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Deuteronomy 22:9 - Mixed seeds, forbidden harvest?

Deuteronomy 22:9 - דברים 22:9

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִזְרַע כַּרְמְךָ כִּלְאָיִם פֶּן־תִּקְדַּשׁ הַמְלֵאָה הַזֶּרַע אֲשֶׁר תִּזְרָע וּתְבוּאַת הַכָּרֶם׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of the seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of the vineyard, be forfeited.

Transliteration

Lo-tizra karmecha kilayim pen-tikdash hamleah hazera asher tizra utvuat hakarem.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תִזְרַ֥ע כַּרְמְךָ֖ כִּלְאָ֑יִם פֶּן־תִּקְדַּ֗שׁ הַֽמְלֵאָ֤ה הַזֶּ֙רַע֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּזְרָ֔ע וּתְבוּאַ֖ת הַכָּֽרֶם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
לֹא־תִזְרַ֥ע כַּרְמְךָ֖ כִּלְאָ֑יִם פֶּן־תִּקְדַּ֗שׁ הַֽמְלֵאָ֤ה הַזֶּ֙רַע֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּזְרָ֔ע וּתְבוּאַ֖ת הַכָּֽרֶם׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Kilayim (Mixed Seeds) in the Vineyard

The verse (Devarim 22:9) prohibits sowing a vineyard with kilayim (diverse seeds), warning that doing so would cause the produce to become kodesh (forfeited or sanctified). Rashi explains that the term kodesh here means "forbidden for benefit," as the mixture renders the produce unfit for consumption or use. The Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 5:1) elaborates that this prohibition applies specifically to sowing grain or vegetables within a vineyard.

Reason for the Prohibition

The Talmud (Berachot 35a) connects this mitzvah to the broader concept of maintaining boundaries in creation, as Hashem established distinct species. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 230) suggests that mixing seeds in a vineyard reflects arrogance, as one attempts to improve upon Hashem’s design. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 244) adds that this law trains us to recognize divine order and avoid disrupting the natural separation of species.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The prohibition applies only to sowing two types of seeds together in a vineyard, not other agricultural settings (Rambam, Hilchot Kilayim 5:1).
  • The kilayim violation occurs only if the secondary crop is sown within four amot (approx. 6-8 feet) of the vines (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 296:1).
  • The produce becomes forbidden for benefit, but the land itself is not affected (Rashi, Devarim 22:9).

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 22:9) teaches that this mitzvah symbolizes the importance of maintaining spiritual distinctions—just as seeds must not be mixed, so too must holiness and impurity remain separate. The vineyard represents Klal Yisrael (as in Yeshayahu 5:7), and foreign influences (like mixed seeds) can corrupt its sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 22a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of forbidden mixtures (kilayim) and their implications.
📖 Kiddushin 39a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the consequences of violating agricultural prohibitions.
📖 Sotah 43b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the severity of certain prohibitions and their spiritual consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean not to sow a vineyard with diverse seeds?
A: The Torah prohibits planting different types of seeds together in a vineyard (known as 'kilayim'). According to Rashi, this includes mixing seeds of grains, vegetables, or other plants with grapevines. The Rambam explains that this law applies specifically to planting seeds of other species within the area of a vineyard (Hilchos Kilayim 5:1).
Q: Why is it forbidden to plant mixed seeds in a vineyard?
A: The Torah does not specify the reason, but our Sages teach that Hashem established these boundaries in nature, and we must respect them. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 550) suggests that mixing species may lead to improper agricultural practices or disrupt the natural order Hashem created.
Q: What happens if someone plants mixed seeds in a vineyard?
A: The verse warns that both the vineyard's produce and the other seeds become 'forfeited' (תִּקְדַּשׁ). The Talmud (Kiddushin 56b) explains this means they become prohibited for benefit. However, if already planted, one must uproot the forbidden mixture (Rambam, Hilchos Kilayim 1:3).
Q: Does this law apply outside of Israel?
A: According to most opinions, the prohibition of kilayim in a vineyard applies both in Israel and outside Israel (Rambam, Hilchos Kilayim 1:1). However, some agricultural laws (like kilayim of fields) apply only in Israel (Talmud, Kiddushin 39a).
Q: Can we learn a lesson from this verse today?
A: Yes! The Chofetz Chaim teaches that just as Hashem wants us to respect boundaries between plant species, we must also maintain proper boundaries in our relationships and behavior. The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah) connects this to the idea of keeping mitzvos distinct and not mixing holy and mundane improperly.