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Exodus 19:8 - Israel accepts Torah wholeheartedly

Exodus 19:8 - שמות 19:8

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲנוּ כָל־הָעָם יַחְדָּו וַיֹּאמְרוּ כֹּל אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה נַעֲשֶׂה וַיָּשֶׁב מֹשֶׁה אֶת־דִּבְרֵי הָעָם אֶל־יְהוָה׃

English Translation

and all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do. And Moshe reported the words of the people to the Lord.

Transliteration

Va'ya'anu kol-ha'am yachdav va'yomru kol asher-diber Adonai na'aseh va'yashev Moshe et-divrei ha'am el-Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּעֲנ֨וּ כׇל־הָעָ֤ם יַחְדָּו֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶׂ֑ה וַיָּ֧שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם אֶל־יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיַּעֲנ֨וּ כׇל־הָעָ֤ם יַחְדָּו֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶׂ֑ה וַיָּ֧שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם אֶל־יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The People's Declaration of Acceptance

The verse describes Bnei Yisrael's unified response to Hashem's commandments at Har Sinai: "All that the Lord has spoken we will do" (Shemot 19:8). This declaration represents a profound moment of collective commitment to Torah observance.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that the phrase "answered together" (וַיַּעֲנוּ יַחְדָּו) indicates remarkable unity—they responded "with one heart" (בלב אחד), unlike their later disputes in the wilderness. This teaches that true acceptance of Torah requires harmony among Klal Yisrael.

The Meaning of "Na'aseh" (We Will Do)

The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) famously highlights that Bnei Yisrael prioritized "we will do" before "we will hear" (na'aseh v'nishma), demonstrating unconditional acceptance of mitzvot. The Midrash (Mechilta) explains this reflects the special love and trust between Hashem and His people.

  • Ramban: Views this as the people accepting both the written and oral Torah in advance.
  • Sforno: Suggests their declaration showed perfect faith—they committed even before understanding the full implications.

Moshe as the Intermediary

The second half of the verse—"Moshe reported the words of the people to Hashem"—shows Moshe's role as the faithful conduit between G-d and Israel. The Mechilta explains that Moshe relayed their words exactly, demonstrating the importance of transmitting Torah teachings precisely without alteration.

Lessons for All Generations

This moment establishes a model for Torah acceptance:

  • Unity in purpose when approaching divine service
  • Willingness to commit to mitzvot even before fully comprehending them
  • The centrality of faithful transmission of Torah through proper channels

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 88a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the people's acceptance of it, illustrating their unanimous commitment to fulfill God's commandments.
📖 Avodah Zarah 2b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the uniqueness of the Jewish people's acceptance of the Torah, contrasting it with other nations' responses to divine commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 19:8 mean when the people say 'All that the Lord has spoken we will do'?
A: This verse shows Bnei Yisrael's (the Children of Israel) complete acceptance of Hashem's commandments at Mount Sinai before even hearing what they would be. According to Rashi and the Midrash, this demonstrates their extraordinary faith and willingness to serve G-d unconditionally.
Q: Why is Exodus 19:8 important in Judaism?
A: This moment marks the formal acceptance of the Torah by the Jewish people. The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) teaches that this declaration 'Na'aseh' (we will do) was so precious that G-d rewarded them with guardian angels. It established the covenant relationship between G-d and Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 19:8 today?
A: The Rambam teaches that we should emulate our ancestors' immediate willingness to accept G-d's commandments. This teaches us the importance of committing to Torah observance with enthusiasm, even before fully understanding all the details.
Q: Why did Moshe report the people's words back to Hashem?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe served as the intermediary between G-d and the people. By bringing their response back to Hashem, he completed the communication cycle and showed that the people's acceptance was properly conveyed, paving the way for the giving of the Torah.
Q: How does the phrase 'we will do' relate to Jewish practice today?
A: The sequence 'we will do' before 'we will understand' (which appears later) establishes an important Jewish principle - first we commit to observing mitzvot, then we work to understand them. This approach of 'na'aseh v'nishma' remains fundamental to Orthodox Jewish life.