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Deuteronomy 28:35 - Divine punishment for disobedience?

Deuteronomy 28:35 - דברים 28:35

Hebrew Text

יַכְּכָה יְהוָה בִּשְׁחִין רָע עַל־הַבִּרְכַּיִם וְעַל־הַשֹּׁקַיִם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תוּכַל לְהֵרָפֵא מִכַּף רַגְלְךָ וְעַד קָדְקֳדֶךָ׃

English Translation

The Lord shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a festering eruption that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot to the top of thy head.

Transliteration

Yak'kha Adonai bishkhin ra al-habirkayim ve'al-hashokayim asher lo-tukhal leherafe mikaf rag'lekha ve'ad kodkodekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

יַכְּכָ֨ה יְהֹוָ֜ה בִּשְׁחִ֣ין רָ֗ע עַל־הַבִּרְכַּ֙יִם֙ וְעַל־הַשֹּׁקַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־תוּכַ֖ל לְהֵרָפֵ֑א מִכַּ֥ף רַגְלְךָ֖ וְעַ֥ד קׇדְקֳדֶֽךָ׃
יַכְּכָ֨ה יְהֹוָ֜ה בִּשְׁחִ֣ין רָ֗ע עַל־הַבִּרְכַּ֙יִם֙ וְעַל־הַשֹּׁקַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־תוּכַ֖ל לְהֵרָפֵ֑א מִכַּ֥ף רַגְלְךָ֖ וְעַ֥ד קׇדְקֳדֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 28:35 as part of the Tochacha (the Admonition), a section detailing the severe consequences that will befall the Jewish people if they abandon the covenant with Hashem. The verse describes a debilitating physical affliction that will strike from the feet to the head, symbolizing complete suffering.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 28:35) explains that the phrase "שְׁחִין רָע" (a festering eruption) refers to a severe and incurable skin disease. He connects this to the affliction of shechin mentioned earlier in the Torah (e.g., in the plagues of Egypt), emphasizing that this punishment mirrors the suffering inflicted upon those who oppressed the Jewish people when they were in exile.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the affliction specifically targets the knees and legs ("עַל־הַבִּרְכַּיִם וְעַל־הַשֹּׁקַיִם"), rendering a person immobile. This symbolizes the inability to flee from further suffering, as legs represent movement and freedom. The progression from the feet to the head ("מִכַּף רַגְלְךָ וְעד קָדְקֳדֶךָ") indicates that the affliction will be all-encompassing, leaving no part of the body unaffected.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 4) elaborates that this curse reflects a spiritual malady—when the Jewish people stray from Torah, their physical suffering mirrors their spiritual decay. The incurable nature of the affliction ("אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תוּכַל לְהֵרָפֵא") signifies that repentance is the only remedy, as physical healing is impossible without spiritual correction.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ta'anit (Laws of Fasting 1:1-3), the Rambam teaches that suffering is a divine wake-up call to inspire teshuvah (repentance). The affliction described here serves as a harsh but necessary measure to redirect the people toward Torah observance. The emphasis on incurable illness underscores that only through sincere repentance can the curses be reversed.

Symbolism in the Affliction

  • Knees and Legs: Represent strength and mobility—their affliction signifies a loss of independence and vitality.
  • From Foot to Head: Demonstrates totality, implying that disobedience affects every aspect of life.
  • Incurable Nature: Highlights that human efforts alone cannot rectify the situation; divine mercy through repentance is required.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 8b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing divine retribution and the consequences of certain actions, illustrating the severity of punishment.
📖 Sanhedrin 101a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the suffering inflicted as a form of divine punishment, emphasizing the extent and incurability of the affliction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:35 mean in simple terms?
A: Deuteronomy 28:35 describes a severe punishment where G-d afflicts someone with painful, incurable boils from their feet to their head. This is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke) in the Torah, warning of consequences for not following G-d's commandments. Rashi explains this as a metaphor for suffering that affects every part of a person's life when they stray from Torah observance.
Q: Why is this verse about boils and sickness important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches that physical suffering can be a consequence of spiritual neglect. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) explains that hardships are meant to awaken people to repent and return to Torah observance. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) also discusses how suffering can be a form of divine correction.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 28:35 apply to us today?
A: While we don't literally expect such afflictions today, the verse reminds us that actions have consequences. The Sages teach that suffering can be a wake-up call to examine our deeds (Talmud, Berachot 5a). Many see this as a spiritual lesson about maintaining our connection to Torah and mitzvot to avoid negative outcomes in life.
Q: What is the Jewish interpretation of 'from the sole of your foot to the top of your head'?
A: The phrase means the affliction affects the entire body. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains this symbolizes complete suffering with no part untouched. Some commentators suggest it represents how sin can affect all aspects of a person's life when they abandon Torah principles.
Q: Is there any positive message in this seemingly harsh verse?
A: Yes. While the verse describes punishment, Jewish tradition sees this as G-d's mercy - warnings meant to guide us back to the right path before more severe consequences occur. The Talmud (Chagigah 5a) teaches that divine rebuke comes from love, like a parent disciplining a child for their ultimate good.