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Deuteronomy 31:13 - Teach children divine reverence always

Deuteronomy 31:13 - דברים 31:13

Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵיהֶם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יָדְעוּ יִשְׁמְעוּ וְלָמְדוּ לְיִרְאָה אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם כָּל־הַיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם חַיִּים עַל־הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם עֹבְרִים אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ׃

English Translation

and that their children, who have not known anything, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as you live in the land whither you go over the Yarden to possess it.

Transliteration

Uvneihem asher lo-yadu yishme'u velamdu leyira et-Adonai Eloheichem kol-hayamim asher atem chayim al-ha'adama asher atem ovrim et-hayarden shama lirishtah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵיהֶ֞ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־יָדְע֗וּ יִשְׁמְעוּ֙ וְלָ֣מְד֔וּ לְיִרְאָ֖ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם כׇּל־הַיָּמִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתֶּ֤ם חַיִּים֙ עַל־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתֶּ֜ם עֹבְרִ֧ים אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֛ן שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּבְנֵיהֶ֞ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־יָדְע֗וּ יִשְׁמְעוּ֙ וְלָ֣מְד֔וּ לְיִרְאָ֖ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם כׇּל־הַיָּמִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתֶּ֤ם חַיִּים֙ עַל־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתֶּ֜ם עֹבְרִ֧ים אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֛ן שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse (Devarim 4:10) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's exhortation to Bnei Yisrael at the plains of Moav, emphasizing the transmission of Torah and yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) to future generations. Rashi explains that this refers to the obligation of parents to teach their children Torah, ensuring the continuity of Jewish tradition even after entering Eretz Yisrael.

The Obligation of Chinuch

The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1-2) derives from this verse the fundamental mitzvah of chinuch (educating children in Torah). The phrase "וְלָמְדוּ לְיִרְאָה" ("and learn to fear") establishes that parents must teach their children both Torah knowledge and proper reverence for Hashem.

  • Ibn Ezra: Notes that the children "who have not known" refers to those too young to have witnessed Matan Torah or the miracles in the wilderness, making parental education essential.
  • Sforno: Adds that this teaching must be ongoing - "all the days that you live" - emphasizing consistency in Torah education.

Yirat Hashem as the Ultimate Goal

The Talmud (Kiddushin 30b) connects this verse to the mitzvah of Talmud Torah, stating that the primary purpose of learning is to achieve yirat Shamayim. The Meshech Chochmah explains that mere intellectual knowledge is insufficient; the verse stresses "לְיִרְאָה" - that learning must lead to genuine fear and awe of Hashem.

Historical Dimension

The Midrash Tanchuma (Va'etchanan 3) links this to the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, where even future generations were considered present (as per the principle of "the souls of all Jews were at Sinai"). This verse reinforces that each generation must personally acquire Torah knowledge and fear of Heaven, not relying solely on ancestral merit.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 31:13 mean?
A: This verse emphasizes the importance of teaching the next generation about Hashem (God) and His commandments. It instructs parents to ensure their children, who did not witness the Exodus or receive the Torah at Mount Sinai, learn to fear and serve Hashem while living in the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this verse highlights the duty to pass down Torah knowledge so future generations maintain their connection to Hashem.
Q: Why is teaching children about Hashem important according to this verse?
A: The verse stresses that children who did not experience miracles firsthand must still learn about Hashem to maintain the covenant. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1) teaches that parents are obligated to educate their children in Torah and mitzvot (commandments) to ensure continuity of Jewish tradition. This mitzvah (commandment) is foundational in Judaism.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish education today?
A: Just as the verse commands teaching children in biblical times, today, Jewish parents and communities must prioritize Torah education. The Talmud (Sukkah 42a) states that a father must teach his child Torah, emphasizing its timeless importance. Schools, synagogues, and homes all play a role in fulfilling this mitzvah.
Q: What does 'learn to fear Hashem' mean in this verse?
A: 'Fear of Hashem' (Yirat Shamayim) refers to awe and reverence for God, leading to observance of mitzvot. The Sifrei (a halachic Midrash) explains that this fear is acquired through learning Torah and understanding Hashem's greatness. It is not about literal fear but about deep respect and commitment to a Torah life.
Q: Why does the verse mention crossing the Jordan River?
A: The Jordan River symbolizes entering the Land of Israel, where the Israelites would fulfill their mission as a nation. Rashi notes that this verse reminds them that Torah observance is tied to the land—living in Israel requires upholding Torah values. The Talmud (Ketubot 110b) teaches that dwelling in Israel enhances one's spiritual connection to Hashem.