share torah logo

Deuteronomy 28:3 - Divine blessings everywhere.

Deuteronomy 28:3 - דברים 28:3

Hebrew Text

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה בָּעִיר וּבָרוּךְ אַתָּה בַּשָּׂדֶה׃

English Translation

Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

Transliteration

Barukh atah ba'ir uvarukh atah basadeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

בָּר֥וּךְ אַתָּ֖ה בָּעִ֑יר וּבָר֥וּךְ אַתָּ֖ה בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃
בָּר֥וּךְ אַתָּ֖ה בָּעִ֑יר וּבָר֥וּךְ אַתָּ֖ה בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse "בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה בָּעִיר וּבָרוּךְ אַתָּה בַּשָּׂדֶה" (Devarim 28:3) appears in the section of Ki Tavo, where Moshe enumerates the blessings that will be bestowed upon Bnei Yisrael if they faithfully observe the mitzvot. This verse is part of a broader list of blessings that encompass all aspects of life.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the blessing "in the city" refers to one's home and dwelling place, while "in the field" refers to one's property and agricultural endeavors. The dual blessing ensures that a person's material and spiritual needs are met in all places—whether in the private domain of the home or the public domain of labor and commerce.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra adds that the repetition of "בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה" emphasizes that the blessing is not limited to one sphere of life but extends to all areas. The city represents communal and social life, while the field symbolizes individual labor and sustenance. Both are equally deserving of divine blessing when one walks in Hashem's ways.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) elaborates that the blessings in the city and field correspond to different mitzvot:

  • In the city: Refers to mitzvot performed in settled areas, such as building a mezuzah, establishing courts of justice, and communal prayer.
  • In the field: Pertains to agricultural mitzvot like pe'ah (leaving corners of the field for the poor), kilayim (forbidden mixtures), and terumot (tithes).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Berachot, the Rambam teaches that these blessings reflect the principle that divine reward is not arbitrary but directly linked to one's actions. A person who fulfills mitzvot in both private (ba’ir) and public (basadeh) domains merits blessing in all aspects of life.

Practical Implication

This verse reminds us that Torah observance is not confined to the synagogue or study hall but extends to every facet of existence—whether in business, agriculture, or home life. True blessing comes when one integrates kedusha (holiness) into all endeavors.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field' mean?
A: This verse from Deuteronomy 28:3 is part of the blessings given to the Jewish people for following Hashem's commandments. According to Rashi, it means that blessings will accompany you in all aspects of life—whether you are in urban settings ('the city') or rural areas ('the field'). The Sforno explains that this includes success in business ('city') and agriculture ('field').
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes that Divine blessings are not limited to one area of life but encompass all aspects—both material and spiritual. The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that observing mitzvot brings blessings in all endeavors. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) also highlights that these blessings are conditional upon our commitment to Torah and mitzvot.
Q: How does this verse apply to daily life today?
A: This verse reminds us that Torah observance brings blessings in every sphere of life—whether at work, home, or in communal settings. The Kli Yakar explains that 'city' represents public life, while 'field' symbolizes private endeavors. Thus, a Jew who follows Torah can expect Hashem's blessings in both personal and professional realms.
Q: What is the deeper message behind 'blessed in the city and the field'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 28:3) teaches that this blessing signifies harmony—success in one area won't come at the expense of another. For example, one won’t prosper in business ('city') while suffering crop failures ('field'). The Vilna Gaon adds that it also hints at spiritual blessings—Torah study ('city') and ethical conduct ('field')—being equally rewarded.