share torah logo

Leviticus 19:17 - Love through rebuke, prevent sin.

Leviticus 19:17 - ויקרא 19:17

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִשְׂנָא אֶת־אָחִיךָ בִּלְבָבֶךָ הוֹכֵחַ תּוֹכִיחַ אֶת־עֲמִיתֶךָ וְלֹא־תִשָּׂא עָלָיו חֵטְא׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt certainly rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin on his account.

Transliteration

Lo-tisna et-achicha bilvavecha hoche'ach tochiach et-amitecha velo-tisa alav chet.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־תִשְׂנָ֥א אֶת־אָחִ֖יךָ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ הוֹכֵ֤חַ תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙ אֶת־עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ וְלֹא־תִשָּׂ֥א עָלָ֖יו חֵֽטְא׃
לֹֽא־תִשְׂנָ֥א אֶת־אָחִ֖יךָ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ הוֹכֵ֤חַ תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙ אֶת־עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ וְלֹא־תִשָּׂ֥א עָלָ֖יו חֵֽטְא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Hatred in the Heart

The verse begins with the commandment "לֹא־תִשְׂנָא אֶת־אָחִיךָ בִּלְבָבֶךָ" ("Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart"). Rashi (Vayikra 19:17) explains that this refers to harboring silent hatred, which is particularly severe because it is concealed in the heart and can lead to further transgressions. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:5) elaborates that hatred in the heart violates the Torah's prohibition even if no outward action is taken, emphasizing the importance of purity in one's thoughts and emotions.

The Obligation to Rebuke

The verse continues with "הוֹכֵחַ תּוֹכִיחַ אֶת־עֲמִיתֶךָ" ("thou shalt certainly rebuke thy neighbour"). The Talmud (Arachin 16b) teaches that rebuke must be given with care and sensitivity, ensuring it is done for the sake of Heaven and not to embarrass or shame the other person. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:7) adds that rebuke should be given privately and with gentle words, as the goal is to guide the person back to the proper path.

Avoiding Sin Through Rebuke

The final clause, "וְלֹא־תִשָּׂא עָלָיו חֵטְא" ("and not suffer sin on his account"), is interpreted by Rashi to mean that one must not allow a fellow Jew to persist in sin without correction. The Sifra (Kedoshim 4:8) explains that failing to rebuke when necessary makes one partially responsible for the other's transgression. The Chofetz Chaim (in Sefer Shemirat HaLashon) emphasizes that this mitzvah underscores the communal responsibility to uphold Torah standards with love and concern.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Silent hatred is forbidden, as it corrupts the heart and damages relationships.
  • Rebuke must be given with wisdom and compassion, aiming to correct rather than condemn.
  • Neglecting to rebuke allows sin to persist, making the bystander complicit.
  • The mitzvah highlights the balance between personal integrity and communal responsibility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 16b
The verse is discussed in the context of the obligation to rebuke someone who is sinning, emphasizing the importance of not hating one's brother in one's heart.
📖 Yevamot 65b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper way to rebuke others, highlighting the balance between rebuking and not causing shame or sin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Do not hate your brother in your heart' mean in Leviticus 19:17?
A: This verse teaches that harboring silent hatred in one's heart is forbidden. The Torah emphasizes that hatred should not be concealed but addressed properly. Rashi explains that keeping resentment inside leads to greater sin, which is why the Torah commands us to rebuke constructively instead.
Q: Why does the Torah command us to rebuke others in Leviticus 19:17?
A: The Torah commands rebuke (תּוֹכֵחַ) to prevent hatred and promote correction. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:7) teaches that rebuke must be given gently and privately, with the intent to help a person improve—not to embarrass or shame them. Proper rebuke maintains peace and prevents sin.
Q: What does 'do not bear sin because of him' mean in Leviticus 19:17?
A: This means we must not allow another person’s wrongdoing to continue unchecked, as silence could make us share responsibility for their sin. The Talmud (Arachin 16b) explains that failing to rebuke when necessary makes one accountable for the other’s misdeeds.
Q: How can we apply Leviticus 19:17 in daily life?
A: We should address issues honestly but kindly, avoiding hidden resentment. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 19:5) teaches that loving rebuke strengthens relationships. If someone acts wrongly, we must correct them respectfully—not ignore the problem—while ensuring our words come from care, not anger.
Q: Is it always necessary to rebuke someone according to Leviticus 19:17?
A: No—the Talmud (Yevamos 65b) states that if rebuke will not be accepted or may worsen the situation, silence is preferable. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that rebuke should only be given when there is a reasonable chance it will help, not cause further conflict.