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Deuteronomy 22:8 - Guard life with rooftop safety

Deuteronomy 22:8 - דברים 22:8

Hebrew Text

כִּי תִבְנֶה בַּיִת חָדָשׁ וְעָשִׂיתָ מַעֲקֶה לְגַגֶּךָ וְלֹא־תָשִׂים דָּמִים בְּבֵיתֶךָ כִּי־יִפֹּל הַנֹּפֵל מִמֶּנּוּ׃

English Translation

When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a parapet for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thy house, if any man fall from it.

Transliteration

Ki tivneh bayit chadash ve'asita ma'akeh legagecha velo-tasim damim beveitecha ki-yipol hanofel mimenhu.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֤י תִבְנֶה֙ בַּ֣יִת חָדָ֔שׁ וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ מַעֲקֶ֖ה לְגַגֶּ֑ךָ וְלֹֽא־תָשִׂ֤ים דָּמִים֙ בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ כִּֽי־יִפֹּ֥ל הַנֹּפֵ֖ל מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
כִּ֤י תִבְנֶה֙ בַּ֣יִת חָדָ֔שׁ וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ מַעֲקֶ֖ה לְגַגֶּ֑ךָ וְלֹֽא־תָשִׂ֤ים דָּמִים֙ בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ כִּֽי־יִפֹּ֥ל הַנֹּפֵ֖ל מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Ma'akeh (Parapet)

The verse (Devarim 22:8) commands the construction of a ma'akeh (parapet) around the roof of a new house to prevent someone from falling. Rashi explains that this mitzvah applies not only to roofs but to any dangerous structure, teaching that one must remove hazards from their property to avoid bloodshed. The Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 11:4) codifies this as a positive commandment, emphasizing its importance in preserving life.

Spiritual and Practical Dimensions

The Talmud (Ketubot 41b) derives from this verse that one must safeguard against potential harm in all aspects of life, not just physical dangers. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 229) expands on this, stating that neglecting the ma'akeh is akin to shedding blood, as it demonstrates disregard for human life. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 547) connects this mitzvah to the broader principle of V'nishmartem Me'od L'nafshoteichem (guarding one's soul diligently - Devarim 4:15).

Legal Applications

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 427:8) rules that the obligation applies to any elevated area where people might gather, not just roofs.
  • Rabbi Moshe Isserles (Rema) adds that this includes safeguarding swimming pools, pits, or other hazards on one's property.
  • The Chofetz Chaim (Ahavat Chesed 2:8) extends the principle to financial matters, teaching that one must prevent others from stumbling into debt or loss.

Philosophical Implications

The Kli Yakar notes that the verse specifically mentions "when you build a new house," teaching that safety considerations must be incorporated from the very beginning of any endeavor. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) observes that the phrase "that you bring not blood upon your house" implies personal responsibility - one cannot claim ignorance of potential dangers.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kiddushin 31a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of fulfilling commandments for their own sake, not out of fear of punishment.
📖 Chullin 136a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the general principle of preventing danger and the specific obligation to build a parapet.
📖 Bava Kamma 15b
The verse is mentioned in the context of laws regarding negligence and the responsibility to prevent harm to others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse about building a parapet on a roof mean?
A: The verse (Deuteronomy 22:8) commands that when someone builds a new house, they must construct a parapet (a low wall or railing) around the roof to prevent people from falling. This teaches the importance of taking safety precautions to avoid harm to others, as negligence in this matter could lead to bloodshed (Rashi, Rambam).
Q: Why is building a parapet on the roof important in Judaism?
A: Building a parapet is a Torah obligation to protect human life. The Talmud (Chullin 136a) explains that this mitzvah falls under the broader principle of 'guarding your soul' (Deuteronomy 4:9). It teaches that we must proactively remove hazards from our property to prevent accidents.
Q: Does the commandment about roof parapets apply to modern homes?
A: Yes, the principle applies to any potential hazard in or around one's property. While modern homes may not have flat roofs like in ancient times, the Torah's requirement extends to any dangerous situation we can prevent, such as securing swimming pools, balconies, or staircases (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 427:8).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the roof parapet commandment?
A: This mitzvah teaches the Jewish value of responsibility for others' safety. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that it demonstrates how we must anticipate potential dangers and take action to prevent them. It's not enough to be careful ourselves - we must protect others from harm as well.
Q: What does 'not bringing blood upon your house' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase means that by failing to install a parapet, the homeowner bears moral responsibility if someone gets hurt. Rashi explains that this refers to the 'blood' (guilt) that would be on the homeowner's conscience. The Torah emphasizes that preventing accidents is our active responsibility.