וְזֹ֣את הַמִּצְוָ֗ה הַֽחֻקִּים֙ וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם לְלַמֵּ֣ד אֶתְכֶ֑ם לַעֲשֹׂ֣ות בָּאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַתֶּ֛ם עֹבְרִ֥ים שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃ (Deuteronomy 6:1)
Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the judgments—that YHWH your God commanded to teach you, to do in the land into which you are passing over, to possess it.
Overview: Structuring Covenant through Verbal Stems
Deuteronomy 6:1 introduces the core framework of covenantal obedience by summarizing divine directives—commandments, statutes, and judgments. Three significant verbs drive the theological and grammatical energy of this verse, each from a distinct binyan. These verbs do not merely convey action; they embed purpose, authority, and continuity in the relationship between YHWH and Israel.
Table of Key Verbs and Binyanim
| Verb | Root | Binyan | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| צִוָּה | צוה | Piel | Perfect 3ms | He commanded—emphasizes strong directive authority |
| לְלַמֵּד | למד | Piel | Infinitive construct | To teach—emphasizes instruction and communication |
| לַעֲשֹׂות | עשׂה | Qal | Infinitive construct | To do—basic execution of commandments |
| עֹבְרִים | עבר | Qal | Participle mp | Those who are crossing over—continuous or near-future action |
| לְרִשְׁתָּהּ | ירשׁ | Qal | Infinitive construct + suffix | To possess it—inheritance and land occupation |
Piel Binyan: Intensifying Instruction
צִוָּה (He commanded)
– The Piel form intensifies the verbal root *צוה*.
– It shows that the act of commanding is not casual—it’s authoritative and covenantal.
– This verb anchors the verse: YHWH is the commanding figure, and the entire law that follows is framed by this declaration.
לְלַמֵּד (To teach)
– Also in Piel, this verb emphasizes purposeful instruction.
– It implies intentional and repeated training, not simply passive transmission.
– The grammar reflects the pedagogical mission of Moses: to ensure Israel knows how to live out the commandments, not just hear them.
Qal Binyan: The Simplicity of Doing
לַעֲשֹׂות (To do)
– In contrast to Piel’s intensity, the Qal here is simple and direct.
– Doing (*עשׂה*) is presented as the natural result of being taught.
– This teaches a critical theological point: learning Torah leads to doing Torah.
עֹבְרִים (You are crossing)
– The participial form creates immediacy—it is not future, but happening now.
– The syntax draws the audience into the verse, making them participants in the journey.
לְרִשְׁתָּהּ (To possess it)
– Also Qal infinitive construct, it refers to inheritance and divine promise.
– The suffix (הּ) indicates the direct object—*the land*—linking physical territory to spiritual mission.
Grammatical Harmony: From Command to Inheritance
This verse is a tightly organized unit. Its flow:
1. Command given (צִוָּה – Piel)
2. Teaching initiated (לְלַמֵּד – Piel)
3. Doing required (לַעֲשֹׂות – Qal)
4. Crossing expected (עֹבְרִים – Qal)
5. Possession anticipated (לְרִשְׁתָּהּ – Qal)
By juxtaposing the intensive Piel and the direct Qal, the verse reinforces the divine-human relationship:
– YHWH’s role: command and teach (intensified)
– Israel’s role: act and inherit (simple, faithful doing)
When Command Becomes Destiny
The binyanim in Deuteronomy 6:1 provide theological architecture. The Piel forms assert divine authority and teaching responsibility. The Qal forms call the people to live it out plainly.
This grammar is not ornamental—it’s covenantal. The beauty of this verse lies in how the verbal system encodes the structure of covenant: a God who commands and teaches, and a people who obey and inherit.
From command to conquest, from classroom to countryside—this verse uses binyanim to show that grammar is not just a medium for law, but a vehicle for faithfulness.
