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Numbers 15:31 - Defying Torah's word: eternal consequence?

Numbers 15:31 - במדבר 15:31

Hebrew Text

כִּי דְבַר־יְהוָה בָּזָה וְאֶת־מִצְוָתוֹ הֵפַר הִכָּרֵת תִּכָּרֵת הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא עֲוֺנָה בָהּ׃

English Translation

Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.

Transliteration

Ki dvar-Adonai baza ve'et-mitzvoto hefar hikaret tikaret hanefesh hahi avonah bah.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י דְבַר־יְהֹוָה֙ בָּזָ֔ה וְאֶת־מִצְוָת֖וֹ הֵפַ֑ר הִכָּרֵ֧ת <small>׀</small> תִּכָּרֵ֛ת הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא עֲוֺנָ֥הֿ בָֽהּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
כִּ֤י דְבַר־יְהֹוָה֙ בָּזָ֔ה וְאֶת־מִצְוָת֖וֹ הֵפַ֑ר הִכָּרֵ֧ת ׀ תִּכָּרֵ֛ת הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא עֲוֺנָ֥הֿ בָֽהּ׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Severity of the Transgression

The verse (Numbers 15:31) describes a severe punishment—karet (being "cut off")—for one who despises the word of Hashem and deliberately violates His commandments. Rashi explains that this refers to someone who acts mezid (intentionally) in defiance of Torah law, demonstrating contempt for Divine authority. The term בָּזָה ("despised") implies a willful rejection, not merely negligence.

The Nature of Karet

According to Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 8:1), karet is a Divine punishment that may involve premature death or the soul being severed from its spiritual source. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 64b) discusses that certain severe sins, such as idolatry or desecrating Shabbat intentionally, incur karet. The phrase הִכָּרֵת תִּכָּרֵת ("shall utterly be cut off") emphasizes the irrevocable nature of this punishment when repentance is absent.

The Role of Repentance

The Sages (Yoma 85b) teach that even for sins punishable by karet, sincere teshuva (repentance) can avert the decree. However, the verse specifies עֲוֺנָה בָהּ ("his iniquity shall be upon him"), implying that if the sinner does not repent, the guilt remains. Ramban notes that this underscores personal accountability—each soul bears the consequences of its choices.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 112) links this verse to the episode of the mekoshesh etzim (the wood gatherer on Shabbat, Numbers 15:32-36), illustrating that deliberate defiance of Torah law warrants karet. This serves as a warning against treating mitzvot with disdain, as it reflects a rejection of Hashem's sovereignty.

Halachic Implications

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 242:1) rules that one must treat mitzvot with reverence, as contempt for even a "minor" commandment can lead to spiritual decline.
  • Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 3:3) states that publicly rejecting a mitzvah is akin to heresy, as it undermines Torah authority.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 99a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the severity of despising the word of God and the consequences of breaking His commandments.
📖 Kiddushin 40a
The verse is referenced in a broader discussion about the importance of fulfilling commandments and the consequences of neglecting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'despised the word of the Lord' mean in Numbers 15:31?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, 'despising the word of the Lord' refers to someone who intentionally and arrogantly rejects or scorns G-d's commandments, treating them as unimportant or irrelevant. This is more severe than simply making a mistake or forgetting a mitzvah.
Q: What does 'cut off' (karet) mean in this verse?
A: The punishment of 'karet' (being cut off) is explained in the Talmud (Makkot 23b) and by Rambam as a severe spiritual consequence where the soul is severed from its connection with the Jewish people and the World to Come. Some opinions say it may also involve premature death. This applies only to intentional, willful violations of Torah commandments.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse teaches the fundamental Jewish principle of the seriousness of intentionally rejecting G-d's commandments. As the Rambam explains (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:6), it emphasizes that we must approach mitzvot with reverence and that deliberate rebellion against Torah has severe consequences. However, Judaism also teaches that sincere repentance can avert punishment.
Q: How does this apply to Jews today?
A: While the specific punishment of karet is in G-d's hands, this verse reminds us to take all mitzvot seriously and approach Torah study and observance with proper respect. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) explains that even if someone previously scorned mitzvot, sincere teshuvah (repentance) can transform those same actions into merits.
Q: What's the difference between breaking a commandment accidentally vs. intentionally according to this verse?
A: As explained in Numbers 15:22-29 (just before our verse) and in Talmud (Horayot 8a), unintentional sins can be atoned for through sacrifices (in Temple times) or repentance. But our verse deals with intentional, defiant sinning - showing contempt for mitzvot - which carries the punishment of karet. The attitude toward the commandment makes the crucial difference.