share torah logo

Leviticus 19:14 - Ethics beyond perception's limits

Leviticus 19:14 - ויקרא 19:14

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תְקַלֵּל חֵרֵשׁ וְלִפְנֵי עִוֵּר לֹא תִתֵּן מִכְשֹׁל וְיָרֵאתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Lo-tekalel cheresh ve-lifnei iver lo titen michshol ve-yareta me'Elokeicha, ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹא־תְקַלֵּ֣ל חֵרֵ֔שׁ וְלִפְנֵ֣י עִוֵּ֔ר לֹ֥א תִתֵּ֖ן מִכְשֹׁ֑ל וְיָרֵ֥אתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
לֹא־תְקַלֵּ֣ל חֵרֵ֔שׁ וְלִפְנֵ֣י עִוֵּ֔ר לֹ֥א תִתֵּ֖ן מִכְשֹׁ֑ל וְיָרֵ֥אתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Cursing the Deaf

The verse states: "לֹא־תְקַלֵּל חֵרֵשׁ" ("Thou shalt not curse the deaf"). Rashi explains that this prohibition applies even though the deaf person cannot hear the curse, because the Torah emphasizes ethical behavior regardless of whether the victim is aware of the wrongdoing. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 231) adds that this teaches us the severity of verbal abuse, as it corrupts the soul of the speaker even if the listener is unaffected.

Stumbling Block Before the Blind

The second part of the verse warns: "וְלִפְנֵי עִוֵּר לֹא תִתֵּן מִכְשֹׁל" ("nor put a stumbling block before the blind"). Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:7) interprets this broadly—not only physically causing someone to trip but also misleading others in spiritual or practical matters. The Talmud (Pesachim 22b) extends this to include giving improper advice or enabling sin, as the Sifra (Kedoshim 2:14) states: "Do not cause another to stumble in matters where they lack knowledge."

Fear of Heaven as the Foundation

The verse concludes: "וְיָרֵאתָ מֵּאֱלֹהֶיךָ אֲנִי יְהוָה" ("but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord"). The Kli Yakar explains that since these sins (cursing the deaf or misleading the blind) may go undetected by others, the Torah reminds us that God sees all. The Ramban emphasizes that true fear of Heaven ensures ethical conduct even when human accountability is absent.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Speech Ethics: Cursing anyone—even those unaware—is forbidden, as words have spiritual consequences (Rashi, Sefer HaChinuch).
  • Moral Responsibility: One must avoid causing harm, whether physical, financial, or spiritual (Rambam, Talmud Pesachim).
  • Divine Awareness: Fear of God restrains wrongdoing in private matters (Kli Yakar, Ramban).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 22b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the prohibition of placing a stumbling block before the blind, which is interpreted both literally and metaphorically as not misleading those who are unaware or ignorant.
📖 Moed Katan 5a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about ethical behavior and the importance of fearing God in all actions, particularly in dealings with others who may be vulnerable.
📖 Avodah Zarah 6b
The verse is used to emphasize the principle of not causing others to sin, which is likened to placing a stumbling block before the blind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'do not curse the deaf' mean in Leviticus 19:14?
A: The Torah prohibits cursing a deaf person because they cannot hear the insult or defend themselves. Rashi explains that this teaches us not to take advantage of someone's weakness or inability to respond. The verse emphasizes ethical behavior even when no one is 'listening,' as we must always act with fear of G-d.
Q: Why does the Torah say 'do not place a stumbling block before the blind'?
A: This commandment forbids causing others to sin or leading them astray, whether physically (like placing an actual obstacle) or spiritually (giving harmful advice). The Talmud (Pesachim 22b) expands this to include misleading anyone 'blind' to the truth. Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 12:14) states it applies to all forms of deception or enabling wrongdoing.
Q: Why does Leviticus 19:14 end with 'fear your G-d'?
A: The phrase 'fear your G-d' appears here because these sins (cursing the deaf or misleading the blind) are matters of conscience—only G-d knows our true intentions. Sforno explains that fearing Heaven ensures we uphold ethics even when no human is watching. This principle applies to all 'hidden' mitzvot between a person and G-d.
Q: How does 'do not place a stumbling block' apply today?
A: This verse teaches timeless ethics: we must avoid enabling others' failures, whether by giving bad advice, selling harmful products, or creating temptations (like offering non-kosher food to someone who keeps kosher). The Chofetz Chaim applies it to speech—even sharing gossip can be a 'stumbling block' if it causes harm.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 19:14?
A: The verse teaches responsibility for our impact on others. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects it to loving one's neighbor—true care means avoiding actions that harm others physically or spiritually. The closing words 'I am the L-rd' remind us that G-d, who sees all, holds us accountable for ethical consistency.