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Deuteronomy 4:39 - One God, heaven and earth

Deuteronomy 4:39 - דברים 4:39

Hebrew Text

וְיָדַעְתָּ הַיּוֹם וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ אֶל־לְבָבֶךָ כִּי יְהוָה הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים בַּשָּׁמַיִם מִמַּעַל וְעַל־הָאָרֶץ מִתָּחַת אֵין עוֹד׃

English Translation

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is no other.

Transliteration

Veyadata hayom vaheshevota el-levavecha ki Adonai hu ha'Elohim bashamayim mima'al ve'al-ha'aretz mitachat ein od.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָדַעְתָּ֣ הַיּ֗וֹם וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ֮ אֶל־לְבָבֶ֒ךָ֒ כִּ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ ה֣וּא הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם מִמַּ֔עַל וְעַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ מִתָּ֑חַת אֵ֖ין עֽוֹד׃
וְיָדַעְתָּ֣ הַיּ֗וֹם וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ֮ אֶל־לְבָבֶ֒ךָ֒ כִּ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ ה֣וּא הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם מִמַּ֔עַל וְעַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ מִתָּ֑חַת אֵ֖ין עֽוֹד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse (Devarim 4:39) emphasizes the fundamental principle of Yichud Hashem (the Oneness of G-d), declaring that Hashem is the sole sovereign over all creation—both in the heavens and on earth. This is a core tenet of Jewish belief, as codified in Rambam's 13 Principles of Faith.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְיָדַעְתָּ הַיּוֹם" ("Know therefore this day") implies that this knowledge should be as clear and certain to you as if you had witnessed it firsthand today. The instruction to "וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ אֶל־לְבָבֶךָ" ("consider it in thy heart") means that this truth must be internalized deeply, not merely acknowledged intellectually.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah (1:1-7), Rambam elaborates on this verse, teaching that recognizing Hashem's absolute unity and dominion is the foundation of all mitzvot. The declaration "אֵין עוֹד" ("there is no other") negates any form of dualism or polytheism, affirming that Hashem alone governs all existence.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifrei connects this verse to the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, where Hashem revealed Himself in both the heavens and the earth to demonstrate His omnipresence.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that this verse is a call to da'at (knowledge) that permeates both mind and heart, leading to unwavering faith.

Practical Implications

This verse serves as a daily reminder to affirm Hashem's unity, as reflected in the Shema prayer. The Sages (Berachot 13b) stress that reciting Shema with proper intent fulfills the commandment to "know and consider" this truth. Additionally, the Chovot HaLevavot (Duties of the Heart) emphasizes that internalizing this belief guides ethical and spiritual conduct.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 33b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of prayer and the recognition of God's sovereignty.
📖 Megillah 25a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper way to acknowledge and declare God's unity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:39 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 4:39 teaches the fundamental Jewish belief in the absolute oneness of Hashem (G-d). It declares that Hashem is the only true G-d, ruling over both heaven and earth with no other powers or deities besides Him. Rashi explains that this verse comes after the description of the Exodus and giving of the Torah to emphasize that these miracles prove Hashem's exclusive divinity.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 4:39 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is central to Judaism because it affirms the first of the Ten Commandments - belief in one G-d. The Rambam (Maimonides) includes this concept as the first of his 13 Principles of Faith. The Talmud (Berachot 33b) teaches that acknowledging Hashem's kingship (which this verse expresses) is so important that one who denies it denies the entire Torah.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 4:39 in daily life?
A: The verse tells us to 'know' and 'consider in your heart' - meaning we must both intellectually understand and emotionally internalize Hashem's oneness. Practically, this means recognizing Hashem in all aspects of life, from saying blessings to seeing Divine providence in events. The Sforno explains this leads to proper awe and love of G-d in all our actions.
Q: What does 'there is no other' mean in this verse?
A: 'There is no other' means that nothing exists independently of Hashem's will and power. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:31) explains this means no other deity has any real power. Everything in creation - from angels to natural forces - are merely instruments of Hashem's will, with no independent divine status.
Q: Why does the verse say 'this day'?
A: The phrase 'this day' teaches that our awareness of Hashem must be fresh and renewed daily, not just a historical fact. The Kli Yakar explains that each day we must actively recognize Hashem's presence in the world as if we just learned it today. This prevents our belief from becoming routine or taken for granted.