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Deuteronomy 8:1 - Commandments bring life, land

Deuteronomy 8:1 - דברים 8:1

Hebrew Text

כָּל־הַמִּצְוָה אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם תִּשְׁמְרוּן לַעֲשׂוֹת לְמַעַן תִּחְיוּן וּרְבִיתֶם וּבָאתֶם וִירִשְׁתֶּם אֶת־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall you observe to do, that you may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers.

Transliteration

Kol-hamitzvah asher anochi metzavkha hayom tishmerun la'asot lema'an tichyun ur'vitem uvatem virishtem et-ha'aretz asher-nishba Adonai la'avoteikhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּךָ֛ הַיּ֖וֹם תִּשְׁמְר֣וּן לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת לְמַ֨עַן תִּֽחְי֜וּן וּרְבִיתֶ֗ם וּבָאתֶם֙ וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהֹוָ֖ה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃
כׇּל־הַמִּצְוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּךָ֛ הַיּ֖וֹם תִּשְׁמְר֣וּן לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת לְמַ֨עַן תִּֽחְי֜וּן וּרְבִיתֶ֗ם וּבָאתֶם֙ וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥ע יְהֹוָ֖ה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

General Interpretation

The verse (Devarim 8:1) emphasizes the importance of observing all the mitzvot (commandments) as a condition for life, prosperity, and inheriting the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that "All the commandment" (כָּל־הַמִּצְוָה) is written in the singular to teach that the entire Torah is considered as one unified whole. One must not pick and choose which mitzvot to observe but must fulfill them all with equal commitment.

Living and Multiplying

The phrase "that you may live, and multiply" (לְמַעַן תִּחְיוּן וּרְבִיתֶם) is interpreted by the Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 9:1) as referring not only to physical life and progeny but also to spiritual vitality. Observing the mitzvot brings Divine blessing, ensuring both material and spiritual success. The Sifrei (Devarim 43) adds that "living" here implies life in Olam Hazeh (this world) and Olam Haba (the World to Come).

Inheriting the Land

The promise "and go in and possess the land" (וּבָאתֶם וִירִשְׁתֶּם אֶת־הָאָרֶץ) is conditioned upon mitzvah observance. The Talmud (Sotah 14a) teaches that settling the Land of Israel is equivalent to all the mitzvot combined. The Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that the mitzvot were given primarily to be observed in Eretz Yisrael, and their full spiritual potential is realized there.

The Oath to the Forefathers

The mention of "which the Lord swore to your fathers" (אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם) highlights the covenant with Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 44:5) explains that the merit of the Avot (forefathers) assists their descendants in inheriting the land, but only when they uphold the Torah. This teaches that while the promise is eternal, its fulfillment depends on our actions.

Practical Lessons

  • Unity of Mitzvot: One must approach all mitzvot with equal seriousness, as they are interconnected (Rashi).
  • Physical and Spiritual Reward: Torah observance brings both material and spiritual blessings (Rambam).
  • Eretz Yisrael's Centrality: The Land is the ideal place for fulfilling mitzvot and achieving closeness to Hashem (Ramban).
  • Covenantal Relationship: The bond between Hashem and Israel is eternal, but our merits determine its manifestation (Midrash).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of observing commandments for the sake of inheriting the land.
📖 Sotah 14a
Cited in a discussion about the connection between observing commandments and the promise of the land of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 8:1 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 8:1 emphasizes the importance of observing all the commandments given by Hashem (G-d) in order to merit life, prosperity, and the fulfillment of the promise to inherit the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that this verse connects mitzvah observance with success in settling the land.
Q: Why is keeping the commandments linked to inheriting the land in this verse?
A: The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that the Torah links mitzvah observance with inheriting the land because the Jewish people's right to dwell in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) depends on their faithfulness to Torah. The Sforno adds that proper observance leads to spiritual and material blessings in the land.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 36b) teaches that this verse establishes an eternal covenant - observance of mitzvot brings blessing in all generations. The Chofetz Chaim explains that even today, Torah observance brings spiritual and physical benefits, and prepares us for the ultimate redemption.
Q: What does 'that you may live' mean in this verse?
A: Rashi explains this refers to life in both this world and the World to Come. The Sifrei (Devarim 43) states it means a full, meaningful life. Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 9:1) teaches that mitzvah observance brings true life by connecting us to Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse mention both 'live' and 'multiply'?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:1) explains that 'live' refers to quality of life while 'multiply' refers to quantity - mitzvah observance brings both personal fulfillment and national prosperity. The Kli Yakar notes this shows the commandments benefit both individuals and the collective Jewish people.