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Deuteronomy 13:9 - Reject idolatry's temptation completely

Deuteronomy 13:9 - דברים 13:9

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תֹאבֶה לוֹ וְלֹא תִשְׁמַע אֵלָיו וְלֹא־תָחוֹס עֵינְךָ עָלָיו וְלֹא־תַחְמֹל וְלֹא־תְכַסֶּה עָלָיו׃

English Translation

thou shalt not consent to him, nor hearken to him; nor shall thy eye pity him, nor shalt thou spare, nor shalt thou conceal him:

Transliteration

Lo-tove lo ve-lo tishma elav ve-lo-tachos einecha alav ve-lo-tachmol ve-lo-techase alav.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תֹאבֶ֣ה ל֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א תִשְׁמַ֖ע אֵלָ֑יו וְלֹא־תָח֤וֹס עֵֽינְךָ֙ עָלָ֔יו וְלֹֽא־תַחְמֹ֥ל וְלֹֽא־תְכַסֶּ֖ה עָלָֽיו׃
לֹא־תֹאבֶ֣ה ל֔וֹ וְלֹ֥א תִשְׁמַ֖ע אֵלָ֑יו וְלֹא־תָח֤וֹס עֵֽינְךָ֙ עָלָ֔יו וְלֹֽא־תַחְמֹ֥ל וְלֹֽא־תְכַסֶּ֖ה עָלָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 13:9) is part of the Torah's warning against a mesis (one who entices others to idolatry). The Torah commands strict measures to prevent the spread of idolatry, emphasizing the severity of the sin and its potential to corrupt the entire community.

Interpretation of the Phrases

  • "לֹא־תֹאבֶה לוֹ" (Thou shalt not consent to him): Rashi explains that this means one must not show any agreement or approval of the enticer's words, even passively. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 5:3) elaborates that one must not even hesitate in rejecting the enticement.
  • "וְלֹא תִשְׁמַע אֵלָיו" (Nor hearken to him): The Sifri teaches that this prohibits listening to the enticer's arguments, as doing so may lead to being swayed. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 61b) states that one must not entertain any dialogue with a mesis.
  • "וְלֹא־תָחוֹס עֵינְךָ עָלָיו" (Nor shall thy eye pity him): The Torah emphasizes that compassion must not override justice in this case. The Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 8) explains that pity for the individual could lead to calamity for the many.
  • "וְלֹא־תַחְמֹל" (Nor shalt thou spare): The Rambam (Hilchos Sanhedrin 18:6) rules that no mitigating circumstances should lessen the punishment for a mesis, as their sin threatens the spiritual foundation of Klal Yisrael.
  • "וְלֹא־תְכַסֶּה עָלָיו" (Nor shalt thou conceal him): The Sifri states that one must not withhold testimony or protect the enticer in any way. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 464) explains that concealing such a sin is equivalent to enabling idolatry.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 425:1) codifies these laws, emphasizing that a mesis is treated with utmost severity due to the existential threat of idolatry. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 67a) discusses the procedures for prosecuting a mesis, including the requirement for witnesses and warning.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

While the Torah demands strict justice in this case, the Mesillas Yesharim (Ch. 19) notes that such laws highlight the importance of safeguarding emunah (faith) and the collective spiritual integrity of the Jewish people. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that the repetition of prohibitions underscores the need for vigilance against subtle spiritual corruption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 43a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws pertaining to a rebellious elder (Zaken Mamre) and the requirement not to show leniency or conceal his actions.
📖 Sanhedrin 71a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the rebellious son (Ben Sorer U'Moreh), emphasizing the severity of the commandment not to spare or conceal his actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 13:9 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 13:9 instructs the Jewish people not to listen to or show mercy to someone who tries to lead others astray to worship idols. The Torah commands us to reject their influence completely and not to cover up their wrongdoing. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the severity of leading others away from Hashem, as it can corrupt the entire community.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches the seriousness of protecting the Jewish people from spiritual corruption. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim) explains that idolatry is one of the gravest sins, and those who entice others toward it must be dealt with strictly to preserve the purity of Jewish faith and practice.
Q: How does this apply today if we don't have courts that judge such cases?
A: While Jewish courts today do not carry out capital punishment, the principle still applies in a spiritual sense. The Talmud (Sanhedrin) teaches that we must still distance ourselves from influences that lead us away from Torah values. This includes avoiding false ideologies or harmful spiritual influences that contradict Jewish teachings.
Q: Does this mean we should never show mercy to sinners?
A: The Torah requires justice in cases of intentional spiritual corruption, but Judaism also values repentance (teshuvah). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) teaches that if the person sincerely regrets their actions and stops misleading others, there may be room for mercy. However, the initial response must be firm to prevent further harm.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about peer pressure?
A: This verse teaches us to stand firm in our beliefs even when others try to influence us negatively. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains that peer pressure can be powerful, but we must remain loyal to Hashem and Torah values. It reminds us to choose our influences wisely and not be swayed by those who lead us away from truth.