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Deuteronomy 7:11 - Observe Torah's laws today!

Deuteronomy 7:11 - דברים 7:11

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמַרְתָּ אֶת־הַמִּצְוָה וְאֶת־הַחֻקִּים וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם לַעֲשׂוֹתָם׃

English Translation

Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

Transliteration

Veshamarta et hamitzvah ve'et hachukim ve'et hamishpatim asher anochi metzavecha hayom la'asotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֨ אֶת־הַמִּצְוָ֜ה וְאֶת־הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּךָ֛ הַיּ֖וֹם לַעֲשׂוֹתָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְשָׁמַרְתָּ֨ אֶת־הַמִּצְוָ֜ה וְאֶת־הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּךָ֛ הַיּ֖וֹם לַעֲשׂוֹתָֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Three Categories of Commandments

The verse lists three distinct categories of commandments: mitzvot (commandments), chukim (statutes), and mishpatim (judgments). Rashi (Devarim 6:1) explains that these terms represent different types of divine laws:

  • Mitzvot – Fundamental commandments that would have been intuitively understood even if not commanded (e.g., prohibitions against theft or murder).
  • Chukim – Divine decrees without apparent logical reasoning, such as kashrut or sha'atnez, which require complete submission to Hashem's will.
  • Mishpatim – Laws governing civil and ethical conduct, which society would likely have established on its own due to their inherent logic (e.g., monetary laws or torts).

The Significance of "This Day"

The phrase "הַיּוֹם" (this day) is emphasized by the Sifrei (Devarim 41), which teaches that the Torah should always feel as fresh and urgent as if it were given today. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 7:6) expands on this, stating that one must serve Hashem with renewed enthusiasm daily, as though receiving the commandments anew.

Practical Application: "To Do Them"

The concluding words "לַעֲשׂוֹתָם" (to do them) highlight action over mere intellectual study. The Talmud (Kiddushin 40b) teaches that study is greater only when it leads to action. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:3) similarly stresses that the ultimate purpose of Torah knowledge is to fulfill the mitzvot in practice.

Midrashic Insight: Unity of Commandments

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bechukotai 3) notes that all three categories—mitzvot, chukim, mishpatim—are equally binding, regardless of human understanding. This teaches that one must not prioritize rational laws over seemingly irrational decrees, as both stem from divine wisdom. The Sforno adds that adherence to all three demonstrates complete devotion to Hashem’s will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 48b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of keeping the commandments and the proper way to fulfill them.
📖 Kiddushin 39b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the reward for performing commandments and the significance of observing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 7:11 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 7:11 emphasizes the importance of observing all the commandments (mitzvot), statutes (chukim), and judgments (mishpatim) that Hashem has commanded. According to Rashi, this verse serves as a reminder that fulfilling these laws is not optional but an essential obligation for the Jewish people.
Q: What are 'commandments, statutes, and judgments' in this verse?
A: The Torah divides laws into three categories: 'mitzvot' (commandments, such as honoring parents), 'chukim' (statutes with no obvious reason, like kashrut), and 'mishpatim' (logical judgments, like civil laws). Rambam explains that all three must be observed equally, even if we don't understand their reasoning.
Q: Why does the verse say 'which I command you this day'?
A: The Talmud (Eruvin 54b) teaches that the phrase 'this day' means the Torah's commandments should feel fresh and relevant every day, as if they were just given. The Midrash (Sifrei) adds that this reminds us to approach mitzvot with enthusiasm and not treat them as outdated laws.
Q: How can we apply Deuteronomy 7:11 today?
A: The verse teaches that Torah observance is timeless. The Chofetz Chaim explains that just as our ancestors were obligated to keep mitzvot in their time, we must faithfully observe halacha (Jewish law) today—whether it's Shabbat, kosher, or ethical commandments—with the same commitment.
Q: What is the difference between a 'statute' (chok) and a 'judgment' (mishpat)?
A: Rashi (on Deuteronomy 6:20) explains that 'mishpatim' are laws that human logic would dictate (like not stealing), while 'chukim' are divine decrees beyond human understanding (like the red heifer). Both are equally binding, as the verse groups them together as obligations from Hashem.