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Deuteronomy 30:2 - Repentance with wholehearted devotion

Deuteronomy 30:2 - דברים 30:2

Hebrew Text

וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְשָׁמַעְתָּ בְקֹלוֹ כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם אַתָּה וּבָנֶיךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשֶׁךָ׃

English Translation

and shalt return to the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul;

Transliteration

Veshavta ad-Hashem Elohecha veshamata bekolo kechol asher-anokhi metzavkha hayom atah uvanecha bechol-levavcha uvechol-nafshecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשַׁבְתָּ֞ עַד־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֣ בְקֹל֔וֹ כְּכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם אַתָּ֣ה וּבָנֶ֔יךָ בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֖ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃
וְשַׁבְתָּ֞ עַד־יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֣ בְקֹל֔וֹ כְּכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם אַתָּ֣ה וּבָנֶ֔יךָ בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֖ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 30:2) appears in the section of Parshat Nitzavim, where Moshe Rabbeinu addresses Bnei Yisrael before his passing. It speaks of teshuvah (repentance) and returning to Hashem after straying from His commandments. The language emphasizes a complete and sincere return—"with all your heart and all your soul"—underscoring the depth of commitment required.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 30:2) comments that the phrase "וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("and you shall return to the Lord your God") means returning until (עַד) Hashem—i.e., persisting in repentance until one reaches full reconciliation with Him. This implies that teshuvah is not a one-time act but a continuous process of drawing closer to Hashem.

Rambam on Teshuvah

In Hilchot Teshuvah (2:2), the Rambam elaborates that true repentance requires:

  • Abandoning the sin (עזיבת החטא)
  • Regretting past actions (חרטה)
  • Resolving never to repeat the sin (קבלה לעתיד)

The verse’s emphasis on obeying Hashem’s voice "according to all that I command you" aligns with the Rambam’s teaching that repentance must be accompanied by a renewed commitment to mitzvot.

The Role of the Heart and Soul

The phrase "בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשֶׁךָ" ("with all your heart and all your soul") echoes the Shema (Devarim 6:5). The Sifrei (Devarim 32) explains that serving Hashem with "all your heart" means without inner conflict, while "all your soul" implies readiness for self-sacrifice, even in the face of persecution. This reinforces that teshuvah must be wholehearted and unwavering.

Inclusion of Future Generations

The verse mentions "you and your children," teaching that repentance is not only an individual obligation but also a communal and generational responsibility. The Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 1) notes that parents must educate their children in Torah and mitzvot, ensuring that the commitment to Hashem endures through the generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 86a
The verse is discussed in the context of repentance (teshuvah) and returning to God, emphasizing the importance of sincere repentance with all one's heart and soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'return to the Lord your God' mean in Deuteronomy 30:2?
A: The phrase 'return to the Lord your God' refers to the concept of 'teshuvah' (repentance) in Judaism. According to Rashi and Rambam, this means sincerely regretting past wrongdoings, confessing them, and committing to follow G-d's commandments fully. It emphasizes returning to a close relationship with G-d through obedience to His Torah.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 30:2 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is central to Jewish thought because it establishes the principle that no matter how far one strays, returning to G-d is always possible. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) teaches that true repentance is so powerful it can transform intentional sins into merits. This gives hope and emphasizes G-d's mercy.
Q: What does 'with all your heart and soul' mean in this verse?
A: The Sages explain in Talmud Berachos 54a that serving G-d 'with all your heart' means with both your good inclination and evil inclination (channeling all drives toward holiness), and 'with all your soul' means being willing to sacrifice one's life rather than abandon Torah principles when necessary, as seen in Jewish history during persecutions.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 30:2 apply to daily Jewish life?
A: This verse teaches that Judaism requires wholehearted commitment in every action. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah) explains that true return to G-d means consistently aligning one's thoughts, speech and actions with Torah values. It's especially relevant during Elul and the High Holy Days when self-examination is emphasized.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'you and your children'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) notes this emphasizes that repentance and Torah observance must be transmitted intergenerationally. Parents have a responsibility to educate children in mitzvot, creating a chain of tradition. Malbim explains this shows repentance isn't complete unless it influences one's household to also follow G-d's ways.