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Exodus 20:17 - Divine awe prevents sin.

Exodus 20:17 - שמות 20:17

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־הָעָם אַל־תִּירָאוּ כִּי לְבַעֲבוּר נַסּוֹת אֶתְכֶם בָּא הָאֱלֹהִים וּבַעֲבוּר תִּהְיֶה יִרְאָתוֹ עַל־פְּנֵיכֶם לְבִלְתִּי תֶחֱטָאוּ׃

English Translation

And Moshe said to the people, Fear not: for God is come to test you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that you sin not.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-ha'am al-tira'u ki l'va'avur nasot etchem ba ha'Elohim u'va'avur tih'yeh yir'ato al-p'neichem l'vilti techeta'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶל־הָעָם֮ אַל־תִּירָ֒אוּ֒ כִּ֗י לְבַֽעֲבוּר֙ נַסּ֣וֹת אֶתְכֶ֔ם בָּ֖א הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וּבַעֲב֗וּר תִּהְיֶ֧ה יִרְאָת֛וֹ עַל־פְּנֵיכֶ֖ם לְבִלְתִּ֥י תֶחֱטָֽאוּ׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֣ה אֶל־הָעָם֮ אַל־תִּירָ֒אוּ֒ כִּ֗י לְבַֽעֲבוּר֙ נַסּ֣וֹת אֶתְכֶ֔ם בָּ֖א הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וּבַעֲב֗וּר תִּהְיֶ֧ה יִרְאָת֛וֹ עַל־פְּנֵיכֶ֖ם לְבִלְתִּ֥י תֶחֱטָֽאוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 20:17) appears after the revelation at Har Sinai, where Bnei Yisrael witnessed the awe-inspiring presence of Hashem. The people were overwhelmed with fear, prompting Moshe to reassure them with these words.

Explanation of "Al Tira'u" (Fear Not)

Rashi explains that Moshe told the people not to fear the overwhelming experience of Har Sinai because Hashem's intention was not to destroy them but to elevate them. The fear they felt was a means to instill yirat Shamayim (awe of Heaven) permanently in their hearts.

The Purpose of the Test ("Lema'an Nasot Etchem")

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) interprets "nasot" (to test) as a means to strengthen their faith. The test was not for Hashem’s benefit—since He knows all—but to give Bnei Yisrael the opportunity to demonstrate and solidify their commitment to Torah.

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 16) adds that this "test" was akin to refining gold—removing impurities to reveal purity.
  • The Sforno explains that the test was to see if they would accept the Torah with love, not just out of fear.

The Role of Yirat Hashem ("Uvema'an Tihyeh Yirato Al Pneichem")

The Talmud (Berachot 33b) teaches that "everything is in the hands of Heaven except the fear of Heaven." The verse emphasizes that the purpose of the revelation was to instill a lasting reverence for Hashem, which would guide their actions.

  • The Kli Yakar notes that "al pneichem" (before your faces) implies that this fear should be ever-present, influencing all decisions.

Preventing Sin ("Lavilti Techeta'u")

The Ramban explains that true yirat Hashem leads to avoiding sin, as one who truly fears Hashem will not transgress His commandments. This aligns with Mishlei (16:6), "Through the fear of Hashem, one turns away from evil."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 20b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of fearing God and how it serves as a deterrent against sin.
📖 Sanhedrin 111b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the nature of divine tests and the purpose behind them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'God is come to test you' mean in Exodus 20:17?
A: Rashi explains that this 'test' refers to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The awe-inspiring experience was meant to instill in the Jewish people a deep reverence for Hashem, ensuring they would take the commandments seriously and avoid sin.
Q: Why did Moshe tell the people 'Fear not' at Mount Sinai?
A: The people were terrified by the thunder, lightning, and shofar blasts (Exodus 20:15). Moshe reassured them that this display of divine power was not to destroy them, but to elevate them—to instill 'yiras Shamayim' (fear of Heaven) so they would naturally avoid sin (Ramban on Exodus 20:17).
Q: How does 'that His fear may be before your faces' apply today?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 33b) teaches that everything—even miracles—exists for the sake of instilling yiras Shamayim. Today, we cultivate this through Torah study, mitzvah observance, and recognizing Hashem's presence in daily life (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 2:2).
Q: What is the connection between fear of God and not sinning?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta on this verse) compares it to a father warning his child near a hazard: the 'fear' is protective. Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:1) explains that yirah creates a mental barrier against sin—when one truly internalizes Hashem's presence, wrongful actions become unthinkable.
Q: Was the fear at Sinai different from regular fear?
A: Yes. The Sforno notes this was 'היראה השלימה' (complete fear)—a profound awe leading to love of Hashem, not mere fright. This ideal fear, achieved at Sinai, becomes the model for our relationship with Hashem (Devarim 10:12).