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Deuteronomy 28:30 - Consequences of forsaking Torah?

Deuteronomy 28:30 - דברים 28:30

Hebrew Text

אִשָּׁה תְאָרֵשׂ וְאִישׁ אַחֵר ישגלנה [יִשְׁכָּבֶנָּה] בַּיִת תִּבְנֶה וְלֹא־תֵשֵׁב בּוֹ כֶּרֶם תִּטַּע וְלֹא תְחַלְּלֶּנּוּ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build a house, and thou shalt not dwell in it: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather its grapes.

Transliteration

Isha te'aresh ve'ish acher yishkavenah bayit tivneh velo-teshev bo kerem tita velo techallelenu.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִשָּׁ֣ה תְאָרֵ֗שׂ וְאִ֤ישׁ אַחֵר֙ <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(ישגלנה)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[יִשְׁכָּבֶ֔נָּה]</span></span> בַּ֥יִת תִּבְנֶ֖ה וְלֹא־תֵשֵׁ֣ב בּ֑וֹ כֶּ֥רֶם תִּטַּ֖ע וְלֹ֥א תְחַלְּלֶֽנּוּ׃
אִשָּׁ֣ה תְאָרֵ֗שׂ וְאִ֤ישׁ אַחֵר֙ (ישגלנה) [יִשְׁכָּבֶ֔נָּה] בַּ֥יִת תִּבְנֶ֖ה וְלֹא־תֵשֵׁ֣ב בּ֑וֹ כֶּ֥רֶם תִּטַּ֖ע וְלֹ֥א תְחַלְּלֶֽנּוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy 28:30)

This verse appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke) section of Parashat Ki Tavo, where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the severe consequences that will befall them if they abandon the Torah's commandments. The curses listed here describe the tragic reversal of basic human aspirations—marriage, homebuilding, and agricultural success—as a consequence of disobedience.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 28:30) interprets this verse as a continuation of the curses for failing to observe the mitzvot. He emphasizes the emotional devastation:

  • Betrothal without fulfillment: A man will betroth a woman, but before the marriage is consummated, another man will violate her. This reflects the breakdown of societal morality and personal tragedy.
  • House without dwelling: One will build a house but be exiled or die before inhabiting it, symbolizing the futility of labor without divine blessing.
  • Vineyard without benefit: A vineyard will be planted, but the owner will not live to sanctify its fruits (netta revai) or enjoy its produce, illustrating the loss of spiritual and physical rewards.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra notes that these curses are not merely hypothetical but reflect historical realities during times of exile. He connects the vineyard imagery to Vayikra 19:23-25, where the Torah commands waiting three years before partaking of a vineyard's fruit (orlah). The curse here implies that even after this waiting period, the owner will be deprived of its use.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifrei (Devarim 302) links these curses to the destruction of the First Temple, when Nebuchadnezzar's forces disrupted Jewish life:

  • The violation of betrothed women parallels Eichah 5:11: "They ravished the women in Zion."
  • The abandoned houses echo Yirmiyahu 9:20: "For death has come up into our windows."
  • The untended vineyards recall Yechezkel 36:34: "The desolate land shall be tilled."

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) derives from such verses that tragedies like these obligate the community to fast and repent. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 576:1) codifies fasting when betrothed women are violated or homes destroyed, as these are signs of divine displeasure requiring introspection.

Spiritual Lesson

The Kli Yakar teaches that these curses highlight the fragility of human efforts without divine favor. Even the most foundational blessings—marriage, shelter, and sustenance—are contingent on fidelity to the covenant. The verse serves as a stark reminder that material success is meaningless without spiritual commitment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:30 mean?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochecha' (rebuke) section, describing potential curses for not following Torah commandments. It warns that if Israel disobeys, they may experience tragedies like losing a betrothed wife to another man, building a house but not living in it, or planting a vineyard but not enjoying its fruits.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse teaches the principle of 'measure for measure' (Middah k'neged Middah) - that consequences follow actions. The Talmud (Sotah 8b) explains these curses come when people don't keep their commitments (like betrothal), are ungrateful for G-d's blessings, or misuse holy things (like tithes from vineyards).
Q: How does Rashi explain this verse?
A: Rashi explains these curses would happen during enemy invasions - another man would violate the betrothed woman (referring to the laws in Deuteronomy 22:23-27), people would be exiled from their homes, and vineyards would be left uncared for (losing their sanctity as they require tithing).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The verse reminds us that blessings are conditional on our actions. The Rambam (Hilchos Ta'anios 1:1-3) teaches that suffering comes to awaken us to repentance. When we see difficulties, we should examine our ways and return to Torah observance.
Q: Does this verse mean G-d wants bad things to happen?
A: No - the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 4:1) explains these are warnings to encourage proper behavior. Like a father warning a child, G-d alerts us to consequences so we'll choose good. The curses are never desired; they're the last resort when warnings go unheeded (Ezekiel 33:11).