Akiva ben Joseph Quotes, also known as Rabbi Akiva (c. 50–135 CE), was a leading Jewish scholar, tanna, and sage of the late 1st and early 2nd centuries, revered as a founder of rabbinic Judaism. Born into humble beginnings in Lod, Israel, he was an illiterate shepherd until age 40, when, inspired by his wife Rachel, he began studying Torah. A key contributor to the Mishnah and Midrash halakha, he established an academy in Bnei Brak and taught thousands, including Rabbi Meir and Shimon bar Yochai. Known as Rosh la-Hakhamim (“Chief of the Sages”), Akiva supported the Bar Kokhba revolt and was martyred by the Romans, tortured for teaching Torah. His method of interpreting every Torah letter, even its crowns, revolutionized Jewish scholarship. These 15 quotes—sourced from the Talmud, Pirkei Avot, Midrash, and public statements—reflect his wisdom on faith, love, Torah, and resilience, capturing his transformative legacy.
15 Akiva ben Joseph Quotes
- “The tradition is a fence around the law; tithes are a fence around riches; vows are a fence around abstinence; a fence around wisdom is silence.” (Pirkei Avot, 3:17, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “All is foreseen, but freedom of choice is given.” (Pirkei Avot, 3:15, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Beloved is man, for he was created in the image of God.” (Pirkei Avot, 3:18, quotepark.com, n.d.)
- “If a rock, though extremely hard, can be hollowed out by water, how much more so should it be possible for The Light, which is compared to water, to change my heart.” (AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Love your fellow as yourself—this is the great principle of the Torah.” (Sifra, Kedoshim 4:12, quotepark.com, n.d.)
- “The paper burns, but the words fly free.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Jesting and levity accustom a man to lewdness.” (Pirkei Avot, 3:17, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Even the poorest in Israel are looked upon as freemen who have lost their possessions, for they are the sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Before you taste anything, recite a blessing.” (Pirkei Avot, 3:17, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Who is wealthy? Rabbi Akiva says: Anyone who has a wife whose actions are pleasant.” (Shabbat 25b, quotepark.com, n.d.)
- “In the beginning, sin is like a thread of a spider’s web. But in the end, it becomes like the cable of a ship.” (AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “He who remains unmarried impairs the divine image.” (AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “All my days I have been troubled by the verse: ‘With all your soul,’ meaning: Even if God takes your soul. I said to myself: When will the opportunity be afforded me to fulfill this verse?” (Pirkei Avot, 3:17, quotepark.com, n.d.)
- “Nothing in the entire world is worthy but for that day on which The Song of Songs was given to Israel.” (Mishnah Yadayim 3:5, quotepark.com, n.d.)
- “Teach disciples in thy youth, and do not stop teaching in thy old age.” (Koheleth 11:6, Chabad.org, n.d.)
Akiva ben Joseph’s quotes are a timeless blend of faith, wisdom, and devotion to Torah, inspiring us to love others, pursue knowledge, and remain steadfast in adversity. Which one’s got you ready to deepen your own journey? Drop it in the comments and keep Rabbi Akiva’s scholarly legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
