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Deuteronomy 28:61 - Hidden plagues' divine warning

Deuteronomy 28:61 - דברים 28:61

Hebrew Text

גַּם כָּל־חֳלִי וְכָל־מַכָּה אֲשֶׁר לֹא כָתוּב בְּסֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת יַעְלֵם יְהוָה עָלֶיךָ עַד הִשָּׁמְדָךְ׃

English Translation

Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this Tora, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou art destroyed.

Transliteration

Gam kol-choli vechol-makah asher lo katuv besefer hatorah hazot ya'lem Adonai aleicha ad hishamdecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

גַּ֤ם כׇּל־חֳלִי֙ וְכׇל־מַכָּ֔ה אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א כָת֔וּב בְּסֵ֖פֶר הַתּוֹרָ֣ה הַזֹּ֑את יַעְלֵ֤ם יְהֹוָה֙ עָלֶ֔יךָ עַ֖ד הִשָּׁמְדָֽךְ׃
גַּ֤ם כׇּל־חֳלִי֙ וְכׇל־מַכָּ֔ה אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א כָת֔וּב בְּסֵ֖פֶר הַתּוֹרָ֣ה הַזֹּ֑את יַעְלֵ֤ם יְהֹוָה֙ עָלֶ֔יךָ עַ֖ד הִשָּׁמְדָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 28:61) appears in the Tochacha (the rebuke), a section detailing the consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem. It warns of additional afflictions beyond those explicitly listed in the Torah if Bnei Yisrael fail to uphold their obligations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 28:61) clarifies that this verse refers to illnesses and plagues not mentioned earlier in the Torah. He connects this to the phrase "until thou art destroyed," explaining that these hidden afflictions will persist until the nation repents or faces exile. Rashi emphasizes that even unlisted punishments stem from divine justice, reinforcing the principle of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ta'anit (1:1-3), Rambam discusses how suffering serves as a wake-up call for teshuvah (repentance). This verse aligns with his view that all hardships—whether explicitly mentioned in the Torah or not—are ultimately meant to redirect us toward mitzvot and divine service.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Sifrei (Devarim 303) links this verse to the curses in Vayikra (Leviticus 26), suggesting that the "unwritten plagues" include historical calamities like the destruction of the Temples. The Midrash teaches that these sufferings are not arbitrary but reflect the severity of straying from Torah.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the phrase "book of this Torah" refers specifically to the written Torah, implying that oral traditions (later codified in the Talmud) may elaborate on these afflictions. This underscores the interdependence of written and oral Torah in understanding divine retribution.

Practical Implications

  • Teshuvah: The verse reminds us that suffering is not random but calls for introspection and return to Hashem.
  • Divine Justice: Even "unwritten" punishments are part of a just system, as Hashem's knowledge encompasses all possibilities.
  • Torah's Completeness: The phrase "not written in this book" hints at the depth of Torah, which addresses all aspects of life—seen and unseen.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:61 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:61 warns that if the Jewish people do not follow the Torah's commandments, Hashem will bring upon them all kinds of sicknesses and plagues not even mentioned in the Torah, leading to destruction. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the severity of abandoning Torah observance, as it invites additional punishments beyond those explicitly listed.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it underscores the principle of reward and punishment in Jewish tradition. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Teshuvah that suffering can be a consequence of straying from Torah observance. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping mitzvot (commandments) to avoid such consequences.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 28:61 today?
A: We learn that Torah observance is essential for spiritual and physical well-being. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) discusses how suffering can be a wake-up call for teshuvah (repentance). This verse reminds us to examine our actions and return to Torah values to prevent hardship.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern Jewish life?
A: While we do not attribute every difficulty to divine punishment, Orthodox Judaism teaches that collective suffering can result from a lack of Torah commitment. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this verse to the importance of studying and upholding Torah to bring blessings rather than curses into our lives.
Q: Does this verse mean that all sickness comes from not following Torah?
A: Not necessarily. The Talmud (Bava Kamma 85a) states that illness can have various causes, including natural ones. However, this verse highlights that widespread suffering can result from a breakdown in Torah observance. The Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit) teaches that difficulties should inspire introspection and spiritual growth.