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Deuteronomy 8:13 - Wealth tests faith—stay humble?

Deuteronomy 8:13 - דברים 8:13

Hebrew Text

וּבְקָרְךָ וְצֹאנְךָ יִרְבְּיֻן וְכֶסֶף וְזָהָב יִרְבֶּה־לָּךְ וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־לְךָ יִרְבֶּה׃

English Translation

and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold are multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

Transliteration

Uvkarecha vetzoncha yirbeyun vechesaf vezahav yirbeh-lach vechol asher-lecha yirbeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְקָֽרְךָ֤ וְצֹֽאנְךָ֙ יִרְבְּיֻ֔ן וְכֶ֥סֶף וְזָהָ֖ב יִרְבֶּה־לָּ֑ךְ וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־לְךָ֖ יִרְבֶּֽה׃
וּבְקָֽרְךָ֤ וְצֹֽאנְךָ֙ יִרְבְּיֻ֔ן וְכֶ֥סֶף וְזָהָ֖ב יִרְבֶּה־לָּ֑ךְ וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־לְךָ֖ יִרְבֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 8:13) appears in Moshe's warning to Bnei Yisrael about the dangers of prosperity in Eretz Yisrael. It is part of a larger passage (8:11-18) cautioning against forgetting Hashem when material blessings increase. The multiplication of livestock, silver, gold, and possessions is framed as a potential spiritual test rather than an unqualified blessing.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi connects this verse to the previous one (8:12) about "lest you eat and be satisfied" by noting that material abundance can lead to gasut haruach (haughtiness of spirit). He emphasizes that the Torah presents this scenario not as an ideal but as a challenge to maintain humility and gratitude to Hashem despite wealth.

Rambam's Perspective (Hilchot De'ot)

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses this concept in his laws of character traits (Hilchot De'ot 2:3), teaching that the proper approach to wealth is the "middle path" - neither rejecting material blessings nor becoming obsessed with them. The multiplication described in our verse should be viewed as tools for serving Hashem, not as ends in themselves.

Talmudic Insight (Berachot 32a)

The Talmud states that material blessings can become a "snare" if not handled properly, citing this verse as an example. The Sages derive that when wealth increases, a person must increase their tzedakah and Torah study proportionally to avoid the spiritual dangers of prosperity.

Midrashic Interpretation (Sifrei Devarim)

The Sifrei notes the threefold repetition of "yirbeh" (shall multiply) in this verse and the next, teaching that:

  • Livestock represents basic sustenance
  • Silver and gold symbolize luxury items
  • "All that you have" encompasses every category of possession

This teaches that the test of prosperity applies at all economic levels.

Chassidic Perspective (Kedushat Levi)

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev explains that the multiplication described here is actually part of the mitzvah to acknowledge Hashem's blessings. When one properly attributes their success to Divine providence, the very act of counting and recognizing their multiplied possessions becomes an act of worship.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 8:13 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 8:13 describes the blessings of material prosperity that Hashem promises to the Jewish people if they follow His commandments. It mentions the increase of livestock (herds and flocks), wealth (silver and gold), and all possessions. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes that prosperity comes from Hashem's blessing, not just human effort.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it reminds us that all blessings—whether material or spiritual—come from Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:11) teaches that while we must work for our livelihood, we should recognize that success ultimately depends on divine favor. This verse also warns against arrogance, as the next verse (Deuteronomy 8:14) cautions not to forget Hashem when we prosper.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 8:13?
A: The lesson is that wealth and success are gifts from Hashem, not achievements of our own making. The Talmud (Berachot 35a) explains that we must balance our efforts with faith, acknowledging that sustenance comes from Heaven. This verse teaches gratitude and humility—even in times of abundance, we must remember the true Source of our blessings.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us to approach financial success with humility and gratitude. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that material wealth is a test—will we use it for mitzvot and kindness, or become arrogant? Orthodox Jews recite daily brachot (blessings) to acknowledge that everything we have comes from Hashem, reinforcing the message of this verse.