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Leviticus 20:15 - Bestiality's severe divine punishment

Leviticus 20:15 - ויקרא 20:15

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִתֵּן שְׁכָבְתּוֹ בִּבְהֵמָה מוֹת יוּמָת וְאֶת־הַבְּהֵמָה תַּהֲרֹגוּ׃

English Translation

And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and you shall slay the beast.

Transliteration

Ve'ish asher yiten shekhavto b'veheima mot yumat ve'et hab'veheima taharogu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֧ן שְׁכׇבְתּ֛וֹ בִּבְהֵמָ֖ה מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֑ת וְאֶת־הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה תַּהֲרֹֽגוּ׃
וְאִ֗ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִתֵּ֧ן שְׁכׇבְתּ֛וֹ בִּבְהֵמָ֖ה מ֣וֹת יוּמָ֑ת וְאֶת־הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה תַּהֲרֹֽגוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Bestiality in Jewish Law

The verse (Vayikra 20:15) establishes a severe prohibition against bestiality, mandating capital punishment for the human offender and requiring the execution of the animal involved. This law is one of the arayos (forbidden sexual relations) listed in the Torah.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Vayikra 20:15) notes that the phrase "mot yumat" ("shall surely be put to death") appears twice in this context (see also Shemos 22:18), emphasizing the severity of the transgression. He explains that the repetition teaches that the offender is subject to death whether he actively engaged in the act or was passive.

Reason for Killing the Animal

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) discusses why the animal must be killed:

  • To prevent the animal from becoming a stumbling block for others
  • Because the animal was an instrument of sin
  • So that people won't point to the animal and say "this is the one through which so-and-so was executed"

Maimonides' Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 1:15) categorizes this prohibition among the most severe sexual transgressions. In Moreh Nevuchim (3:49), he explains that such laws help maintain proper boundaries between species and prevent moral degradation.

Halachic Details

The Mishnah (Sanhedrin 7:4) states that both the man and woman who commit bestiality are liable. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 54b) elaborates that the prohibition applies regardless of gender or the species of animal.

Spiritual Dimension

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) explains that this prohibition helps maintain the unique spiritual status of humanity, as man was created b'tzelem Elokim (in God's image). Engaging in such acts blurs the fundamental distinction between humans and animals.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 54a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding bestiality and the punishment for such acts.
📖 Sanhedrin 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of the sin and the requirement to kill the animal involved.
📖 Chullin 77b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the permissibility of using the animal's hide after it has been killed due to this law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:15 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:15 prohibits bestiality (relations between a human and an animal) and states that both the person and the animal involved must be put to death. This is part of the Torah's laws regarding forbidden relationships, emphasizing the sanctity of human behavior and the boundaries set by Hashem.
Q: Why is this law important in Judaism?
A: This law is important because it upholds the distinction between humans and animals, a fundamental concept in Judaism. The Torah teaches that humans are created in the image of Hashem (Bereishit 1:27) and must act with holiness. Bestiality blurs this distinction and is considered a severe violation of moral and spiritual boundaries.
Q: Why does the animal also have to be killed?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, the animal is killed to remove any evidence or reminder of the sinful act and to prevent further misuse. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:16) explains that the animal is executed to ensure it does not become a stumbling block for others in the future.
Q: Does this law still apply today?
A: While the death penalty for this transgression is not practiced today due to the absence of the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court), the prohibition itself remains in effect. Jewish law (Halacha) still strictly forbids bestiality as a serious sin, and one must distance themselves from any such behavior.
Q: What can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of maintaining proper boundaries in human behavior and respecting the sanctity of life. It reminds us that humans are meant to live with dignity and holiness, separate from animalistic behavior. The Torah's laws guide us to elevate our actions and align them with Hashem's will.