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Deuteronomy 4:6 - Torah wisdom impresses nations

Deuteronomy 4:6 - דברים 4:6

Hebrew Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם וַעֲשִׂיתֶם כִּי הִוא חָכְמַתְכֶם וּבִינַתְכֶם לְעֵינֵי הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁמְעוּן אֵת כָּל־הַחֻקִּים הָאֵלֶּה וְאָמְרוּ רַק עַם־חָכָם וְנָבוֹן הַגּוֹי הַגָּדוֹל הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

Keep them therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, who shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

Transliteration

Ushmartem va'asitem ki hi chachmatchem uvinatechem le'einei ha'amim asher yishme'un et kol-hachukim ha'eleh ve'amru rak am-chacham venavon hagoy hagadol hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֮ וַעֲשִׂיתֶם֒ כִּ֣י הִ֤וא חׇכְמַתְכֶם֙ וּבִ֣ינַתְכֶ֔ם לְעֵינֵ֖י הָעַמִּ֑ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִשְׁמְע֗וּן אֵ֚ת כׇּל־הַחֻקִּ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה וְאָמְר֗וּ רַ֚ק עַם־חָכָ֣ם וְנָב֔וֹן הַגּ֥וֹי הַגָּד֖וֹל הַזֶּֽה׃
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֮ וַעֲשִׂיתֶם֒ כִּ֣י הִ֤וא חׇכְמַתְכֶם֙ וּבִ֣ינַתְכֶ֔ם לְעֵינֵ֖י הָעַמִּ֑ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִשְׁמְע֗וּן אֵ֚ת כׇּל־הַחֻקִּ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה וְאָמְר֗וּ רַ֚ק עַם־חָכָ֣ם וְנָב֔וֹן הַגּ֥וֹי הַגָּד֖וֹל הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 4:6) emphasizes the importance of observing and fulfilling the mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah, as they serve as a testament to the wisdom and understanding of the Jewish people in the eyes of the nations. Rashi explains that this refers specifically to the meticulous observance of the chukim (statutes)—mitzvot whose reasons are not immediately apparent, such as the laws of kashrut or sha'atnez (forbidden mixtures in clothing). By adhering to these statutes, the Jewish people demonstrate their unwavering commitment to Hashem's will, which in turn earns them respect and admiration from other nations.

The Wisdom and Understanding of Torah

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 4:13) elaborates that the wisdom of the Torah is not merely intellectual but practical. When the nations witness the Jewish people living according to the Torah's laws—both the mishpatim (logical laws) and the chukim (decrees beyond human understanding)—they recognize the divine origin of this wisdom. The Sifrei (Devarim 49) adds that this recognition leads the nations to proclaim, "Only a wise and discerning people is this great nation!"—highlighting how Torah observance elevates the Jewish people above other nations.

The Role of Chukim (Statutes)

The Talmud (Yoma 67b) distinguishes between mishpatim and chukim: mishpatim are laws that would have been instituted even if the Torah had not commanded them (e.g., prohibitions against theft or murder), whereas chukim are commandments that defy human logic (e.g., the red heifer or dietary laws). The verse underscores that it is specifically the chukim that testify to the Jewish people's wisdom, as their observance reflects pure devotion to Hashem's will, without relying on human reasoning.

  • Rashi's Insight: The nations will recognize the wisdom of the Jewish people when they see them following even the most enigmatic laws with dedication.
  • Rambam's Perspective: The practical application of Torah wisdom—both in ethical and ritual matters—serves as a light unto the nations.
  • Talmudic Teaching: The chukim, precisely because they transcend human logic, demonstrate the unique relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.

The Impact on the Nations

The Midrash Tanchuma (Shemini 8) teaches that when the nations observe the Jewish people's adherence to the Torah, they are inspired to acknowledge Hashem's sovereignty. This aligns with the prophetic vision of the Jewish people serving as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Shemot 19:6), whose conduct brings sanctity into the world. The verse thus highlights the responsibility of the Jewish people to embody Torah values in a way that sanctifies Hashem's name publicly.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Eruvin 100b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the wisdom of the Jewish people as perceived by other nations, emphasizing the importance of observing the commandments.
📖 Sotah 49b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the decline of wisdom and understanding among the Jewish people in later generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:6 mean when it says 'this is your wisdom and your understanding'?
A: The verse teaches that observing and fulfilling the Torah's commandments (mitzvot) is the true wisdom and understanding of the Jewish people. Rashi explains that when the nations see the Jewish people faithfully keeping the Torah's laws, they will recognize the depth and wisdom in these commandments. This is not about intellectual knowledge alone, but about living according to G-d's will.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse emphasizes that the Torah is not just a set of rituals but a divine wisdom that elevates the Jewish people. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that the mitzvot bring moral and intellectual refinement. By observing them, we become a 'light unto the nations,' demonstrating the Torah's profound ethical and spiritual guidance.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 4:6 apply to Jews today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us that our commitment to Torah observance is what sets us apart as a nation. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains that when Jews live by Torah values—honesty, kindness, and justice—the world takes notice and acknowledges the wisdom of our way of life. This inspires us to uphold mitzvot with pride and sincerity.
Q: What does it mean that other nations will call Israel 'a wise and understanding people'?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 75a) teaches that the nations will recognize the wisdom of the Jewish people when they see the Torah's laws in action—such as the fairness of our courts, the sanctity of family life, and the ethics of business dealings. This recognition comes not from theoretical study, but from seeing Torah lived in practice.
Q: How can we fulfill 'Keep them and do them' in daily life?
A: The Sages explain that 'keeping' refers to studying Torah, while 'doing' means performing the mitzvot (Talmud, Kiddushin 40b). This includes both ritual commandments (like Shabbat and kosher) and ethical obligations (like charity and honesty). By balancing learning with action, we embody the wisdom of this verse.