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Deuteronomy 30:11 - Torah accessible to all

Deuteronomy 30:11 - דברים 30:11

Hebrew Text

כִּי הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם לֹא־נִפְלֵאת הִוא מִמְּךָ וְלֹא רְחֹקָה הִוא׃

English Translation

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.

Transliteration

Ki hamitzvah hazot asher anochi metzavkha hayom lo-nifle'it hi mimkha velo rechokah hi.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֚י הַמִּצְוָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לֹא־נִפְלֵ֥את הִוא֙ מִמְּךָ֔ וְלֹ֥א רְחֹקָ֖ה הִֽוא׃
כִּ֚י הַמִּצְוָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לֹא־נִפְלֵ֥את הִוא֙ מִמְּךָ֔ וְלֹ֥א רְחֹקָ֖ה הִֽוא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 30:11) comes as part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final address to Bnei Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael. It reassures the people that the mitzvot are accessible and within their grasp, not beyond their comprehension or ability to fulfill.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "לא נפלאת היא ממך" ("it is not hidden from thee") means the Torah is not concealed in Heaven, where one would need to ascend to retrieve it. Similarly, "לא רחוקה היא" ("neither is it far off") means it is not across the sea, requiring distant travel. Rather, the Torah is close at hand—in one's mouth and heart to observe it (based on the following verse, Devarim 30:14).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:34), Rambam teaches that this verse emphasizes the attainability of Torah wisdom. The mitzvot are not beyond human understanding; Hashem gave them in a way that people can comprehend and fulfill with proper effort and dedication.

Talmudic Interpretation

The Gemara (Eruvin 55a) derives from this verse that Torah study should not be approached as an insurmountable task. Just as one does not need to ascend to Heaven or cross the sea for basic necessities, so too Torah is accessible to those who sincerely seek it.

Midrashic Insights

  • Devarim Rabbah (8:6) states that this verse teaches that Torah was given in the language of mankind, using terms and concepts that people can understand.
  • Sifrei Devarim connects this to the idea that Torah was given publicly at Har Sinai to show its accessibility to all of Israel.

Practical Implications

This verse serves as an encouragement that:

  • Torah study and mitzvah observance are within every Jew's capability
  • One need not be a perfect scholar to begin engaging with Torah
  • The path to spiritual growth is open to all who sincerely desire it

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov taught that this verse reminds us that divine service is not reserved for elite individuals - every Jew has the capacity to connect to Hashem through Torah and mitzvot in their own way and at their own level.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Eruvin 55a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the accessibility and comprehensibility of Torah commandments, emphasizing that the Torah is not beyond reach or understanding.
📖 Niddah 73a
Referenced in a broader discussion about the nature of commandments and their applicability, illustrating that divine commandments are within human capability to fulfill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 30:11 mean when it says the commandment is 'not hidden' or 'far off'?
A: Rashi explains that this verse means the Torah and its mitzvot (commandments) are accessible to everyone—they are not in heaven or across the sea where we cannot reach them (Devarim Rabbah 8:6). The Torah is within our grasp to study and fulfill.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 30:11 important in Judaism?
A: This verse emphasizes that Torah observance is achievable for every Jew. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Talmud Torah that no one should feel incapable of learning Torah—Hashem has made it attainable for all (based on this verse).
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 30:11 in our lives today?
A: The Sforno explains that this verse encourages us not to make excuses for neglecting Torah study or mitzvot. Since Torah is 'not far,' we should actively engage in learning and performing commandments without delay, as they are within our ability.
Q: What does 'this commandment' refer to in Deuteronomy 30:11?
A: According to the Talmud (Eruvin 55a), 'this commandment' refers to Torah study itself. The verse teaches that Torah learning is not beyond anyone's reach—every Jew has the capacity to connect with Torah wisdom.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism interpret 'not in heaven' in relation to this verse?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) famously derives from this concept that Torah interpretation is entrusted to the Sages on earth—not through heavenly signs. This establishes the authority of halachic process and rabbinic tradition in applying Torah to daily life.