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Leviticus 20:1 - Divine command to Moshe

Leviticus 20:1 - ויקרא 20:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying,

Transliteration

Vayedaber Adonai el-Moshe lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Communication to Moshe

The verse "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, marking the transmission of divine commandments. Rashi (on Shemot 6:2) notes that this phrasing emphasizes the direct and clear communication between Hashem and Moshe, distinguishing it from other forms of prophecy, which may be conveyed through visions or allegories.

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר" ("Saying")

The term "לֵּאמֹר" is interpreted by the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) as an instruction for Moshe to relay the message to Bnei Yisrael. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains that Moshe's prophecy was unique in that he served as the intermediary to deliver Hashem's words precisely to the people, without alteration.

  • Rashi: "לֵּאמֹר" implies that Moshe was to repeat the words exactly as he heard them.
  • Ibn Ezra: The term reinforces the authoritative nature of the transmission, ensuring the people understood these were divine commands.

The Unique Prophetic Relationship

The Talmud (Yevamot 49b) teaches that Moshe's prophecy was unparalleled—Hashem spoke to him "face to face" (Bamidbar 12:8), unlike other prophets who received messages through dreams or riddles. The Ramban (on Shemot 6:2) elaborates that this direct communication underscores Moshe's role as the definitive transmitter of the Torah.

Context in the Torah

This phrase often introduces mitzvot or pivotal instructions, as seen in Vayikra 1:1 and Bamidbar 1:1. The Sforno (on Vayikra 1:1) explains that each instance reaffirms the divine origin of the commandments, ensuring their eternal validity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah frequently say 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying'?
A: This phrase emphasizes that Moshe received direct communication from Hashem, ensuring the authenticity of the Torah's commandments. Rashi explains that this wording shows Moshe transmitted Hashem's words exactly as he heard them, without adding or omitting anything (based on Deuteronomy 4:2).
Q: What is the significance of the double language 'spoke... saying' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 4b) teaches that the double language indicates that Hashem's words were meant both for immediate transmission to the Jewish people and for future generations. This shows the eternal relevance of the Torah's commandments.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Moshe by name when Hashem speaks to him?
A: The Rambam (Introduction to Mishneh Torah) explains that mentioning Moshe by name highlights his unique role as the primary prophet through whom the Torah was given. No other prophet reached Moshe's level of clarity in communicating with Hashem.
Q: How does this opening phrase connect to the laws that follow in Leviticus 20?
A: The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) notes that this introduction signals the importance of the serious moral laws that follow, particularly those concerning family purity and sanctity. The direct divine communication underscores their gravity.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem communicated with Moshe?
A: The Sforno teaches that this teaches us about proper transmission of Torah - with clarity and precision. Just as Hashem spoke clearly to Moshe, we must teach and learn Torah with careful attention to accuracy in both content and intent.