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Deuteronomy 30:8 - Repentance restores divine connection.

Deuteronomy 30:8 - דברים 30:8

Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה תָשׁוּב וְשָׁמַעְתָּ בְּקוֹל יְהוָה וְעָשִׂיתָ אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֺתָיו אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the Lord, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.

Transliteration

Ve'ata tashuv veshamata bekohl Adonai ve'asita et kol mitzvotav asher anochi metzavekha hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֣ה תָשׁ֔וּב וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֖ בְּק֣וֹל יְהֹוָ֑ה וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּֽוֹם׃
וְאַתָּ֣ה תָשׁ֔וּב וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֖ בְּק֣וֹל יְהֹוָ֑ה וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ אֶת־כׇּל־מִצְוֺתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּֽוֹם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 30:8) appears in the context of Parshat Nitzavim, where Moshe Rabbeinu addresses Bnei Yisrael regarding teshuvah (repentance) and the eventual return to Hashem after exile. The phrase "וְאַתָּה תָשׁוּב" ("And thou shalt return") emphasizes the inevitability of Israel's spiritual return, as explained by Rashi, who notes that this is a promise of divine assistance in the process of repentance.

The Dual Aspects of Teshuvah

  • Returning to Hashem: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:4) teaches that true teshuvah involves both abandoning sin and resolving not to repeat it. The verse highlights this by first mentioning "תָשׁוּב" (returning) and then "וְשָׁמַעְתָּ בְּקוֹל יְהוָה" (heeding Hashem's voice).
  • Practical Observance: The Sforno explains that repentance is incomplete without action—hence the emphasis on "וְעָשִׂיתָ אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֺתָיו" ("and do all His commandments"). True return to Hashem must manifest in mitzvah observance.

The Role of Mitzvot in Teshuvah

The phrase "אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם" ("which I command thee this day") underscores the timeless nature of Torah commandments. The Kli Yakar notes that "this day" implies that mitzvot are eternally relevant, and their performance is integral to maintaining a relationship with Hashem, especially after repentance.

Divine Assistance in Teshuvah

The Talmud (Yoma 38b) teaches that one who seeks to purify themselves receives divine help. The promise "וְאַתָּה תָשׁוּב" suggests that Hashem facilitates repentance, as the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:24) states: "The Holy One, blessed be He, desires the repentance of the righteous." This aligns with the broader theme of divine mercy in the process of return.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the Lord' mean in Deuteronomy 30:8?
A: This verse refers to the concept of 'teshuvah' (repentance or return to Hashem). Rashi explains that it means returning to full observance of Torah and mitzvot after straying. The verse emphasizes that even if one has strayed, they can always return and recommit to following Hashem's commandments.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 30:8 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is central because it teaches about the possibility of repentance (teshuvah) at any time. The Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Teshuvah highlights that no matter how far one has strayed, sincere repentance is always accepted by Hashem. This gives hope and encouragement to improve one's ways.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 30:8 about mitzvot?
A: The verse teaches that returning to Hashem involves not just listening to His voice, but actively performing all His commandments ('and do all His commandments'). The Talmud (Kiddushin 40b) explains that observing mitzvot is essential to maintaining a proper relationship with Hashem, and this verse reinforces that commitment.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 30:8 apply to daily life today?
A: This verse reminds us that no matter our past mistakes, we can always choose to return to Torah observance. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) teaches that Hashem is always ready to accept our repentance. Practically, this means striving to improve our mitzvah observance and relationship with Hashem every day.
Q: What does 'which I command thee this day' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'this day' emphasizes that the mitzvot are always relevant and fresh, as if they were given today. The Sifrei (a halachic midrash) adds that Torah should be approached daily with renewed enthusiasm, not as an old or burdensome obligation.