share torah logo

Deuteronomy 28:11 - Divine abundance for covenant faithfulness

Deuteronomy 28:11 - דברים 28:11

Hebrew Text

וְהוֹתִרְךָ יְהוָה לְטוֹבָה בִּפְרִי בִטְנְךָ וּבִפְרִי בְהַמְתְּךָ וּבִפְרִי אַדְמָתֶךָ עַל הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ לָתֶת לָךְ׃

English Translation

And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord swore to thy fathers to give thee.

Transliteration

Vehotircha Adonai letova bifri vitnecha uvifri behemtecha uvifri adamatecha al ha'adama asher nishba Adonai la'avotecha latet lach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהוֹתִרְךָ֤ יְהֹוָה֙ לְטוֹבָ֔ה בִּפְרִ֧י בִטְנְךָ֛ וּבִפְרִ֥י בְהֶמְתְּךָ֖ וּבִפְרִ֣י אַדְמָתֶ֑ךָ עַ֚ל הָאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע יְהֹוָ֛ה לַאֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ לָ֥תֶת לָֽךְ׃
וְהוֹתִרְךָ֤ יְהֹוָה֙ לְטוֹבָ֔ה בִּפְרִ֧י בִטְנְךָ֛ וּבִפְרִ֥י בְהֶמְתְּךָ֖ וּבִפְרִ֣י אַדְמָתֶ֑ךָ עַ֚ל הָאֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע יְהֹוָ֛ה לַאֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ לָ֥תֶת לָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 28:11) is part of the Tochacha (rebuke) in Parshat Ki Tavo, where Moshe details the blessings that will come to Bnei Yisrael if they follow the commandments of Hashem. This particular verse emphasizes abundance in three key areas: children, livestock, and agricultural produce—all tied to the Land of Israel, which Hashem swore to give to the Avot (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהוֹתִרְךָ לְטוֹבָה" ("And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods") means that Hashem will elevate Bnei Yisrael above all other nations in material and spiritual prosperity. The term "לְטוֹבָה" ("for good") implies that this abundance will be a true blessing, free from negative consequences like arrogance or wastefulness.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuva (9:1), the Rambam teaches that material blessings—such as children, livestock, and produce—are contingent upon mitzvah observance. This verse underscores that prosperity in Eretz Yisrael is not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct result of Divine reward for faithfulness to the Torah.

Midrashic Insights

  • Sifrei Devarim: The Midrash interprets "פְּרִי בִטְנְךָ" ("fruit of your body") as referring not only to quantity but also to quality—children who are righteous and devoted to Torah.
  • Midrash Tanchuma: The phrase "עַל הָאֲדָמָה" ("upon the land") teaches that these blessings are uniquely tied to Eretz Yisrael, where the Shechinah dwells and where mitzvot bear their fullest spiritual and physical fruits.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that "פְּרִי בְהַמְתְּךָ" ("fruit of your cattle") symbolizes the refinement of one's animalistic tendencies. True abundance comes when a person elevates their physical desires to serve Hashem, transforming even mundane aspects of life into holiness.

Practical Implications

This verse serves as a reminder that material success is a Divine gift, not an end in itself. The Torah emphasizes that prosperity in Eretz Yisrael is meant to facilitate Torah study, mitzvah observance, and communal welfare—fulfilling the covenant between Hashem and our forefathers.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:11 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:11 is a blessing from Hashem (G-d) promising abundance in children, livestock, and agricultural produce for the Jewish people if they follow His commandments. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes that these blessings will come specifically in the Land of Israel, which Hashem swore to give to our ancestors.
Q: Why is the 'fruit of your body' mentioned first in this verse?
A: According to traditional Jewish interpretation, children ('fruit of your body') are mentioned first because they are the most precious blessing. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) teaches that righteous children are even greater than building the Holy Temple, showing how highly Judaism values offspring who follow Torah values.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) explains that these blessings remain relevant as spiritual promises. While we may not all live in Israel or farm the land, the principles teach that observing mitzvot brings Divine blessing in all aspects of life - family, livelihood, and connection to the Land of Israel.
Q: What is the significance of the land mentioned in this verse?
A: The verse specifically connects these blessings to the Land of Israel. The Sforno explains that the unique spiritual quality of the Land means that when Jews live there properly, the land itself responds with abundance. This teaches us about the special relationship between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Does this verse mean material wealth is guaranteed if we follow Torah?
A: The Talmud (Moed Katan 28a) teaches that material blessings depend on both merit and Divine decree. While the verse promises general blessing for observance, Rambam (Guide 3:17) explains that true reward is primarily spiritual. Material blessings may come in different forms according to what's truly best for each person's soul.