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Deuteronomy 32:32 - Israel's bitter spiritual corruption?

Deuteronomy 32:32 - דברים 32:32

Hebrew Text

כִּי־מִגֶּפֶן סְדֹם גַּפְנָם וּמִשַּׁדְמֹת עֲמֹרָה עֲנָבֵמוֹ עִנְּבֵי־רוֹשׁ אַשְׁכְּלֹת מְרֹרֹת לָמוֹ׃

English Translation

For their vine is of the vine of Sedom, and of the fields of ῾Amora: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:

Transliteration

Ki-migefen Sedom gafnam umishadmoth Amorah anavemo inavei-rosh ashkolot merorot lamo.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־מִגֶּ֤פֶן סְדֹם֙ גַּפְנָ֔ם וּמִשַּׁדְמֹ֖ת עֲמֹרָ֑ה        עֲנָבֵ֙מוֹ֙ עִנְּבֵי־ר֔וֹשׁ אַשְׁכְּלֹ֥ת מְרֹרֹ֖ת לָֽמוֹ׃        
כִּֽי־מִגֶּ֤פֶן סְדֹם֙ גַּפְנָ֔ם וּמִשַּׁדְמֹ֖ת עֲמֹרָ֑ה        עֲנָבֵ֙מוֹ֙ עִנְּבֵי־ר֔וֹשׁ אַשְׁכְּלֹ֥ת מְרֹרֹ֖ת לָֽמוֹ׃        

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Parasha Commentary

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

The verse (Devarim 32:32) employs vivid agricultural imagery to describe the moral corruption of certain nations. Rashi explains that "the vine of Sedom" and "the fields of ῾Amora" symbolize the wickedness inherited from those infamous cities destroyed for their sins. The "grapes of gall" and "bitter clusters" represent the poisonous and harmful nature of their deeds, which bring destruction rather than benefit.

Allegorical Meaning (Remez)

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) suggests this verse serves as a metaphor for societies built on injustice. Just as the soil of Sedom and ῾Amora produced harmful fruits, nations that institutionalize evil will inevitably yield destructive consequences. The bitterness reflects the inevitable suffering that results from corrupt social systems.

Midrashic Explanation (Derash)

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayera 8) elaborates that the "vine of Sedom" refers to the corrupt legal systems of these societies. Just as a vine's grapes should produce wine for sanctification (like nesachim offerings), Sedom perverted justice into something bitter and poisonous. The "clusters" represent how their collective actions were united in wickedness.

Ethical Lesson (Musar)

Rabbeinu Bachya notes this verse teaches that:

  • Moral corruption becomes ingrained in a society's very nature ("their vine")
  • Evil produces its own punishment ("bitter clusters")
  • Wickedness ultimately destroys its practitioners ("grapes of gall")

Kabbalistic Insight (Sod)

The Zohar (Vayera 106b) interprets this verse as describing how the Sitra Achra (the "Other Side") mimics holiness. Just as proper vines produce wine for sanctification, the "vine of Sedom" represents a perversion of divine energy, producing spiritual poison rather than kedusha.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'vine of Sedom' mean in Deuteronomy 32:32?
A: The 'vine of Sedom' is a metaphor used to describe the corrupt and immoral behavior of certain nations. Sedom (Sodom) was infamous for its wickedness (as described in Genesis 19), and this verse compares their sinful influence to poisonous grapes that bring bitterness. Rashi explains that this imagery warns against adopting the ways of evil societies.
Q: Why does the Torah compare people to bitter grapes in this verse?
A: The Torah uses the metaphor of bitter grapes to illustrate how the actions and influence of wicked people can spread harm, just as poisonous fruit causes suffering. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that this verse emphasizes the destructive consequences of following immoral behavior, as it ultimately leads to bitterness and ruin.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 32:32 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of distancing ourselves from corrupt influences and immoral behavior. Just as bitter grapes are harmful, associating with wickedness can spiritually poison a person. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) advises choosing righteous companions and communities to cultivate good character and avoid negative influences.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish teachings about morality?
A: The verse reinforces the Torah's emphasis on ethical living by contrasting righteousness with the depravity of Sedom and Amora. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) discusses how these cities were destroyed due to their cruelty and lack of justice, serving as a warning against similar behavior. Jews are taught to pursue justice (Deuteronomy 16:20) and kindness in contrast to such corruption.