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Deuteronomy 27:24 - Secret harm brings divine curse?

Deuteronomy 27:24 - דברים 27:24

Hebrew Text

אָרוּר מַכֵּה רֵעֵהוּ בַּסָּתֶר וְאָמַר כָּל־הָעָם אָמֵן׃

English Translation

Cursed be he that smites his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Transliteration

Arur makeh re'ehu basater ve'amar kol-ha'am amen.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָר֕וּר מַכֵּ֥ה רֵעֵ֖הוּ בַּסָּ֑תֶר וְאָמַ֥ר כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם אָמֵֽן׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
אָר֕וּר מַכֵּ֥ה רֵעֵ֖הוּ בַּסָּ֑תֶר וְאָמַ֥ר כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם אָמֵֽן׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Devarim 27:24) appears among the curses pronounced at Mount Eival, where the Jewish people affirmed their commitment to Torah law. The phrase "אָרוּר מַכֵּה רֵעֵהוּ בַּסָּתֶר" ("Cursed be he that smites his neighbor secretly") is part of a series of prohibitions that emphasize ethical and interpersonal obligations.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 27:24) interprets "מַכֵּה רֵעֵהוּ בַּסָּתֶר" ("smites his neighbor secretly") as referring to slander (לָשׁוֹן הָרָע). He explains that harming someone secretly through speech is akin to striking them in a hidden manner, as the damage is not visible but is deeply destructive. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Arachin 15b) that slander is equivalent to murder, as it can ruin reputations and relationships.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 7:1-3) elaborates on the severity of slander, emphasizing that speaking negatively about others—even if true—violates Torah law. He notes that this curse applies not only to physical harm but also to any covert act that damages another person, whether financially, emotionally, or socially.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Teitzei 2) connects this verse to the broader theme of honesty and integrity, teaching that hidden sins are particularly grievous because they undermine trust within the community.
  • The Sifrei (Devarim 27:24) expands the interpretation to include any form of deceit or betrayal, such as spreading rumors or withholding critical information to harm another.

The Response of "Amen"

The phrase "וְאָמַר כָּל־הָעָם אָמֵן" ("And all the people shall say, Amen") signifies communal acceptance of these ethical standards. The Talmud (Shevuot 36a) teaches that saying "Amen" to a curse is an affirmation of its truth and a commitment to avoid the prohibited behavior. This underscores the collective responsibility to uphold justice and guard against hidden wrongdoing.

Practical Halachic Implications

Based on this verse, halachic authorities (e.g., Chofetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Hara) derive strict guidelines to avoid any form of covert harm, including:

  • Prohibiting gossip or negative speech, even if spoken in private.
  • Requiring restitution for damages caused by slander.
  • Encouraging public accountability for those who harm others secretly.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 43b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the curses pronounced at Mount Ebal and the implications of secretly harming one's neighbor.
📖 Makkot 11b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the curses in Deuteronomy and their application in Jewish law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'cursed be he that smites his neighbor secretly' mean in Deuteronomy 27:24?
A: This verse refers to someone who harms another person secretly, whether through physical violence, slander, or deceit. The Torah emphasizes that such actions are morally wrong and deserving of a curse. Rashi explains that this includes any hidden act of harm, not just physical strikes. The public response of 'Amen' shows communal agreement with this moral principle.
Q: Why does the Torah specify harming someone 'secretly' in this verse?
A: The Torah highlights secrecy because hidden sins are often harder to detect and correct. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 43b) teaches that hidden wrongdoing can be even more damaging than open offenses, as it undermines trust and spreads fear. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 7:1) also warns against hidden malice, emphasizing the importance of honesty and transparency in relationships.
Q: What is the significance of the people responding 'Amen' in this verse?
A: Saying 'Amen' signifies the community's acknowledgment and acceptance of the curse as a divine truth. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that this public declaration reinforces societal accountability—everyone must uphold justice and refrain from hidden wrongdoing. Today, we learn the importance of standing together against injustice and affirming moral values.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern life according to Jewish tradition?
A: This verse teaches us to avoid all forms of hidden harm, including gossip (lashon hara), fraud, or manipulation. The Chofetz Chaim (in his works on proper speech) expands on this idea, stressing that even subtle or indirect harm violates this principle. Jewish ethics demand that we act with integrity in both public and private matters.