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Deuteronomy 30:6 - Divine heart transformation for love

Deuteronomy 30:6 - דברים 30:6

Hebrew Text

וּמָל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֶת־לְבָבְךָ וְאֶת־לְבַב זַרְעֶךָ לְאַהֲבָה אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ לְמַעַן חַיֶּיךָ׃

English Translation

And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayst live.

Transliteration

U-mal Adonai Elohecha et-levavcha ve-et levav zar'echa le'ahava et-Adonai Elohecha bechol-levavcha uvechol nafshecha lema'an chayecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמָ֨ל יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ אֶת־לְבָבְךָ֖ וְאֶת־לְבַ֣ב זַרְעֶ֑ךָ לְאַהֲבָ֞ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֥ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשְׁךָ֖ לְמַ֥עַן חַיֶּֽיךָ׃
וּמָ֨ל יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ אֶת־לְבָבְךָ֖ וְאֶת־לְבַ֣ב זַרְעֶ֑ךָ לְאַהֲבָ֞ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֥ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשְׁךָ֖ לְמַ֥עַן חַיֶּֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Meaning of "Circumcision of the Heart"

The phrase "וּמָל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֶת־לְבָבְךָ" ("And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart") is a metaphorical expression referring to the removal of spiritual barriers that prevent a person from fully serving Hashem. Just as physical brit milah (circumcision) represents a covenant with Hashem, the "circumcision of the heart" symbolizes the purification of one's inner desires and inclinations to align with divine will (Rashi, Devarim 30:6).

The Role of Divine Assistance in Teshuvah

This verse emphasizes that true repentance (teshuvah) and love for Hashem require divine assistance. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:2) explains that while human effort is necessary, ultimate spiritual refinement comes from Hashem’s mercy. The "circumcision of the heart" suggests that Hashem will help remove the yetzer hara (evil inclination) that obstructs sincere devotion.

Loving Hashem with All One’s Heart and Soul

The verse connects this spiritual purification with the mitzvah of "לְאַהֲבָה אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ" ("to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul"). The Talmud (Berachot 54a) teaches that loving Hashem "with all thy soul" means being willing to sacrifice one’s life for Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of His name). The Sifrei (Devarim 32) further elaborates that this love must be wholehearted, without ulterior motives.

The Promise of Life Through Divine Connection

The concluding phrase, "לְמַעַן חַיֶּיךָ" ("that thou mayst live"), underscores that true life—both physical and spiritual—is attained through closeness to Hashem. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 11:1) interprets this as a promise that those who serve Hashem with sincerity will merit eternal life in Olam Haba (the World to Come).

Key Teachings from Orthodox Commentators

  • Rashi: The "circumcision of the heart" refers to the removal of stubbornness and resistance to mitzvot.
  • Rambam (Maimonides): Divine help in teshuvah is granted to those who first make sincere efforts.
  • Sforno: This promise applies to the Messianic era, when all Jews will naturally return to Hashem.
  • Ohr HaChaim: The verse hints at the future redemption, when the Jewish people will experience complete spiritual renewal.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the covenant of circumcision and its spiritual significance, emphasizing the transformation of the heart to love God.
📖 Avodah Zarah 3a
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the nature of divine service and the inner transformation required to truly serve God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'circumcise thy heart' mean in Deuteronomy 30:6?
A: The phrase 'circumcise thy heart' is a metaphor meaning that Hashem will help remove spiritual barriers (like the foreskin in physical circumcision) so a person can fully love and serve Him. Rashi explains that this refers to the future redemption when Jews will naturally return to Torah with sincere devotion.
Q: Why does the verse mention loving Hashem 'with all thy heart and soul'?
A: Loving Hashem with all one's heart and soul is the foundation of Jewish belief, as stated in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5). Here, the Torah promises that in the future, Hashem will make this love innate within us and our descendants, removing obstacles to complete devotion.
Q: Does this verse refer to the time of Mashiach (Messiah)?
A: Yes, many commentators like Ramban connect this verse to the era of Mashiach, when all Jews will naturally return to Torah observance. The 'circumcision of the heart' symbolizes the removal of yetzer hara (evil inclination) and a complete spiritual awakening.
Q: How can we apply 'circumcision of the heart' in our lives today?
A: While the full fulfillment is for the future, today we can strive to 'circumcise our hearts' by removing distractions from serving Hashem, doing teshuva (repentance), and working on loving Him sincerely. The Rambam teaches that every mitzvah we do helps purify our hearts.
Q: What is the connection between physical circumcision (brit milah) and this verse?
A: Just as brit milah is an eternal physical covenant, this verse speaks of a spiritual covenant where Hashem will perfect our hearts. The Midrash teaches that just as circumcision is incomplete without uncovering the inner layer (priah), so too our hearts need to be 'uncovered' to fully love Hashem.