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Deuteronomy 22:22 - Adultery's severe divine consequence

Deuteronomy 22:22 - דברים 22:22

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יִמָּצֵא אִישׁ שֹׁכֵב עִם־אִשָּׁה בְעֻלַת־בַּעַל וּמֵתוּ גַּם־שְׁנֵיהֶם הָאִישׁ הַשֹּׁכֵב עִם־הָאִשָּׁה וְהָאִשָּׁה וּבִעַרְתָּ הָרָע מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Ki-yimatze ish shochev im-isha ve'ulat-ba'al u-metu gam-shneihem ha'ish hashochev im-ha'isha veha'isha u-vi'arta hara mi-Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יִמָּצֵ֨א אִ֜ישׁ שֹׁכֵ֣ב <b>׀</b> עִם־אִשָּׁ֣ה בְעֻֽלַת־בַּ֗עַל וּמֵ֙תוּ֙ גַּם־שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם הָאִ֛ישׁ הַשֹּׁכֵ֥ב עִם־הָאִשָּׁ֖ה וְהָאִשָּׁ֑ה וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥ הָרָ֖ע מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
כִּֽי־יִמָּצֵ֨א אִ֜ישׁ שֹׁכֵ֣ב ׀ עִם־אִשָּׁ֣ה בְעֻֽלַת־בַּ֗עַל וּמֵ֙תוּ֙ גַּם־שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם הָאִ֛ישׁ הַשֹּׁכֵ֥ב עִם־הָאִשָּׁ֖ה וְהָאִשָּׁ֑ה וּבִֽעַרְתָּ֥ הָרָ֖ע מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 22:22) addresses the severe prohibition of adultery (gilui arayot), specifically when a man lies with a married woman (eshet ish). The Torah mandates capital punishment for both parties involved, emphasizing the gravity of violating the sanctity of marriage and the moral fabric of the Jewish people.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Devarim 22:22) explains that the phrase "בעלת בעל" ("married to a husband") underscores that the woman is fully married, not merely betrothed. He further notes that the death penalty applies only if there were witnesses who issued a formal warning (hatra'ah), as required by halachic standards for capital cases. Rashi also highlights that the phrase "וביערת הרע מישראל" ("so shalt thou put away evil from Yisra᾽el") teaches that executing justice purges the spiritual corruption caused by such sins.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1), Rambam categorizes adultery as one of the most severe transgressions, punishable by chenek (strangulation) for both the man and the woman. He emphasizes that this applies only if the woman is a nesu'ah (fully married) and not merely me'orasah (betrothed). Rambam also clarifies that the death penalty is contingent upon proper testimony and judicial procedure.

Talmudic Discussion

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 66b) elaborates on the conditions necessary for imposing the death penalty in cases of adultery:

  • The act must be witnessed by two valid witnesses (eidim kasherim).
  • The witnesses must issue a formal warning (hatra'ah) to the transgressors before the act.
  • The court must conduct a thorough investigation to ensure no false testimony is given.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 242) connects this verse to the broader theme of maintaining moral purity in Israel. It teaches that adultery not only violates interpersonal trust but also damages the spiritual integrity of the nation. The phrase "וביערת הרע מישראל" is interpreted as a call to uphold holiness by removing sinful behavior from the community.

Halachic Implications

While the death penalty is rarely applied in practice (due to the stringent evidentiary requirements), the severity of the prohibition remains. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 20:1) reiterates that adultery is forbidden under all circumstances, and even suspicion of such behavior must be avoided to preserve marital sanctity (kedushat ha'bayit).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 52b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding adultery and the death penalty, particularly focusing on the requirement to 'put away evil from Israel.'
📖 Sotah 8b
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the laws concerning a woman suspected of adultery (Sotah) and the broader implications of adultery in Jewish law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 22:22 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 22:22 states that if a man is found lying with a married woman, both the man and the woman must be put to death. This severe punishment is meant to remove the sin of adultery from the Jewish people, as adultery is a serious violation of Torah law and damages the sanctity of marriage.
Q: Why is adultery considered such a serious sin in Judaism?
A: Adultery is considered a grave sin in Judaism because it violates the sacred bond of marriage, which is foundational to Jewish family life and society. The Torah (Exodus 20:13) explicitly prohibits adultery as one of the Ten Commandments. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 52b) and Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:1) emphasize the severity of this transgression, as it undermines trust and holiness within the community.
Q: How was the punishment for adultery carried out in ancient times?
A: According to traditional Jewish law (Halacha), the punishment for adultery was carried out by the court (Sanhedrin) through stoning (Talmud Sanhedrin 52b). However, the Talmud (Makkot 7a) explains that the death penalty was only applied under very strict conditions, including the requirement of two valid witnesses who warned the offenders beforehand. In practice, such cases were rare.
Q: Does the death penalty for adultery still apply today?
A: No, the death penalty for adultery is not applied today. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 41a) states that the death penalty ceased to be practiced after the destruction of the Second Temple. However, adultery remains a severe sin in Jewish law, and those who commit it are still subject to spiritual consequences and must seek repentance (teshuvah).
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 22:22 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of violating marital trust. Even though the death penalty is no longer enforced, the Torah's message remains relevant: Jewish law upholds the values of fidelity, moral conduct, and the removal of wrongdoing from the community. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:7) also emphasizes that one should distance themselves from sinful behavior to live a righteous life.