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Deuteronomy 29:28 - Divine secrets, human Torah

Deuteronomy 29:28 - דברים 29:28

Hebrew Text

הַנִּסְתָּרֹת לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ וְהַנִּגְלֹת לָנוּ וּלְבָנֵינוּ עַד־עוֹלָם לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־כָּל־דִּבְרֵי הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת׃

English Translation

The secret things belong to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this Tora.

Transliteration

Hanistarot la'Adonai Eloheinu vehaniglot lanu ulvaneinu ad-olam la'asot et kol divrei haTorah hazot.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַנִּ֨סְתָּרֹ֔ת לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וְהַנִּגְלֹ֞ת לָ֤ׄנׄוּׄ וּׄלְׄבָׄנֵ֙ׄיׄנׄוּ֙ׄ עַׄד־עוֹלָ֔ם לַעֲשׂ֕וֹת אֶת־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֖י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
הַנִּ֨סְתָּרֹ֔ת לַיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וְהַנִּגְלֹ֞ת לָ֤ׄנׄוּׄ וּׄלְׄבָׄנֵ֙ׄיׄנׄוּ֙ׄ עַׄד־עוֹלָ֔ם לַעֲשׂ֕וֹת אֶת־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֖י הַתּוֹרָ֥ה הַזֹּֽאת׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse's Context

The verse (Devarim 29:28) appears in the context of Moshe's final address to Bnei Yisrael before his passing. It follows a series of warnings about the consequences of abandoning the covenant with Hashem. The pasuk distinguishes between matters that are hidden ("hanistarot") and those that are revealed ("haniglot"), emphasizing our responsibility to uphold the Torah's commandments.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "hanistarot" refers to sins committed in private, which are known only to Hashem and for which the community is not held accountable. "Haniglot," however, are public transgressions that the community must address. This interpretation is based on the Talmud (Sanhedrin 43b), which states that a community is only punished for sins done openly.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:17), Rambam suggests a deeper philosophical layer: "hanistarot" refers to matters beyond human comprehension, such as the reasons for mitzvot or divine providence, which belong solely to Hashem. "Haniglot" are the practical mitzvot we are commanded to observe and teach our children.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 7:4) connects this verse to the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai. It teaches that while some aspects of Torah were revealed to us, others remain with Hashem until the time of Mashiach, when "the earth will be filled with knowledge of Hashem" (Yeshayahu 11:9).

Practical Halachic Application

  • The Chofetz Chaim applies this principle to lashon hara, noting that we must avoid judging others for matters we cannot know (hidden intentions or circumstances), while being vigilant about observable violations.
  • Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that this verse establishes the boundaries of human responsibility - we are accountable only for what is within our knowledge and control.

Kabbalistic Insight

The Zohar (III 113b) interprets "hanistarot" as referring to the hidden, mystical dimensions of Torah (sod), while "haniglot" represents the revealed aspects (peshat, remez, and drash). Both are essential, but our primary focus must be on implementing the revealed Torah in daily life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 43b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the distinction between hidden sins (known only to God) and revealed sins (which the community must address).
📖 Chagigah 5b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine justice and the hidden aspects of God's judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 29:28 mean?
A: This verse teaches that some matters are hidden and known only to Hashem ('The secret things belong to the Lord our God'), while other matters are revealed to us through the Torah ('those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children'). Our responsibility is to focus on observing the mitzvot that are revealed to us in the Torah.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 29:28 important?
A: This verse is important because it sets boundaries for human understanding. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43b) explains that we are not held accountable for things beyond our knowledge, only for what is revealed in the Torah. It teaches humility by acknowledging that some divine matters remain beyond human comprehension.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 29:28 apply to us today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to focus on fulfilling the mitzvot we know rather than speculating about hidden divine matters. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 5:5) explains that our primary obligation is to study and observe the revealed Torah, while accepting that some aspects of divine wisdom remain beyond our understanding.
Q: What does 'belong to us and to our children forever' mean?
A: This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of Torah transmission. Rashi explains that the revealed Torah is an everlasting inheritance for all Jewish generations. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 306) teaches that parents must teach Torah to their children, ensuring its continuity 'forever' as commanded in this verse.
Q: What's the difference between 'hidden' and 'revealed' in this verse?
A: The 'hidden' refers to matters like the reasons for suffering or exact divine calculations that remain with Hashem. The 'revealed' refers to the mitzvot and Torah laws given for our observance. The Ibn Ezra explains that while we may ponder hidden matters, our main focus must be on implementing the clearly revealed commandments.