share torah logo

Deuteronomy 21:3 - Unworked heifer atones for mystery

Deuteronomy 21:3 - דברים 21:3

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה הָעִיר הַקְּרֹבָה אֶל־הֶחָלָל וְלָקְחוּ זִקְנֵי הָעִיר הַהִוא עֶגְלַת בָּקָר אֲשֶׁר לֹא־עֻבַּד בָּהּ אֲשֶׁר לֹא־מָשְׁכָה בְּעֹל׃

English Translation

and it shall be, that as for the city which is nearest to the slain man, the elders of that city shall take a heifer, which has not been put to work, and which has not drawn in the yoke;

Transliteration

Vehaya ha'ir hakrova el-hechalal velakchu ziknei ha'ir hahi egla bakar asher lo-ubad bah asher lo-mashcha be'ol.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֣ה הָעִ֔יר הַקְּרֹבָ֖ה אֶל־הֶחָלָ֑ל וְלָֽקְח֡וּ זִקְנֵי֩ הָעִ֨יר הַהִ֜וא עֶגְלַ֣ת בָּקָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־עֻבַּד֙ בָּ֔הּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־מָשְׁכָ֖ה בְּעֹֽל׃
וְהָיָ֣ה הָעִ֔יר הַקְּרֹבָ֖ה אֶל־הֶחָלָ֑ל וְלָֽקְח֡וּ זִקְנֵי֩ הָעִ֨יר הַהִ֜וא עֶגְלַ֣ת בָּקָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־עֻבַּד֙ בָּ֔הּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־מָשְׁכָ֖ה בְּעֹֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the procedure of the Eglah Arufah (עגלה ערופה), the ritual performed when a slain body is found between cities, and the murderer is unknown. This mitzvah is detailed in Devarim 21:1-9, emphasizing communal responsibility for unresolved bloodshed.

Key Elements of the Ritual

  • The Nearest City Takes Responsibility: The elders of the closest city must perform the atonement ritual, symbolizing that they failed to provide proper security or hospitality to travelers (Rashi, Devarim 21:3).
  • An Unworked Heifer: The heifer must never have been used for labor (lo avad bah) or borne a yoke (lo mashcha b’ol). The Rambam (Hilchos Rotzeach 9:2) explains that this represents purity, as the sin was committed without prior intent (like an animal untrained for work).

Symbolism and Halachic Insights

The Eglah Arufah serves as both atonement and a public declaration that the elders did not neglect their duty. The Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 10) teaches that this ritual reminds the community of the gravity of bloodshed and the need for justice. The breaking of the heifer’s neck in an uncultivated valley (nachal eitan) signifies that such a tragedy should never recur.

Connection to Communal Accountability

The Talmud (Sotah 45b) elaborates that the elders must wash their hands and declare their innocence, yet they still bear responsibility. This teaches that even if no individual is guilty, the community must reflect on its moral state (Ramban, Devarim 21:7). The mitzvah underscores the Torah’s emphasis on collective responsibility in maintaining a just society.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 45b
The verse is discussed in the context of the ritual of the eglah arufah (the heifer whose neck is broken), which is performed when a slain person is found and the murderer is unknown. The Talmud elaborates on the details and requirements of this ritual as prescribed in the Torah.
📖 Chullin 114a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws pertaining to animals that have not been worked or yoked, particularly in the context of sacrifices and rituals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the 'eglah arufah' (heifer whose neck is broken) in Deuteronomy 21:3?
A: The 'eglah arufah' is a special ritual performed when a murdered person is found near a city, and the killer is unknown. The elders of the nearest city must take a heifer that has never worked (not plowed or carried a yoke) and break its neck in an uncultivated valley. This serves as atonement and a public declaration that the city's leadership did not neglect the victim (Rashi on Deuteronomy 21:4; Mishnah Sotah 9:6).
Q: Why does the heifer in Deuteronomy 21:3 have to be one that never worked?
A: The Torah specifies that the heifer must never have been used for labor (not plowed or carried a yoke) to symbolize innocence and purity. Since the victim's blood was shed unjustly, the atonement requires an animal free from any 'burden' or past wrongdoing (Rambam, Hilchos Rotzeach 9:3; Sifrei Devarim 21:3).
Q: What lesson does Deuteronomy 21:3 teach about community responsibility?
A: This verse teaches that a community must take responsibility for unresolved injustices in its vicinity. The ritual of the 'eglah arufah' reminds leaders and citizens that they must ensure safety, justice, and moral vigilance—failure to do so requires atonement (Talmud Sotah 45b; Ramban on Deuteronomy 21:1).
Q: Who performs the 'eglah arufah' ritual in Deuteronomy 21:3?
A: The elders (זִקְנֵי הָעִיר) of the nearest city to the murder scene must carry out the ritual. They represent the community's leadership and are responsible for upholding justice and moral standards (Rashi on Deuteronomy 21:3; Mishnah Sotah 9:1).
Q: Does the 'eglah arufah' ritual apply today?
A: No, the 'eglah arufah' ritual is not practiced today because it requires the presence of the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court) and the Temple's functioning judicial system. However, its moral lessons about communal responsibility and justice remain timeless (Rambam, Hilchos Rotzeach 9:3; Talmud Sotah 47a).