Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:19 mean when it says 'Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out'?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochecha' (rebuke) in Deuteronomy, which describes the consequences of not following Hashem's commandments. Rashi explains that this curse means a person will experience misfortune in all their activities—whether coming in (like returning home) or going out (like leaving for work). It signifies a lack of success and blessing in daily life when one strays from Torah observance.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 28:19 important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes the principle of 'measure for measure' in Jewish thought. The Talmud (Sotah 8b) teaches that blessings and curses are directly tied to our actions. This verse serves as a warning to encourage adherence to mitzvot (commandments) and highlights the consequences of neglecting them.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Deuteronomy 28:19 in our lives today?
A: The verse reminds us that our relationship with Hashem affects every aspect of our lives. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah) teaches that repentance and mitzvah observance bring blessings. Practically, this means striving to live according to Torah values in all our comings and goings—whether in business, family life, or community—to invite Hashem's blessings.
Q: Does Deuteronomy 28:19 mean that bad things happen only because of sin?
A: While the verse connects suffering to straying from Torah, Jewish tradition (as seen in the Talmud, Berachos 5a) also teaches that challenges can come as tests or for other reasons. However, this verse highlights the general principle that collective abandonment of mitzvot leads to hardship, as explained in the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim).
Q: What is the context of Deuteronomy 28:19 in the larger Torah portion?
A: This verse appears in Parashat Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26-29), where Moshe outlines blessings for keeping the covenant and curses for abandoning it. The Sforno explains that these curses—including our verse—are meant to awaken people to repentance. The entire section serves as a solemn reminder of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Context in the Torah
The verse "אָרוּר אַתָּה בְּבֹאֶךָ וְאָרוּר אַתָּה בְּצֵאתֶךָ" (Devarim 28:19) appears in the section of Ki Tavo, where Moshe enumerates the blessings for fulfilling the mitzvot and the curses for neglecting them. This verse is part of the Tochacha (Rebuke), a stern warning about the consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the curse applies to all aspects of a person's endeavors: "when you come in" refers to one's activities within the home (e.g., business or household affairs), while "when you go out" refers to activities outside the home (e.g., travel or commerce). The repetition emphasizes that failure to observe the Torah affects every facet of life, leaving no area untouched by misfortune.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra adds that the curse is comprehensive—whether a person is engaged in private or public matters, success will elude them. He connects this to the broader theme of the Tochacha, where disobedience leads to instability and frustration in all pursuits.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 4) elaborates that this curse reflects a loss of divine protection. When Bnei Yisrael are faithful, Hashem guards them "when you come in and when you go out" (Tehillim 121:8). Conversely, abandonment of the mitzvot removes this safeguard, leaving them vulnerable in every circumstance.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Teshuvah (9:1), Rambam teaches that these curses are not arbitrary punishments but natural consequences of straying from Torah. A life detached from mitzvot lacks divine blessing, resulting in hardship in all endeavors—symbolized by the duality of "coming in" and "going out."
Practical Implications