share torah logo

Deuteronomy 29:20 - Divine justice for covenant violators

Deuteronomy 29:20 - דברים 29:20

Hebrew Text

וְהִבְדִּילוֹ יְהוָה לְרָעָה מִכֹּל שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כְּכֹל אָלוֹת הַבְּרִית הַכְּתוּבָה בְּסֵפֶר הַתּוֹרָה הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

And the Lord shall mark him off for evil out of all the tribes of Yisra᾽el, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the Tora:

Transliteration

Vehivdilo Adonai lera'a mikol shivtei Yisrael kechol alot habrit haktuvah besefer hatorah hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִבְדִּיל֤וֹ יְהֹוָה֙ לְרָעָ֔ה מִכֹּ֖ל שִׁבְטֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כְּכֹל֙ אָל֣וֹת הַבְּרִ֔ית הַכְּתוּבָ֕ה בְּסֵ֥פֶר הַתּוֹרָ֖ה הַזֶּֽה׃
וְהִבְדִּיל֤וֹ יְהֹוָה֙ לְרָעָ֔ה מִכֹּ֖ל שִׁבְטֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כְּכֹל֙ אָל֣וֹת הַבְּרִ֔ית הַכְּתוּבָ֕ה בְּסֵ֥פֶר הַתּוֹרָ֖ה הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse (Devarim 29:20) appears in the section detailing the consequences for those who abandon the covenant with Hashem. It follows the description of an individual who, despite witnessing the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim and Matan Torah, turns to idolatry or rebellion against Hashem's commandments.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi interprets "וְהִבְדִּילוֹ יְהוָה לְרָעָה" as meaning that Hashem will single out this individual for punishment. The term "לְרָעָה" refers not merely to misfortune, but to the specific curses enumerated in the Torah (Devarim 28:15-68). Rashi emphasizes that this separation is a divine act of justice, ensuring the individual bears the consequences of their deliberate rebellion.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Teshuvah (3:6), Rambam discusses how divine punishment is measure-for-measure. Here, the individual who separates themselves from Klal Yisrael through sin is, in turn, separated by Hashem for retribution. The "curses of the covenant" are the natural outcome of violating the terms of the Brit between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 43b: The Gemara links this verse to the concept of "Karet" (spiritual excision), teaching that one who willfully violates the covenant is cut off from the spiritual destiny of Am Yisrael.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 3): Expounds that the "separation for evil" includes both physical and spiritual consequences, as the sinner removes themselves from the protective unity of the tribes.

The Nature of the Covenant's Curses

The phrase "כְּכֹל אָלוֹת הַבְּרִית" underscores that these punishments are not arbitrary but are intrinsic to the covenant's terms, as warned in Devarim 28. The Sforno notes that this mirrors the blessings—just as fidelity to the Torah brings divine favor, rebellion invokes its stipulated repercussions.

Practical Implications

This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of the Torah's covenant. As the Netziv explains in Ha'amek Davar, it highlights the responsibility of each individual to uphold their bond with Hashem, as violations affect not only the sinner but the collective sanctity of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:20 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 29:20 speaks about the severe consequences for someone who knowingly violates the covenant with Hashem. According to Rashi, this verse refers to an individual who turns away from Torah and mitzvot, and as a result, will be separated for punishment. The 'curses of the covenant' refer to the consequences detailed earlier in the Torah for breaking the agreement between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes the seriousness of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam explains that the Torah’s warnings about consequences are meant to inspire people to take their commitments seriously. It teaches that actions have spiritual repercussions, reinforcing the need for teshuvah (repentance) and adherence to Torah.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 29:20?
A: We learn that loyalty to the Torah and mitzvot is essential for maintaining a relationship with Hashem. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43b) discusses how accountability applies both individually and collectively. This verse reminds us that turning away from Torah has consequences, but it also implies that sincere teshuvah can bring forgiveness and restoration.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: Today, this verse serves as a reminder that our choices in following Torah affect our spiritual well-being. The Midrash teaches that even when punishments are mentioned, Hashem’s mercy is always available to those who return to Him. It encourages us to examine our actions and strengthen our commitment to Torah values.