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Deuteronomy 4:9 - Guard Torah memories forever.

Deuteronomy 4:9 - דברים 4:9

Hebrew Text

רַק הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ וּשְׁמֹר נַפְשְׁךָ מְאֹד פֶּן־תִּשְׁכַּח אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר־רָאוּ עֵינֶיךָ וּפֶן־יָסוּרוּ מִלְּבָבְךָ כֹּל יְמֵי חַיֶּיךָ וְהוֹדַעְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ וְלִבְנֵי בָנֶיךָ׃

English Translation

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thy eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons—

Transliteration

Rak hishamer lekha ushmor nafshekha me'od pen-tishkach et-hadevarim asher-ra'u einekha ufen-yasuru milevavekha kol yemei chayekha vehodatam levaneikha velivnei vaneikha.

Hebrew Leining Text

רַ֡ק הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֩ וּשְׁמֹ֨ר נַפְשְׁךָ֜ מְאֹ֗ד פֶּן־תִּשְׁכַּ֨ח אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֜ים אֲשֶׁר־רָא֣וּ עֵינֶ֗יךָ וּפֶן־יָס֙וּרוּ֙ מִלְּבָ֣בְךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י חַיֶּ֑יךָ וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֥ם לְבָנֶ֖יךָ וְלִבְנֵ֥י בָנֶֽיךָ׃
רַ֡ק הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֩ וּשְׁמֹ֨ר נַפְשְׁךָ֜ מְאֹ֗ד פֶּן־תִּשְׁכַּ֨ח אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֜ים אֲשֶׁר־רָא֣וּ עֵינֶ֗יךָ וּפֶן־יָס֙וּרוּ֙ מִלְּבָ֣בְךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י חַיֶּ֑יךָ וְהוֹדַעְתָּ֥ם לְבָנֶ֖יךָ וְלִבְנֵ֥י בָנֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 4:9) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's exhortation to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. It emphasizes the critical importance of remembering Ma'amad Har Sinai (the Revelation at Sinai) and transmitting Torah faithfully to future generations. Rashi explains that this warning comes specifically after the description of the Giving of the Torah to stress that forgetting the divine encounter would lead to abandoning mitzvot.

Twofold Warning: "Hashamer Lecha" and "Shemor Nafshecha"

The double language of "הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ" (take heed for yourself) and "שְׁמֹר נַפְשְׁךָ" (guard your soul) is expounded upon by the Sifrei:

  • Personal Vigilance: "Hashamer lecha" refers to being mindful of one's own spiritual state.
  • Active Protection: "Shemor nafshecha" implies proactive measures to safeguard one's connection to Torah, such as regular study and avoiding distractions (Rambam, Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:12).

The Danger of Forgetting

The phrase "פֶּן־תִּשְׁכַּח" (lest you forget) is understood by the Ibn Ezra as referring not merely to cognitive memory, but to losing emotional and spiritual connection to the Sinai experience. The Talmud (Berachot 38b) teaches that forgetting Torah stems from treating it lightly—hence the need for constant review.

Transmission to Future Generations

The command "וְהוֹדַעְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ" (teach them to your children) establishes the mitzvah of chinuch (education). Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:3) derives from here that each generation must make Sinai feel as vivid as if they themselves stood at the mountain—a principle later codified in the Pesach Haggadah's "בכל דור ודור" (in every generation).

Chassidic Insight (Sefat Emet)

The Sefat Emet notes that "ימֵי חַיֶּיךָ" (days of your life) implies that even mundane days must be infused with Torah consciousness. Forgetting occurs when one separates daily life from spiritual purpose.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of remembering and teaching the commandments to future generations.
📖 Eruvin 54b
The verse is cited to emphasize the duty of parents to educate their children in the Torah and its commandments.
📖 Kiddushin 30a
The verse is used to highlight the obligation of teaching Torah to one's children and grandchildren.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:9 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 4:9 is a commandment from Moshe (Moses) to the Jewish people, warning them to be extremely careful not to forget the miracles and teachings they witnessed, such as the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai (Mount Sinai). Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of constantly remembering these events and passing them down to future generations.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 4:9 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the obligation to remember and transmit Torah teachings to our children and grandchildren. The Rambam (Maimonides) includes this in his list of mitzvot (commandments), highlighting that Jewish education is a lifelong responsibility to ensure the continuity of Torah observance.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 4:9 today?
A: We apply this verse today by making Torah study and Jewish education a priority in our lives. The Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) teaches that parents must teach their children Torah. This includes setting aside time for learning, discussing Torah stories at home, and ensuring children receive a proper Jewish education.
Q: What does 'keep your soul diligently' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'keep your soul diligently' (וּשְׁמֹר נַפְשְׁךָ מְאֹד) means to guard your spiritual well-being with great care. The Sforno explains that this refers to being vigilant in Torah observance and mitzvot, as neglecting them could lead to forgetting the foundational experiences of our faith.
Q: Why does the verse mention teaching children and grandchildren?
A: The verse mentions teaching children and grandchildren to emphasize that Torah transmission is a multi-generational responsibility. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that each generation must ensure the next one is firmly rooted in Torah values, creating an unbroken chain from Har Sinai to the present day.