind, emphasizing the severity of taking advantage of a person's disability. The entire nation responds "Amen," affirming the curse as a collective moral stance against such behavior.
Allegorical Interpretation (Derash)
Midrash Tanchuma expands the meaning beyond the physical, interpreting "the blind" as someone who is morally or spiritually unaware. The curse applies to one who intentionally leads others astray in matters of halacha (Jewish law) or ethical conduct. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:6) warns against misleading others in matters of truth, as this corrupts both the individual and society.
Halachic Implications
Moral and Ethical Dimensions
Rabbeinu Bachya notes that this curse highlights the Torah's particular concern for protecting vulnerable members of society. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that the public response of "Amen" demonstrates society's responsibility to uphold justice and prevent exploitation of the weak.
Contemporary Application
Modern poskim like Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe, CM 2:30) apply this principle to cases of:
- Financial deception (geneivat da'at)
- Misleading advertising
- Withholding critical information from those who rely on our counsel
The inclusion of this curse among those proclaimed on Mount Gerizim underscores its fundamental importance in Jewish ethics.