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Deuteronomy 28:4 - Divine blessings for fertility, prosperity.

Deuteronomy 28:4 - דברים 28:4

Hebrew Text

בָּרוּךְ פְּרִי־בִטְנְךָ וּפְרִי אַדְמָתְךָ וּפְרִי בְהֶמְתֶּךָ שְׁגַר אֲלָפֶיךָ וְעַשְׁתְּרוֹת צֹאנֶךָ׃

English Translation

Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy beasts, the increase of thy cattle, and the flocks of thy sheep.

Transliteration

Barukh pri vitnekha ufri admatekha ufri vehemtekha shegar alafekha ve'ashtrot tzonekha.

Hebrew Leining Text

בָּר֧וּךְ פְּרִֽי־בִטְנְךָ֛ וּפְרִ֥י אַדְמָתְךָ֖ וּפְרִ֣י בְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ שְׁגַ֥ר אֲלָפֶ֖יךָ וְעַשְׁתְּר֥וֹת צֹאנֶֽךָ׃
בָּר֧וּךְ פְּרִֽי־בִטְנְךָ֛ וּפְרִ֥י אַדְמָתְךָ֖ וּפְרִ֣י בְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ שְׁגַ֥ר אֲלָפֶ֖יךָ וְעַשְׁתְּר֥וֹת צֹאנֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 28:4) is part of the blessings enumerated in Parashat Ki Tavo, where Hashem promises abundant blessings to Bnei Yisrael for adhering to His commandments. The verse emphasizes prosperity in three key areas: human fertility, agricultural success, and livestock multiplication.

Explanation of the Components

  • פְּרִי־בִטְנְךָ (Fruit of thy body): Rashi explains that this refers to children, indicating that those who follow the Torah will be blessed with offspring. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 1) connects this to the mitzvah of honoring parents, suggesting that righteous children are a reward for fulfilling this commandment.
  • פְּרִי אַדְמָתְךָ (Fruit of thy ground): Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah v’Yovel 13:12) teaches that agricultural success is contingent upon observing mitzvot related to the land, such as terumah, ma'aser, and shemitah. The Sforno adds that this blessing ensures that crops will be plentiful and of high quality.
  • פְּרִי בְהֶמְתֶּךָ (Fruit of thy beasts): The Talmud (Bava Metzia 42a) states that one’s livestock will thrive when business dealings are conducted with honesty. The phrase שְׁגַר אֲלָפֶיךָ וְעַשְׁתְּרוֹת צֹאנֶךָ ("the increase of thy cattle and the flocks of thy sheep") is interpreted by Ibn Ezra as a promise of abundant offspring for both large cattle (alafim) and sheep (tzon).

Spiritual and Practical Implications

The Kli Yakar highlights that these blessings are interdependent—righteous behavior in one area (e.g., family purity) can bring blessings in another (e.g., agricultural success). The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that these material blessings are not merely for personal benefit but enable one to serve Hashem with greater devotion, as prosperity facilitates Torah study and mitzvah observance.

Connection to Broader Themes

This verse reflects the Torah’s principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure)—just as Bnei Yisrael dedicate their first fruits (bikkurim) to Hashem, He reciprocates by blessing their own "first fruits" in children, crops, and livestock. The Ramban (Devarim 28:1) emphasizes that these blessings are contingent upon wholehearted commitment to Torah and mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings of the land and the importance of acknowledging God's role in providing sustenance.
📖 Chullin 84b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the blessings associated with livestock and agricultural produce, emphasizing divine providence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:4 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:4 is part of the blessings that HaShem promises to the Jewish people if they follow His commandments. It speaks of blessings for children ('fruit of thy body'), agricultural success ('fruit of thy ground'), and prosperity in livestock ('fruit of thy beasts'). Rashi explains that these blessings are contingent upon observing the Torah's mitzvot (commandments).
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the direct connection between keeping Torah commandments and receiving material and spiritual blessings. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Teshuva that Divine reward and punishment are real, and this verse serves as a reminder of HaShem's promise to bless those who follow His ways.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we may not all be farmers or shepherds today, the principle remains the same: observing mitzvot brings blessing in all aspects of life. The Talmud (Berachot 40a) teaches that material blessings are given to help us serve HaShem better. Today, we can understand 'fruit of thy body' as healthy children and 'fruit of thy ground' as success in our livelihoods.
Q: What is the significance of mentioning cattle and sheep specifically?
A: The mention of cattle ('alafecha') and sheep ('tzoncha') represents the primary sources of wealth in biblical times. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that these were essential for sustenance (meat, milk) and materials (wool, leather). The blessing implies that even one's possessions will flourish when following Torah.
Q: Does this mean following Torah guarantees material wealth?
A: While the verse promises material blessings, our sages (Talmud, Berachot 5a) teach that sometimes difficulties come as tests or for our ultimate good. The Rambam explains that true reward is primarily in the World to Come. Material blessings in this world are a sign of Divine favor, but not the ultimate purpose of Torah observance.