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Hebrew Text
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵאתִי אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם לָתֵת לָכֶם אֶת־אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן לִהְיוֹת לָכֶם לֵאלֹהִים׃
English Translation
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Miżrayim, to give you the land of Kena῾an, and to be your God.
Transliteration
Ani Adonai Eloheichem asher hotzeiti etchem me'eretz Mitzrayim latet lachem et-eretz Kena'an lihyot lachem lelohim.
Hebrew Leining Text
אֲנִ֗י יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹ֣הֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אֶתְכֶ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם לָתֵ֤ת לָכֶם֙ אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן לִהְי֥וֹת לָכֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִֽים׃ {ס}
🎵 Listen to leining
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Kiddushin 29a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the commandments and the relationship between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing the divine authority behind the mitzvot.
📖 Sanhedrin 56b
The verse is cited in the discussion of the Noachide laws and the broader covenant between God and humanity, highlighting the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people.
The Divine Identity and Relationship
The verse begins with "I am the Lord your God" (אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם), establishing Hashem's sovereignty and intimate bond with Bnei Yisrael. Rashi (Vayikra 18:2) explains that this phrase underscores that Hashem is the same G-d who liberated them from Mitzrayim—emphasizing His eternal role as their Redeemer and Lawgiver. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 1:1) further notes that this declaration is the foundation of all mitzvos, as it affirms Hashem's existence and His ongoing relationship with the Jewish people.
The Exodus as a Foundational Event
The phrase "who brought you out of the land of Mitzrayim" (אֲשֶׁר־הוֹצֵאתִי אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם) is central to Jewish identity. The Sforno (Shemos 20:2) teaches that Yetzias Mitzrayim was not merely a historical event but a demonstration of Hashem's active involvement in the world and His selection of Klal Yisrael as His nation. The Mechilta (Bo 12) adds that the Exodus was a prerequisite for receiving the Torah and entering Eretz Yisrael, as it proved Hashem's power and commitment to His promises.
The Promise of Eretz Kena'an
Hashem states His intent "to give you the land of Kena'an" (לָתֵת לָכֶם אֶת־אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן). The Ramban (Bereishis 12:6) highlights that this land was uniquely suited to facilitate Avodas Hashem due to its spiritual purity. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 18:25) warns, however, that dwelling in Eretz Yisrael is contingent upon upholding the Torah—otherwise, the land will "vomit out" its inhabitants, as seen in later exiles.
The Ultimate Purpose: "To Be Your G-d"
The verse concludes with "and to be your G-d" (לִהְיוֹת לָכֶם לֵאלֹהִים), which the Ohr HaChaim (Vayikra 18:2) interprets as a call to exclusive devotion. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 54b) explains that this phrase implies a mutual covenant: just as Hashem is our G-d, we must accept His sovereignty. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 29) elaborates that this relationship is eternal, transcending time and circumstance.
Key Themes in Orthodox Jewish Thought