share torah logo

Deuteronomy 27:26 - Torah's full observance demanded

Deuteronomy 27:26 - דברים 27:26

Hebrew Text

אָרוּר אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יָקִים אֶת־דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה־הַזֹּאת לַעֲשׂוֹת אוֹתָם וְאָמַר כָּל־הָעָם אָמֵן׃

English Translation

Cursed be he that does not maintain all the words of this Tora to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Transliteration

Arur asher lo-yakim et-divrei ha-Torah ha-zot la'asot otam ve-amar kol-ha'am amen.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָר֗וּר אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹא־יָקִ֛ים אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַתּוֹרָֽה־הַזֹּ֖את לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת אוֹתָ֑ם וְאָמַ֥ר כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם אָמֵֽן׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
אָר֗וּר אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹא־יָקִ֛ים אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הַתּוֹרָֽה־הַזֹּ֖את לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת אוֹתָ֑ם וְאָמַ֥ר כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם אָמֵֽן׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Curse for Neglecting Torah Observance

The verse (Devarim 27:26) pronounces a curse upon one who fails to uphold the words of the Torah. Rashi explains that this refers to someone who denies the fundamental obligation to observe mitzvot, or who maintains that the Torah is no longer binding. The Ramban adds that this curse applies even to one who accepts the Torah's authority but neglects its observance in practice.

The Public Declaration of "Amen"

The requirement for all the people to respond "Amen" serves multiple purposes according to our sages:

  • Acceptance of Responsibility: The Talmud (Shevuot 29a) teaches that saying "Amen" constitutes an acceptance of the oath upon oneself.
  • Communal Affirmation: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that this public response creates a collective commitment to Torah observance.
  • Spiritual Protection: The Zohar teaches that the word "Amen" has the power to nullify harsh decrees when said with proper intention.

The Scope of the Obligation

The phrase "all the words of this Torah" is interpreted in several ways by our commentators:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1): Includes both written and oral Torah, as the two are inseparable.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 506): Emphasizes that this applies to both positive and negative commandments.
  • Kli Yakar: Notes that the verse stresses "to do them" - highlighting the importance of actual performance over mere theoretical knowledge.

The Nature of the Curse

The severity of this curse is explained in various sources:

  • Ibn Ezra: Suggests this refers to both physical and spiritual consequences in this world and the next.
  • Malbim: Explains that the curse comes not from Hashem directly, but is the natural consequence of separating oneself from the life-giving Torah.
  • Chofetz Chaim: Teaches that the greatest curse is being distanced from the light of Torah wisdom.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 37b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the curses pronounced at Mount Ebal and the importance of upholding the Torah's commandments.
📖 Sanhedrin 43b
Referenced in a discussion about the seriousness of neglecting Torah commandments and the communal response 'Amen.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 27:26 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 27:26 states that anyone who fails to uphold and observe the commandments of the Torah is subject to a curse, and the entire nation responds with 'Amen,' affirming this declaration. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes the collective responsibility of the Jewish people to follow the Torah's laws.
Q: Why is saying 'Amen' important in this verse?
A: Saying 'Amen' in this context, as explained in the Talmud (Shevuot 36a), is a way for the people to accept and affirm the covenant with Hashem. It serves as a public declaration of commitment to the Torah's commandments, binding the entire nation to its observance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 27:26?
A: This verse teaches the importance of personal and communal accountability in Torah observance. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 3:4) explains that every Jew must recognize their duty to uphold the Torah's laws, and the collective 'Amen' reinforces unity in fulfilling this sacred obligation.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: Deuteronomy 27:26 reminds us that Torah observance is not optional but a binding commitment. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) highlights that each generation must renew this pledge, ensuring that the Torah's teachings remain central to Jewish life, both individually and as a community.
Q: What does 'cursed' mean in this verse?
A: The term 'cursed' here, as interpreted by Rashi and the Talmud (Makot 23b), refers to the spiritual consequences of neglecting Torah commandments. It serves as a warning to take mitzvot seriously, as failing to uphold them distances a person from Hashem's blessings.