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Deuteronomy 23:11 - Night impurity excludes from camp

Deuteronomy 23:11 - דברים 23:11

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יִהְיֶה בְךָ אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יִהְיֶה טָהוֹר מִקְּרֵה־לָיְלָה וְיָצָא אֶל־מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה לֹא יָבֹא אֶל־תּוֹךְ הַמַּחֲנֶה׃

English Translation

If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chances by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:

Transliteration

Ki-yihyeh vecha ish asher lo-yihyeh tahor mikreh-laylah veyatza el-michutz lamahaneh lo yavo el-toch hamahaneh.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֤ה בְךָ֙ אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹא־יִהְיֶ֥ה טָה֖וֹר מִקְּרֵה־לָ֑יְלָה וְיָצָא֙ אֶל־מִח֣וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה לֹ֥א יָבֹ֖א אֶל־תּ֥וֹךְ הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֤ה בְךָ֙ אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹא־יִהְיֶ֥ה טָה֖וֹר מִקְּרֵה־לָ֑יְלָה וְיָצָא֙ אֶל־מִח֣וּץ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה לֹ֥א יָבֹ֖א אֶל־תּ֥וֹךְ הַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Devarim 23:11) discusses the laws of ritual impurity (tum'ah) caused by a nocturnal emission (keri), requiring the affected individual to temporarily leave the Israelite camp. This is part of the broader Torah laws concerning purity and holiness in the camp, particularly relevant during the wilderness journey and later in the proximity of the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 23:11) clarifies that this law applies specifically to the "camp of the Shechinah" (the area around the Mishkan), not the general Israelite encampment. He cites the Sifrei, which derives this from the repetition of "camp" in the verse, indicating a distinction between the inner sacred camp and the outer camps of the Levites and Israelites.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash (1:12), Rambam rules that this prohibition applies to entering the Temple Mount or areas of the Sanctuary while in a state of impurity from a nocturnal emission. He emphasizes that maintaining purity in sacred spaces is a biblical obligation, reflecting the verse's eternal principle even after the wilderness encampments.

Talmudic Discussion

  • The Gemara (Pesachim 68a) connects this verse to the broader concept of machaneh Shechinah, teaching that impurity distances a person from Divine presence.
  • In Zevachim 115b, the Sages debate whether this law applied during the wilderness journeys or only after entering Eretz Yisrael, demonstrating the nuanced application of camp purity laws.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Metzora 3) draws a parallel between this physical distancing and spiritual distancing from sin, teaching that just as one must separate from impurity to approach holiness, one must separate from wrongdoing to draw near to Hashem.

Philosophical Significance

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that this law emphasizes the Torah's holistic view of human nature - recognizing physical states while elevating them through ritual structure. The temporary separation serves as both a practical measure and a spiritual reminder of the connection between physical purity and spiritual readiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 8a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of impurity and the requirement for those who are impure to stay outside the camp.
📖 Pesachim 67b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of impurity and the exclusion of impure individuals from certain areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to be 'not clean by reason of uncleanness that chances by night' in Deuteronomy 23:11?
A: This refers to a person who becomes ritually impure (tamei) due to a nocturnal emission (keri), as explained in the Talmud (Berachot 22a). Such impurity requires immersion in a mikveh and waiting until evening to become pure again, based on Leviticus 15:16.
Q: Why did someone with this type of impurity have to stay outside the camp?
A: Rashi explains that this law maintained the sanctity of the Israelite camp, which was considered like a 'camp of the Shechinah' (Divine Presence). The Talmud (Pesachim 68a) teaches that ritual purity laws help cultivate awareness of holiness in all aspects of life.
Q: Does this law about staying outside the camp apply today?
A: While we no longer have the same camp structure, the Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Kri'at Shema 4:8) rules that one who had a nocturnal emission should still immerse in a mikveh before praying or studying Torah, showing the enduring value of ritual purity concepts.
Q: What spiritual lesson can we learn from this verse about impurity?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that this law reminds us that spiritual readiness requires preparation. Just as physical purity was needed to enter sacred spaces, we must also prepare ourselves spiritually before engaging in holy activities like prayer or Torah study.
Q: How long did the impurity from a nocturnal emission last according to Jewish law?
A: The Torah (Leviticus 15:16) states this impurity lasts until evening after immersion in a mikveh. The Mishnah (Mikvaot 8:5) discusses details of proper immersion. This shows Judaism's balance between natural human functions and spiritual discipline.