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Exodus 19:13 - Boundaries at Sinai's revelation

Exodus 19:13 - שמות 19:13

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִגַּע בּוֹ יָד כִּי־סָקוֹל יִסָּקֵל אוֹ־יָרֹה יִיָּרֶה אִם־בְּהֵמָה אִם־אִישׁ לֹא יִחְיֶה בִּמְשֹׁךְ הַיֹּבֵל הֵמָּה יַעֲלוּ בָהָר׃

English Translation

no hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the horn sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain.

Transliteration

Lo-tiga bo yad ki-sakol yisakel o-yare yiyare im-behema im-ish lo yichye bimshoch hayovel hema ya'alu bahar.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תִגַּ֨ע בּ֜וֹ יָ֗ד כִּֽי־סָק֤וֹל יִסָּקֵל֙ אוֹ־יָרֹ֣ה יִיָּרֶ֔ה אִם־בְּהֵמָ֥ה אִם־אִ֖ישׁ לֹ֣א יִחְיֶ֑ה בִּמְשֹׁךְ֙ הַיֹּבֵ֔ל הֵ֖מָּה יַעֲל֥וּ בָהָֽר׃
לֹא־תִגַּ֨ע בּ֜וֹ יָ֗ד כִּֽי־סָק֤וֹל יִסָּקֵל֙ אוֹ־יָרֹ֣ה יִיָּרֶ֔ה אִם־בְּהֵמָ֥ה אִם־אִ֖ישׁ לֹ֣א יִחְיֶ֑ה בִּמְשֹׁךְ֙ הַיֹּבֵ֔ל הֵ֖מָּה יַעֲל֥וּ בָהָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 19:13, during the revelation at Har Sinai (Mount Sinai). It describes the strict boundaries set for Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) as they prepare to receive the Torah. The verse warns against touching the mountain before the proper moment, when the yovel (ram's horn) sounds.

Literal Interpretation (Peshat)

Rashi explains that the phrase "no hand shall touch him" means that even if an animal or person accidentally strays onto the mountain, they must not be physically restrained or pushed away—rather, they are to be executed by stoning or arrows. This emphasizes the mountain's sanctity during Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah).

Sanctity of Har Sinai

The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that Har Sinai was temporarily elevated to the status of a Mikdash (sanctuary), akin to the future Beit HaMikdash. Just as unauthorized entry into the Mikdash carries severe consequences, so too does trespassing on the mountain during this sacred event.

The Role of the Yovel (Horn)

  • The yovel (ram's horn) signifies divine permission to ascend, as noted by the Mechilta. Its prolonged sound ("bi'meshokh ha'yovel") marks the end of the restrictions.
  • The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 26a) connects this horn to the shofar blown at Har Sinai, symbolizing the covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) derives from this verse the severity of violating a divinely ordained boundary. The execution method—stoning or arrows—reflects the public nature of the transgression, serving as a deterrent and reinforcing communal responsibility for kedushah (holiness).

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 12) compares the mountain to a chuppah (wedding canopy), where Bnei Yisrael unite with the Torah. Just as a wedding has precise timing and boundaries, so too did Matan Torah require strict adherence to Hashem's instructions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 19:13 mean when it says 'no hand shall touch him'?
A: This verse refers to the boundaries set around Mount Sinai when Hashem gave the Torah. The people were warned not to touch the mountain or come too close, as it was holy. Rashi explains that even if an animal or person accidentally touched the mountain, they would face severe consequences to emphasize the sanctity of the moment.
Q: Why was the punishment so severe for touching Mount Sinai?
A: The severe punishment (stoning or shooting with arrows) highlighted the extreme holiness of Mount Sinai during Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah). The Rambam teaches that this demonstrated the awe and reverence required when approaching divine revelation. The mountain was temporarily sanctified like the holiest parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), where unauthorized entry was forbidden.
Q: What is the significance of the horn sounding in Exodus 19:13?
A: The 'horn' (shofar) mentioned here signaled when it was permitted to approach the mountain. The Midrash explains that this teaches us about proper boundaries in spiritual matters—just as Bnei Yisrael had to wait for permission, we must approach holiness with proper preparation and at the right time.
Q: How does Exodus 19:13 apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Yevamot 6a) derives from this verse the concept of 'kiddush Hashem' (sanctifying G-d's name)—that we must treat holy things with utmost respect. Today, this teaches us to approach Torah study, mitzvot, and sacred spaces (like a synagogue) with proper reverence and preparation.
Q: Why does the verse mention both animals and humans in the warning?
A: Rashi notes that this teaches that even an animal—which has no understanding—would be punished for violating the boundary. This emphasizes that the holiness of the moment transcended normal rules, and even unintentional disrespect of the divine presence carried consequences.