מִצְוָה
Mitzvah
Commandment, decree, good deed
Mitzvah (מִצְוָה) is a Hebrew word meaning “commandment, decree, good deed,” pronounced “mitz-VAH.” Derived from the root צ-ו-ה, mitzvah appears 181 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H4687).
| Hebrew | מִצְוָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Mitzvah |
| Pronunciation | mitz-VAH |
| Meaning | Commandment, decree, good deed |
| Root Letters | צ-ו-ה |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 181× |
| Key Verse | Deuteronomy 6:6 |
| Strong's Number | H4687 |
| Category | Kingdom & Authority |
Most English speakers first encounter the word mitzvah (מִצְוָה) in the phrase 'Bar Mitzvah' — but few realize the profound theology behind it. A mitzvah is a commandment from God, and in Hebrew thought, commandments are not restrictions imposed by a demanding deity; they are gifts of relationship from a loving Father showing His children how to live well. The Torah contains 613 mitzvot — 248 positive ('do this') and 365 negative ('don't do this'). Tradition says 248 corresponds to the bones in the human body and 365 to the days of the year, meaning the mitzvot govern every part of your being, every day. When a Jewish child becomes Bar or Bat Mitzvah ('son/daughter of the commandment'), they accept personal responsibility for living under God's loving instruction. The mitzvot are not a burden — they are the architecture of a life lived in covenant with the Creator.
Key Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 6:6
“And these words that I command (mitzvah) you today shall be on your heart.”
What Is the Root of Mitzvah in Hebrew?
Mitzvah comes from the root צ-ו-ה (tsade-vav-he), meaning 'to command, charge, appoint.' A mitzvah is a divine charge — an instruction from the King carrying the weight of covenant relationship.
What Does Mitzvah Mean in the Bible?
Mitzvah appears 181 times in the Hebrew Bible. Deuteronomy uses it extensively for God's commandments through Moses. The plural 'mitzvot' refers to the 613 commandments. Psalm 19:8 declares: 'The mitzvah of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.'
How Is Mitzvah Used in Modern Hebrew?
In Yiddish, 'doing a mitzvah' means any good deed — even beyond the 613 formal commandments. The phrase captures the Jewish ethic that serving others is a sacred obligation, not optional charity.
How to Use Mitzvah in Prayer & Worship
Thank God that His mitzvot are expressions of love, not tools of control. Ask for a heart that delights in God's commandments (Psalm 119:47) and sees them as the path to true freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mitzvah
How do you say “Commandment” in Hebrew?
“Commandment” in Hebrew is Mitzvah (מִצְוָה), pronounced “mitz-VAH.” Mitzvah comes from the root צ-ו-ה (tsade-vav-he), meaning 'to command, charge, appoint.' A mitzvah is a divine charge — an instruction from the King carrying the weight of covenant relationship.
What does Mitzvah mean in the Bible?
Mitzvah (מִצְוָה) means “Commandment, decree, good deed” in Biblical Hebrew. Mitzvah appears 181 times in the Hebrew Bible. Deuteronomy uses it extensively for God's commandments through Moses. The plural 'mitzvot' refers to the 613 commandments. Psalm 19:8 declares: 'The mitzvah of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.'
How do you pronounce Mitzvah?
Mitzvah is pronounced “mitz-VAH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root צ-ו-ה.
What are the 613 mitzvot in Judaism?
Jewish tradition identifies 613 mitzvot in the Torah: 248 positive and 365 negative. They cover worship, ethics, diet, agriculture, justice, and family. Maimonides compiled the definitive list in the 12th century. Not all apply today (many relate to the Temple), but they represent God's comprehensive instruction for covenant life.
What does Bar/Bat Mitzvah mean?
Bar Mitzvah (son of commandment) and Bat Mitzvah (daughter of commandment) mark when a Jewish child becomes personally responsible for observing mitzvot. Before this age, parents bear responsibility. The ceremony celebrates accepting the privilege and duty of covenant life with God.
Are the mitzvot burdensome according to the Bible?
Deuteronomy 30:11 states: 'This mitzvah is not too difficult for you.' Psalm 19:8 says the mitzvah 'enlightens the eyes' and 'rejoices the heart.' Jesus said, 'My yoke is easy and my burden is light' (Matthew 11:30). God's commands are gifts that lead to flourishing.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H4687: Mitzvah
- Bible Gateway — Deuteronomy 6:6 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for צ-ו-ה
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