share torah logo

Exodus 23:13 - Guard your speech, avoid idolatry

Exodus 23:13 - שמות 23:13

Hebrew Text

וּבְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־אָמַרְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶם תִּשָּׁמֵרוּ וְשֵׁם אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים לֹא תַזְכִּירוּ לֹא יִשָּׁמַע עַל־פִּיךָ׃

English Translation

And all things that I have said to you be mindful of: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

Transliteration

U'v'chol asher-amarti aleichem tishameru, v'shem Elohim acherim lo tazkiru, lo yishama al-picha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־אָמַ֥רְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם תִּשָּׁמֵ֑רוּ וְשֵׁ֨ם אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֲחֵרִים֙ לֹ֣א תַזְכִּ֔ירוּ לֹ֥א יִשָּׁמַ֖ע עַל־פִּֽיךָ׃
וּבְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־אָמַ֥רְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם תִּשָּׁמֵ֑רוּ וְשֵׁ֨ם אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֲחֵרִים֙ לֹ֣א תַזְכִּ֔ירוּ לֹ֥א יִשָּׁמַ֖ע עַל־פִּֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 23:13, within the section detailing the laws given to Bnei Yisrael after the revelation at Har Sinai. It follows commandments regarding ethical behavior and the observance of the Shabbat and festivals, emphasizing the exclusive worship of Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 23:13) interprets the phrase "וּבְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־אָמַרְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶם תִּשָּׁמֵרוּ" ("And all things that I have said to you be mindful of") as a general directive to safeguard all the mitzvot previously mentioned. He explains that the subsequent prohibition against mentioning other gods reinforces the severity of idolatry, as even verbal acknowledgment of foreign deities is forbidden.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:2), the Rambam elaborates that this verse prohibits not only worshiping other gods but even mentioning their names in a way that might imply recognition or legitimacy. This includes casual speech, oaths, or any context where their names might be invoked, as it could lead to spiritual corruption.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) emphasizes that this commandment serves to distance Bnei Yisrael entirely from any association with avodah zarah (idolatry), even in speech.
  • The Gemara (Sanhedrin 63b) discusses how this prohibition extends to making vows or oaths in the name of other deities, as doing so implicitly acknowledges their existence or power.

Practical Halachic Implications

Poskim (halachic decisors) derive from this verse that one should avoid:

  • Mentioning the names of foreign deities in everyday conversation.
  • Using phrases or expressions that originate in idolatrous contexts.
  • Engaging in discussions that might lead to legitimizing other belief systems.

Spiritual Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 86) explains that this mitzvah cultivates yichud Hashem (the absolute unity of G-d) in one's heart and mind. By refraining from even mentioning other gods, a Jew reinforces their complete devotion to Hashem and avoids any subtle influences of foreign ideologies.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 63b
The verse is discussed in the context of prohibitions against idolatry and the mentioning of other gods, emphasizing the importance of adhering to monotheistic principles.
📖 Avodah Zarah 18a
Referenced in discussions about the severity of invoking or even mentioning the names of foreign deities, highlighting the boundaries set by Jewish law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 23:13 mean when it says not to mention other gods?
A: Exodus 23:13 instructs us to avoid even mentioning the names of foreign deities to prevent any association or acknowledgment of them. Rashi explains that this verse warns against giving legitimacy to idolatry by speaking about it casually. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 5:10) further states that one should not even swear or make oaths using the names of other gods.
Q: Why is it important not to mention the names of other gods?
A: Mentioning the names of other gods can lead to familiarity with idolatry, which is strictly forbidden in Judaism. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 63b) teaches that speaking about idolatry can weaken a person’s commitment to Hashem. The Torah emphasizes this prohibition to safeguard our pure faith and prevent any influence from foreign beliefs.
Q: How does Exodus 23:13 apply to daily life today?
A: This verse reminds us to be mindful of our speech and avoid any discussion or reference to idolatrous practices. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 147) rules that one should not engage in conversations that glorify or validate other religions. Instead, we should focus our words on Torah and mitzvot to strengthen our connection to Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 23:13 about guarding our speech?
A: This verse teaches the importance of being careful with our words, as speech has the power to influence our thoughts and beliefs. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 30:21) compares careless speech about idolatry to opening a door to spiritual harm. By avoiding mention of other gods, we protect our minds and hearts from straying from Torah values.
Q: Does Exodus 23:13 mean we can't study about other religions?
A: While the verse prohibits casually mentioning other gods, studying about idolatry for the purpose of understanding and avoiding it is permitted under certain conditions. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:2) allows learning about idolatry to recognize and reject it, but only when necessary and with proper guidance from Torah scholars.