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Deuteronomy 17:2 - Idolatry's severe consequences?

Deuteronomy 17:2 - דברים 17:2

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יִמָּצֵא בְקִרְבְּךָ בְּאַחַד שְׁעָרֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ אִישׁ אוֹ־אִשָּׁה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂה אֶת־הָרַע בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה־אֱלֹהֶיךָ לַעֲבֹר בְּרִיתוֹ׃

English Translation

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the Lord thy God gives thee, a man or woman, who has perpetrated wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Transliteration

Ki-yimatzey v'kirb'cha b'achad sh'areycha asher-Adonai Elohecha noten lach ish o-ishah asher ya'aseh et-hara b'einey Adonai-Elohaycha la'avor brito.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יִמָּצֵ֤א בְקִרְבְּךָ֙ בְּאַחַ֣ד שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֑ךְ אִ֣ישׁ אוֹ־אִשָּׁ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה אֶת־הָרַ֛ע בְּעֵינֵ֥י יְהֹוָה־אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לַעֲבֹ֥ר בְּרִיתֽוֹ׃
כִּֽי־יִמָּצֵ֤א בְקִרְבְּךָ֙ בְּאַחַ֣ד שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֑ךְ אִ֣ישׁ אוֹ־אִשָּׁ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַעֲשֶׂ֧ה אֶת־הָרַ֛ע בְּעֵינֵ֥י יְהֹוָה־אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ לַעֲבֹ֥ר בְּרִיתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Devarim

This verse (Devarim 17:2) appears in the context of the laws concerning idolatry and those who lead others astray. The Torah warns against individuals who transgress the covenant by engaging in avodah zarah (idolatry) or other severe sins that undermine the foundational relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "כִּי־יִמָּצֵא בְקִרְבְּךָ" ("If there be found among you") refers to someone who has been warned by witnesses and still persists in their sinful behavior. The term "בְּאַחַד שְׁעָרֶיךָ" ("within any of thy gates") emphasizes that this law applies in all cities of Eretz Yisrael, not just the central Sanhedrin's location.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Avodah Zarah (4:1), the Rambam elaborates that this verse pertains to one who serves false deities or entices others to do so. The phrase "לַעֲבֹר בְּרִיתוֹ" ("in transgressing his covenant") refers to the fundamental breach of the covenant at Har Sinai, where Bnei Yisrael accepted the Torah and swore loyalty to Hashem.

Talmudic Interpretation

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 56b) discusses this verse in the context of the Seven Noahide Laws, noting that even non-Jews are prohibited from idolatry. However, the severity of punishment for a Jew who commits this sin is greater because it constitutes a betrayal of the unique covenant between Hashem and Am Yisrael.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 5) connects this verse to the broader theme of communal responsibility. It teaches that when an individual sins in this manner, it is not merely a personal failing but a corruption that affects the entire community. Hence, the Torah emphasizes "בְקִרְבְּךָ" ("among you")—highlighting the collective duty to uphold kedushah (holiness) and eradicate evil influences.

Key Halachic Principles

  • The verse applies only after proper hatra'ah (warning) and testimony by valid witnesses (Sanhedrin 8b).
  • The term "אִישׁ אוֹ־אִשָּׁה" ("a man or woman") teaches that the law applies equally to all, without gender distinction in matters of idolatry (Sifri Devarim 148).
  • The sin must be intentional (be'mezid), as implied by "יַעֲשֶׂה אֶת־הָרַע" ("who has perpetrated wickedness")—a deliberate act of rebellion (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva 3:6).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 43a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the laws pertaining to those who lead others astray to idolatry, illustrating the severity of transgressing God's covenant.
📖 Avodah Zarah 36b
This verse is cited in discussions about the prohibition of idolatry and the consequences for those who violate the covenant with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 17:2 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 17:2 discusses a scenario where someone in the Jewish community commits a serious sin by breaking the covenant with Hashem. This verse sets the stage for addressing idolatry or other severe violations of Torah law, emphasizing that such behavior must be dealt with according to Jewish law.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 17:2 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it highlights the seriousness of violating the covenant with Hashem. The Torah teaches that maintaining spiritual purity and loyalty to G-d's commandments is essential for the Jewish people. The Sages explain that this verse serves as a warning against idolatry and rebellion against Torah values.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 17:2?
A: We learn that faithfulness to Hashem and His Torah is non-negotiable. The verse reminds us that even within our own communities, we must uphold Torah standards and address wrongdoing appropriately. Rashi explains that this teaches the importance of maintaining a holy and just society.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 17:2 apply today?
A: While we no longer have the Sanhedrin or biblical courts, the principle remains relevant: Jews must strive to live according to Torah values and correct wrongdoing within the community. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah) discusses how this applies to distancing from idolatrous practices in all generations.
Q: What does 'transgressing His covenant' refer to in this verse?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources like the Talmud (Sanhedrin 56b), this primarily refers to idolatry—the gravest violation of the covenant. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains that it includes other severe sins that undermine the foundation of Torah observance and the Jewish people's relationship with Hashem.