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Deuteronomy 8:10 - Bless after eating—why?

Deuteronomy 8:10 - דברים 8:10

Hebrew Text

וְאָכַלְתָּ וְשָׂבָעְתָּ וּבֵרַכְתָּ אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ עַל־הָאָרֶץ הַטֹּבָה אֲשֶׁר נָתַן־לָךְ׃

English Translation

When thou hast eaten and art replete, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he has given thee.

Transliteration

Ve'akhalta vesavata uverakhta et-Adonai Elohekha al-ha'aretz hatova asher natan-lakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ וְשָׂבָ֑עְתָּ וּבֵֽרַכְתָּ֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ עַל־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַטֹּבָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽךְ׃
וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ וְשָׂבָ֑עְתָּ וּבֵֽרַכְתָּ֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ עַל־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַטֹּבָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Birkat Hamazon

The verse (Devarim 8:10) establishes the biblical obligation to recite Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) after eating and being satisfied. This mitzvah is derived from the phrase "וּבֵרַכְתָּ אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" ("then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God"). According to Rambam (Hilchot Berachot 1:1), this is one of the 613 mitzvot, obligating us to express gratitude to Hashem after partaking of His bounty.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the verse links blessing Hashem specifically to being "שָׂבָעְתָּ" ("satiated"), teaching that the obligation applies only after eating enough to feel satisfied. However, the Sages extended this mitzvah to require a blessing even after eating a smaller amount (Berachot 20b), ensuring we acknowledge Hashem's kindness at all times.

The Significance of the Land

The verse emphasizes blessing Hashem "עַל־הָאָרֶץ הַטֹּבָה" ("for the good land"). The Talmud (Berachot 48b) explains that this refers to Eretz Yisrael, which is intrinsically connected to our sustenance. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 8:10) elaborates that the land's goodness is reflected in its fruits, which are blessed when we recite Birkat Hamazon with proper intent.

Halachic Details from the Shulchan Aruch

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 185:1) rules that Birkat Hamazon is required after eating a meal containing bread made from one of the five grains (wheat, barley, spelt, rye, or oats).
  • One must recite it in the place where they ate (Orach Chaim 184:1), unless there is a pressing need to leave.
  • The blessing includes four sections: Birkat Hazan (thanks for sustenance), Birkat Ha'aretz (thanks for the land), Boneh Yerushalayim (prayer for Jerusalem), and HaTov VeHameitiv (general praise of Hashem's goodness).

Spiritual Lessons from the Verse

The Kli Yakar teaches that this verse warns against arrogance—even when one is satiated, they must remember that all sustenance comes from Hashem. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that recognizing Hashem's kindness through Birkat Hamazon strengthens our bond with Him and prevents us from taking His blessings for granted.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 48b
The verse is cited in the discussion about the obligation to recite the Birkat Hamazon (Grace after Meals), emphasizing the commandment to bless God after eating.
📖 Sotah 36a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of gratitude to God for His blessings, particularly in relation to the land of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 8:10 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 8:10 teaches us the mitzvah (commandment) of Birkat Hamazon—reciting blessings after eating a meal. The verse instructs us that after we eat and are satisfied, we must bless Hashem for the good land He has given us. This emphasizes gratitude to G-d for providing sustenance.
Q: Why is saying Birkat Hamazon important?
A: Birkat Hamazon is a Torah obligation (Devarim 8:10) and a fundamental way to acknowledge that everything we have comes from Hashem. The Talmud (Berachot 21a) states that one who benefits from this world without a blessing is like stealing from G-d. It cultivates humility and appreciation for His kindness.
Q: When do we recite Birkat Hamazon?
A: According to Halacha (Jewish law), Birkat Hamazon is recited after eating a meal that includes bread made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 184:1). The blessing expresses thanks for the food, the Land of Israel, and all of G-d's blessings.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 8:10 today?
A: This verse reminds us that even when we are physically satisfied, we must not forget the Source of our blessings. The Rambam (Hilchot Berachot 1:1) teaches that recognizing G-d's role in our sustenance strengthens our faith and prevents arrogance. Gratitude should be a daily practice.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Land of Israel?
A: The verse specifically mentions blessing Hashem for 'the good land'—referring to Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that this land is uniquely blessed with spiritual and physical goodness. Reciting Birkat Hamazon acknowledges our bond with the Land and G-d's gift to the Jewish people.