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Leviticus 20:16 - Bestiality's severe divine consequence

Leviticus 20:16 - ויקרא 20:16

Hebrew Text

וְאִשָּׁה אֲשֶׁר תִּקְרַב אֶל־כָּל־בְּהֵמָה לְרִבְעָה אֹתָהּ וְהָרַגְתָּ אֶת־הָאִשָּׁה וְאֶת־הַבְּהֵמָה מוֹת יוּמָתוּ דְּמֵיהֶם בָּם׃

English Translation

And if a woman approach any beast, and lie down before it, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Transliteration

Ve'isha asher tikrav el-kol-behema lirve'a ota veharagta et-ha'isha ve'et-habehema mot yumatu demeihem bam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִשָּׁ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּקְרַ֤ב אֶל־כׇּל־בְּהֵמָה֙ לְרִבְעָ֣הֿ אֹתָ֔הּ וְהָרַגְתָּ֥ אֶת־הָאִשָּׁ֖ה וְאֶת־הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה מ֥וֹת יוּמָ֖תוּ דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם בָּֽם׃
וְאִשָּׁ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּקְרַ֤ב אֶל־כׇּל־בְּהֵמָה֙ לְרִבְעָ֣הֿ אֹתָ֔הּ וְהָרַגְתָּ֥ אֶת־הָאִשָּׁ֖ה וְאֶת־הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה מ֥וֹת יוּמָ֖תוּ דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם בָּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Bestiality and Its Punishment

The verse (Vayikra 20:16) addresses the severe prohibition of bestiality, specifically when a woman engages in such an act. The Torah mandates the death penalty for both the woman and the animal involved, emphasizing the gravity of this transgression. Rashi explains that the phrase "דְּמֵיהֶם בָּם" ("their blood shall be upon them") underscores that their deaths are a direct consequence of their own actions, bearing full responsibility for their sin.

Halachic Implications

According to Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 1:15-16), bestiality is classified as one of the איסורי עריות (forbidden sexual relations) and is punishable by סקילה (stoning), the most severe form of capital punishment in Jewish law. The inclusion of the animal in the punishment serves as a deterrent and a public declaration of the abhorrence of such acts.

Rationale for Killing the Animal

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a) discusses why the animal must be executed, stating that it is to prevent the animal from becoming a stumbling block for others. The Midrash (Toras Kohanim 20:14) adds that the animal is killed because it was an instrument of sin, and its destruction serves as a lesson to society about the severity of violating Torah law.

Moral and Spiritual Consequences

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 188) explains that this prohibition safeguards the sanctity of human relationships and distinguishes mankind from beasts. By engaging in such acts, a person degrades their divine image (צלם אלוקים) and disrupts the moral order established by Hashem.

  • Public Awareness: The public execution of both parties serves as a warning to others (Rambam, Hilchos Sanhedrin 15:6).
  • Spiritual Defilement: Such acts introduce impurity into the world, distancing the Divine Presence (Zohar, Vayikra 80a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 76a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding bestiality and the punishment for such acts.
📖 Keritot 3a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of certain sins and their corresponding punishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:16 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:16 prohibits bestiality (relations between a human and an animal) and states that both the woman and the animal involved must be put to death. This is part of the Torah's moral and ethical laws that maintain holiness and proper boundaries in human behavior.
Q: Why is the animal also punished in Leviticus 20:16?
A: According to Rashi and other Jewish commentators, the animal is executed to remove any trace of this sinful act from society. The Torah emphasizes the severity of the transgression by requiring the elimination of both the human and animal involved, ensuring no memory or association remains.
Q: Does Leviticus 20:16 apply today?
A: While Jewish law (Halacha) still considers bestiality a severe sin, the death penalty is not practiced today due to the absence of the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court). However, the moral prohibition remains, and such acts are strictly forbidden under Jewish law.
Q: What is the deeper lesson from Leviticus 20:16?
A: The verse teaches the importance of maintaining proper boundaries in human behavior, emphasizing the sanctity of human dignity and the natural order. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains that such laws help refine human morality and prevent corruption of society.
Q: Why does the verse specifically mention a woman?
A: While the Torah mentions a woman in this verse, Jewish law (as derived from the Talmud) applies the prohibition equally to men. The verse serves as an example, but the broader principle (derived from other sources) extends to all cases of bestiality.