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Deuteronomy 22:4 - Help your brother's fallen animal

Deuteronomy 22:4 - דברים 22:4

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִרְאֶה אֶת־חֲמוֹר אָחִיךָ אוֹ שׁוֹרוֹ נֹפְלִים בַּדֶּרֶךְ וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ מֵהֶם הָקֵם תָּקִים עִמּוֹ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.

Transliteration

Lo tir'eh et chamor achicha o shoro noflim baderech vehit'alamta mehem hakem takim imo.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תִרְאֶה֩ אֶת־חֲמ֨וֹר אָחִ֜יךָ א֤וֹ שׁוֹרוֹ֙ נֹפְלִ֣ים בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖ מֵהֶ֑ם הָקֵ֥ם תָּקִ֖ים עִמּֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
לֹא־תִרְאֶה֩ אֶת־חֲמ֨וֹר אָחִ֜יךָ א֤וֹ שׁוֹרוֹ֙ נֹפְלִ֣ים בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖ מֵהֶ֑ם הָקֵ֥ם תָּקִ֖ים עִמּֽוֹ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Mitzvah

The verse (Devarim 22:4) commands us not to ignore a fellow Jew's struggling animal but rather to assist in lifting it up. This mitzvah falls under the broader category of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (preventing animal suffering) and gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness). The Torah emphasizes the obligation to help even when it requires personal effort, as seen in the double language of "הָקֵם תָּקִים" ("you shall surely help").

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ מֵהֶם" ("and hide yourself from them") refers to deliberately avoiding the situation. He notes that one might rationalize ignoring the animal by claiming, "The owner will come soon," or "It’s not my responsibility." The Torah rejects such excuses, teaching that we must proactively assist.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Rotzeach 13:1-3), the Rambam expands on this mitzvah, ruling:

  • The obligation applies whether the animal is loaded with a burden or has fallen under its own weight.
  • If the owner is elderly or physically unable, the helper must bear the full effort of lifting the animal.
  • Assistance is required even if the owner is present but struggling, as the verse states "עִמּוֹ" ("with him").

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 32a) discusses whether this mitzvah applies to a non-Jew's animal. While there is a debate, the halacha follows the opinion that we assist a non-Jew's animal to avoid eivah (hostility) and to model ethical behavior.

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 225) connects this mitzvah to the broader principle of "לא תעמוד על דם רעך" ("Do not stand idly by your neighbor’s blood" – Vayikra 19:16), teaching that we must intervene to prevent suffering—whether to humans or animals.

Practical Applications

From this verse, we derive several halachic and ethical lessons:

  • Proactive Kindness: One must not wait to be asked for help but should act when seeing a need.
  • Shared Responsibility: Even if others could help, the mitzvah remains binding on each individual.
  • Beyond Animals: Chazal extend this principle to helping people in distress, such as assisting someone with a broken-down vehicle or fallen load.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 32a
The verse is discussed in the context of the obligation to help unload and reload a fellow's animal that has fallen under its burden, emphasizing the ethical duty to assist others.
📖 Sanhedrin 73a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the broader principle of not standing idly by when another's life or property is in danger, extending the commandment to various situations of assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'You shall not see your brother's donkey or ox fallen on the road and ignore them' mean?
A: This verse teaches the mitzvah of helping others with their animals or property in distress. Rashi explains that we must not turn away when we see someone struggling—whether with animals or any burden. The Torah commands active kindness, even if it requires effort.
Q: Why is helping a neighbor with their fallen animal important in Judaism?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 13:1) states that this mitzvah reflects the broader principle of 'לא תעמד על דם רעך' (do not stand idly by your neighbor’s suffering). Helping others—whether people or animals—is a fundamental Jewish value of compassion and responsibility.
Q: Does this law apply only to donkeys and oxen, or other situations too?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 32a) extends this mitzvah to any form of assistance needed, whether with animals, lost objects, or even personal burdens. The verse’s wording teaches that we must help in all cases of another’s hardship, not just with livestock.
Q: What if helping someone’s animal is inconvenient for me?
A: The Torah says 'הָקֵם תָּקִים עִמּוֹ' (you shall surely help), emphasizing that we must assist even if it’s difficult. However, the Mishnah (Bava Metzia 2:10) rules that if the burden is excessive, the owner must compensate the helper for their time and effort.
Q: How does this verse apply in modern times when we don’t use donkeys or oxen?
A: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 538) explains that the principle remains the same: we must aid others with their struggles, whether it’s a broken-down car, heavy packages, or any difficulty. The mitzvah teaches proactive kindness in every generation.