Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 27:21 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 27:21 states a severe prohibition against bestiality (relations with animals), declaring that anyone who commits this act is cursed. The verse concludes with the people responding 'Amen,' showing their agreement to this divine commandment. This is part of a series of curses pronounced for violating fundamental Torah laws (Rashi on Deuteronomy 27:15-26).
Q: Why is bestiality considered such a serious sin in Judaism?
A: Bestiality is considered a severe sin because it violates the natural order of creation, where humans are meant to live morally distinct from animals. The Torah emphasizes the sanctity of human relationships and forbids blurring this boundary. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:15-16) lists it among the forbidden relations with severe punishments, as it corrupts moral behavior.
Q: Why do the people respond 'Amen' to this curse?
A: The response 'Amen' signifies the nation's acceptance and affirmation of the curse. According to the Talmud (Sotah 32a), saying 'Amen' is like taking an oath to uphold the Torah's laws. By responding, the Jewish people collectively commit to avoiding this sin and acknowledging its severity.
Q: Does this law still apply today?
A: Yes, this prohibition remains in effect today as part of the Torah's eternal commandments. The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 16:1) reaffirms the strict prohibition against bestiality, and Jewish law considers it a grave transgression with serious consequences.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of maintaining moral boundaries and respecting the sanctity of human relationships. The Torah sets clear ethical standards to elevate human behavior above animal instincts. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 27:21) emphasizes that such laws guide us toward holiness and spiritual refinement.
Understanding the Prohibition
The verse (Devarim 27:21) pronounces a curse upon one who engages in bestiality, stating: "אָרוּר שֹׁכֵב עִם־כָּל־בְּהֵמָה" ("Cursed be he that lies with any manner of beast"). This prohibition is rooted in the Torah's broader framework of maintaining moral and spiritual purity, as bestiality is explicitly forbidden in Vayikra 18:23 and 20:15-16. The severity of this sin is underscored by its inclusion among the curses proclaimed on Mount Eival, emphasizing its grave nature.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Devarim 27:21) explains that this curse applies to both men and women who engage in such acts, as the term "שֹׁכֵב" ("lies with") is grammatically inclusive. He further notes that the phrase "כָּל־בְּהֵמָה" ("any manner of beast") encompasses all domesticated and wild animals, leaving no room for ambiguity in the prohibition.
Halachic Implications
According to Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:15-16), bestiality is classified as one of the איסורי עריות (forbidden sexual relations) and carries the death penalty for both the human perpetrator and the animal involved (Vayikra 20:15-16). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54b) elaborates that the prohibition applies regardless of the gender of the person or the animal.
Moral and Spiritual Dimensions
The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 269) connects this curse to the broader theme of maintaining the sanctity of human relationships. Bestiality represents a distortion of the natural order, as humans are created in the divine image (Bereishit 1:27) and must uphold their spiritual distinction from animals. The Sforno adds that such acts degrade human dignity and distance a person from kedushah (holiness).
The Response of the People: "Amen"
The verse concludes with "וְאָמַר כָּל־הָעָם אָמֵן" ("And all the people shall say, Amen"). The Talmud (Shevuot 29a) teaches that responding "Amen" constitutes an acceptance of the curse as binding. Rambam (Hilchot Brachot 1:13) explains that this public declaration reinforces communal accountability in upholding Torah law.
Key Teachings from Orthodox Sources