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Leviticus 26:46 - Divine covenant at Sinai.

Leviticus 26:46 - ויקרא 26:46

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה הַחֻקִּים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים וְהַתּוֹרֹת אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יְהוָה בֵּינוֹ וּבֵין בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּהַר סִינַי בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

These are the statutes and the judgments and the Torot, which the Lord made between him and the children of Yisra᾽el in Mount Sinay by the hand of Moshe.

Transliteration

Eleh hachukim vehamishpatim vehatorot asher natan Adonai beino uvein benei Yisrael behar Sinai beyad-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֠לֶּה הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֮ וְהַתּוֹרֹת֒ אֲשֶׁר֙ נָתַ֣ן יְהֹוָ֔ה בֵּינ֕וֹ וּבֵ֖ין בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְּהַ֥ר סִינַ֖י בְּיַד־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
אֵ֠לֶּה הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֮ וְהַתּוֹרֹת֒ אֲשֶׁר֙ נָתַ֣ן יְהֹוָ֔ה בֵּינ֕וֹ וּבֵ֖ין בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְּהַ֥ר סִינַ֖י בְּיַד־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Three Categories of Law

The verse mentions three types of commandments: חֻקִּים (chukim), מִשְׁפָּטִים (mishpatim), and תּוֹרֹת (torot). Rashi (Vayikra 26:46) explains that these terms refer to different aspects of Torah law:

  • Chukim – Statutes or decrees, such as the prohibition of mixing wool and linen (shatnez) or the laws of kashrut, which are beyond human rationale.
  • Mishpatim – Judgments or civil laws, such as those concerning theft or damages, which human logic would dictate even if they were not commanded.
  • Torot – Teachings or instructions, which include both written and oral traditions, as the plural form suggests multiple layers of Torah interpretation (see Ramban on Vayikra 26:46).

The Divine Source of Torah

The phrase "אֲשֶׁר נָתַן ה' בֵּינוֹ וּבֵין בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("which the Lord made between Him and the children of Israel") emphasizes the covenantal nature of Torah. The Sifra (Behar, perek 8) teaches that this establishes the Torah as an eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, not subject to alteration or abrogation.

The Role of Moshe Rabbeinu

The verse concludes by stating that the Torah was given "בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה" ("by the hand of Moshe"). The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 9:1) derives from this that Moshe was the sole authentic transmitter of Torah from Hashem to Bnei Yisrael, establishing the principle of Torah MiSinai (Torah from Sinai) as the foundation of Jewish belief.

The Singular Event at Har Sinai

The mention of "בְּהַר סִינַי" ("at Mount Sinai") serves as a reminder that the entire Torah – written and oral – was given at Sinai, as the Talmud (Berachos 5a) states: "Even what a seasoned student will one day teach before his teacher was already told to Moshe at Sinai." This underscores the divine origin and unchanging nature of Torah law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 19b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the divine origin of the Torah and the role of Moses in transmitting it.
📖 Sanhedrin 56a
Cited in the context of the Noahide laws and the broader framework of divine commandments given to Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:46 mean?
A: This verse summarizes that all the laws (chukim), judgments (mishpatim), and teachings (torot) were given by Hashem to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai through Moshe. It emphasizes the divine origin of Torah and its transmission through Moshe Rabbeinu.
Q: Why does the verse mention three types of laws (chukim, mishpatim, torot)?
A: Rashi explains that 'chukim' refers to decrees without obvious reasons, 'mishpatim' are logical laws like civil justice, and 'torot' (plural of Torah) shows that both Written and Oral Torah were given at Sinai. This teaches us the comprehensive nature of Torah law.
Q: Why is Mount Sinai mentioned specifically?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) teaches that Sinai was chosen because its humility made it appropriate for receiving Torah. This reminds us that Torah can only be properly received with humility.
Q: What does 'by the hand of Moshe' teach us?
A: This emphasizes Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of Torah. Rambam (Introduction to Mishneh Torah) explains this establishes the authenticity of the Oral Torah passed down through Moshe and the chain of tradition.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today?
A: It reminds us that all Torah commandments - whether we understand them or not - are binding divine obligations given at Sinai. The Midrash (Sifra) connects this to the eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.