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Deuteronomy 6:2 - Fear God, observe mitzvot, live long

Deuteronomy 6:2 - דברים 6:2

Hebrew Text

לְמַעַן תִּירָא אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לִשְׁמֹר אֶת־כָּל־חֻקֹּתָיו וּמִצְוֺתָיו אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּךָ אַתָּה וּבִנְךָ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ כֹּל יְמֵי חַיֶּיךָ וּלְמַעַן יַאֲרִכֻן יָמֶיךָ׃

English Translation

that thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

Transliteration

Lema'an tira et-Adonai Elohecha lishmor et-kol-chukotav umitzvotav asher anochi metzavecha atah uvincha uven-bincha kol yemei chayecha ulema'an ya'arichun yamecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

לְמַ֨עַן תִּירָ֜א אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ לִ֠שְׁמֹ֠ר אֶת־כׇּל־חֻקֹּתָ֣יו וּמִצְוֺתָיו֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָנֹכִ֣י מְצַוֶּ֒ךָ֒ אַתָּה֙ וּבִנְךָ֣ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י חַיֶּ֑יךָ וּלְמַ֖עַן יַאֲרִכֻ֥ן יָמֶֽיךָ׃
לְמַ֨עַן תִּירָ֜א אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ לִ֠שְׁמֹ֠ר אֶת־כׇּל־חֻקֹּתָ֣יו וּמִצְוֺתָיו֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָנֹכִ֣י מְצַוֶּ֒ךָ֒ אַתָּה֙ וּבִנְךָ֣ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ֔ כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֣י חַיֶּ֑יךָ וּלְמַ֖עַן יַאֲרִכֻ֥ן יָמֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Purpose of Yirat Hashem (Fear of God)

The verse begins with "לְמַעַן תִּירָא אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("that thou mightest fear the Lord thy God"), emphasizing that the ultimate purpose of observing mitzvot is to cultivate yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven). Rashi (Devarim 6:2) explains that this fear is not merely dread but a profound reverence that motivates one to avoid sin and fulfill God's will. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1-2) elaborates that yirah is the foundation of divine service, leading to love of God and proper observance of mitzvot.

Transmission of Torah to Future Generations

The phrase "אַתָּה וּבִנְךָ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ" ("thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son") underscores the obligation to teach Torah to one's descendants. The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) derives from this that a father must educate his children in mitzvot. The Sifrei (Devarim 41) adds that this includes modeling proper behavior, as children learn from their parents' example. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1-3) codifies this as a lifelong responsibility.

Longevity as a Reward for Mitzvot

The concluding phrase "וּלְמַעַן יַאֲרִכֻן יָמֶיךָ" ("and that thy days may be prolonged") teaches that observing mitzvot brings divine reward. The Talmud (Kiddushin 39b) discusses this concept, noting that while the primary reward for mitzvot is in the World to Come, there are also earthly benefits, such as long life. However, the Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 6:2) cautions that this is not a transactional guarantee but rather a general principle of divine providence.

Key Themes in Orthodox Jewish Thought

  • Yirat Hashem as a Prerequisite: Fear of God is the foundation for Torah observance (Rambam, Mishneh Torah).
  • Generational Continuity: Parents must ensure their children and grandchildren inherit Torah values (Sifrei, Talmud Kiddushin).
  • Divine Reward: Observance of mitzvot brings blessings, both in this world and the next (Talmud Kiddushin, Midrash Rabbah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 30a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the obligation of a father to teach his son Torah, emphasizing the importance of passing down commandments through generations.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the Noahide laws and the broader concept of fearing God and keeping His commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'that thou mightest fear the Lord thy God' mean in Deuteronomy 6:2?
A: The phrase 'that thou mightest fear the Lord thy God' refers to the concept of 'yirat Shamayim' (fear of Heaven), which is a fundamental principle in Judaism. According to Rashi and Rambam, this 'fear' is not about being afraid, but about having deep reverence and awe for Hashem, recognizing His greatness and our responsibility to follow His commandments.
Q: Why does the verse mention keeping commandments for 'you, your son, and your son’s son'?
A: The Torah emphasizes teaching mitzvot (commandments) to future generations to ensure the continuity of Jewish tradition. As the Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) explains, parents have an obligation to educate their children in Torah and mitzvot. This verse highlights the importance of passing down our heritage, ensuring that Judaism remains alive through each generation.
Q: What is the connection between fearing Hashem and having long days ('that thy days may be prolonged')?
A: The Torah often connects observance of mitzvot with long life (e.g., honoring parents in the Ten Commandments). Rambam explains that this promise is both a physical and spiritual reward—living a Torah-directed life leads to meaningful, fulfilled days. The Midrash (Sifrei) also teaches that true 'long days' refers to the World to Come (Olam Haba), where the righteous enjoy eternal reward.
Q: How can we apply 'fearing Hashem' in daily life today?
A: Fearing Hashem in daily life means being mindful of His presence in all actions. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that this includes speaking kindly (avoiding lashon hara), acting honestly in business, and performing mitzvot with sincerity. Simple practices like saying brachot (blessings) with intention or pausing before making decisions to consider 'what does Hashem want?' help cultivate this awareness.
Q: Why does the verse say 'all His statutes and commandments' instead of just 'commandments'?
A: The Torah distinguishes between 'chukim' (statutes—mitzvot whose reasons are not obvious, like kashrut) and 'mishpatim' (commandments with clear logic, like charity). Rashi explains that we must observe both types equally, even when we don’t understand. This teaches submission to Hashem’s will, reinforcing the idea of 'yirah' (reverence) mentioned earlier in the verse.