Deuteronomy 5:29 - Stay on Torah's straight path

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Hebrew Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם לַעֲשׂוֹת כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֶתְכֶם לֹא תָסֻרוּ יָמִין וּשְׂמֹאל׃

English Translation

You shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God has commanded you: you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

Transliteration

Ushmartem la'asot ka'asher tzivah Adonai Eloheichem etchem lo tasuru yamin usmol.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֖ם אֶתְכֶ֑ם לֹ֥א תָסֻ֖רוּ יָמִ֥ין וּשְׂמֹֽאל׃

Parasha Commentary

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

The verse (Devarim 5:32) commands strict adherence to the mitzvot as given by Hashem, without deviation. Rashi explains that "you shall not turn aside" means one must not add to or subtract from the commandments. The phrase "right or left" is an idiom meaning any alteration—whether seemingly lenient ("left") or stringent ("right")—is forbidden unless authorized by halachic process.

Halachic Application (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 2:9) derives from this verse the prohibition against creating new mitzvot or customs not rooted in Torah or Rabbinic tradition. Even well-intentioned stringencies (e.g., fasting beyond prescribed fast days) may constitute a "turn to the right" if they distort the balanced path of halacha.

Midrashic Insight (Sifrei Devarim)

The Sifrei teaches that this verse establishes the authority of the Sanhedrin and later halachic decisors. "Not turning aside" refers to following their rulings, as they are the guardians of Torah transmission. The metaphor of "right and left" implies even if their ruling appears counter to one's understanding, obedience is required (Yoma 73a).

Ethical Dimension (Mesillat Yesharim)

Spiritual Balance: Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato interprets "right and left" as avoiding extremes in avodat Hashem—neither excessive asceticism nor excessive indulgence, but following the "middle path" (based on Rambam's Shemonah Perakim).
Moral Consistency: The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the same vigilance applied to "major" mitzvot must apply to "minor" ones—no distinction is permitted in devotion.

Kabbalistic Perspective (Zohar)

The Zohar (3:126a) links "not turning aside" to maintaining the unity of the Sefirot—avoiding distortions in divine service that might "separate" Chesed (right) from Gevurah (left). Proper mitzvah observance sustains cosmic harmony.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 47a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the importance of adhering strictly to the commandments without deviation.

📖 Sanhedrin 88b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the authority of the Sages and the necessity to follow their interpretations of the commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left' mean in Deuteronomy 5:29?
A: This phrase means that we must follow G-d's commandments precisely, without adding or subtracting from them. Rashi explains that it teaches us not to deviate from the Torah's laws in any direction—neither by being overly strict where the Torah is lenient nor overly lenient where the Torah is strict. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:4) also emphasizes following the 'middle path' in serving G-d, based on this principle.

Q: Why is it important to follow G-d's commandments exactly as written?
A: The Torah (Devarim 13:1) warns against adding or subtracting from mitzvot. The Sifrei (on this verse) teaches that even if a person claims an angel told them to change a mitzvah, we must not listen. Following the commandments precisely preserves the divine wisdom of the Torah and prevents distortions of G-d's will. The Talmud (Chagigah 10a) also cautions against excessive stringencies that go beyond halachic requirements.

Q: How can we apply 'not turning right or left' in our daily lives today?
A: We apply this by: 1) Learning authentic Torah halacha from reliable rabbinic sources, 2) Avoiding invented customs or extreme practices not rooted in tradition, and 3) Maintaining balance in our observance. The Mishnah (Avot 2:1) advises to 'be careful with a light mitzvah as with a severe one'—showing all commandments require precise fulfillment. The Vilna Gaon taught that this verse reminds us to follow the mesorah (tradition) exactly as received.

Q: What's the connection between this verse and the giving of the Torah at Sinai?
A: This verse appears in Moshe's recounting of the Sinai revelation (Devarim 5). The Mechilta (Yitro 9) explains that at Sinai, the Jewish people committed to obey all commandments without alteration, as implied by their declaration 'Na'aseh v'Nishma' (We will do and we will hear - Shemot 24:7). This verse reinforces that original commitment to follow the Torah exactly as given.