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Leviticus 24:14 - Blasphemer's fate: communal responsibility?

Leviticus 24:14 - ויקרא 24:14

Hebrew Text

הוֹצֵא אֶת־הַמְקַלֵּל אֶל־מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה וְסָמְכוּ כָל־הַשֹּׁמְעִים אֶת־יְדֵיהֶם עַל־רֹאשׁוֹ וְרָגְמוּ אֹתוֹ כָּל־הָעֵדָה׃

English Translation

Bring forth him that has cursed outside the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

Transliteration

Hotze et-hamakal el-michutz lamahane vesamkhu kol-hashom'im et-yedeihem al-rosho veragmu oto kol-ha'edah.

Hebrew Leining Text

הוֹצֵ֣א אֶת־הַֽמְקַלֵּ֗ל אֶל־מִחוּץ֙ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְסָמְכ֧וּ כׇֽל־הַשֹּׁמְעִ֛ים אֶת־יְדֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־רֹאשׁ֑וֹ וְרָגְמ֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ כׇּל־הָעֵדָֽה׃
הוֹצֵ֣א אֶת־הַֽמְקַלֵּ֗ל אֶל־מִחוּץ֙ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְסָמְכ֧וּ כׇֽל־הַשֹּׁמְעִ֛ים אֶת־יְדֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־רֹאשׁ֑וֹ וְרָגְמ֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ כׇּל־הָעֵדָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 24:14) describes the punishment for one who curses the Name of Hashem. This follows the incident of the "mekalel" (the blasphemer) in the preceding verses, where a man of mixed lineage curses the Divine Name during a dispute. The Torah prescribes a severe punishment—stoning—for this grave sin, emphasizing the sanctity of Hashem's Name.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 24:14) explains that the phrase "וְסָמְכוּ כָל־הַשֹּׁמְעִים אֶת־יְדֵיהֶם עַל־רֹאשׁוֹ" ("let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head") serves as a form of testimony. The witnesses who heard the blasphemy place their hands on the offender’s head to confirm their testimony before the execution. This act is symbolic, transferring the responsibility of the punishment to the guilty party, as they attested to his crime.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 2:7, the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates on the severity of blasphemy, stating that one who curses the Divine Name with explicit intent is subject to the death penalty by stoning. The requirement for witnesses and warning (התראה) applies, as with other capital cases. The Rambam emphasizes that this law underscores the reverence due to Hashem’s Name and the severity of desecrating it.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a) discusses the case of the mekalel, noting that his punishment is derived from the juxtaposition of this law with the laws of damages (eye for an eye), teaching that monetary compensation does not apply to blasphemy—only capital punishment.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Emor 15) highlights the communal aspect of the execution ("וְרָגְמוּ אֹתוֹ כָּל־הָעֵדָה"), teaching that the entire congregation participates to emphasize the collective responsibility to uphold the sanctity of Hashem’s Name.

Symbolism of "Outside the Camp"

The instruction to take the blasphemer "אֶל־מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה" ("outside the camp") signifies the removal of impurity from the midst of the Jewish people. Just as impurities (tum’ah) are expelled from the camp, so too is the spiritual contamination of blasphemy. This reflects the principle that desecration of the Divine Name cannot coexist with the holiness of the community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 43a
The verse is referenced in the discussion of the procedures for executing a blasphemer, emphasizing the requirement for witnesses to lay hands on the accused before stoning.
📖 Makkot 7b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of stoning and the role of witnesses in capital cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 24:14 mean?
A: Leviticus 24:14 describes the punishment for someone who curses G-d. The verse instructs that the blasphemer must be taken outside the camp, those who heard the curse must place their hands on his head (symbolizing transferring the guilt), and then the entire community must stone him. This severe punishment highlights the gravity of blasphemy in Jewish law.
Q: Why is blasphemy considered such a serious sin in Judaism?
A: Blasphemy is considered a grave sin because it directly violates the sanctity of G-d's name and undermines the foundation of faith. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a) lists blasphemy as one of the Noahide laws, applicable to all humanity. Jewish tradition teaches that respecting G-d's name is fundamental to maintaining a proper relationship with the Divine.
Q: How does this law apply today without the Sanhedrin?
A: Today, without the Sanhedrin and Temple, capital punishments like stoning cannot be carried out. However, the principle remains important - showing reverence for G-d's name is still a core Jewish value. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 2:7) explains that while we don't administer these punishments now, the severity of the sin remains the same in G-d's eyes.
Q: What is the significance of the witnesses laying hands on the blasphemer's head?
A: Rashi explains that the witnesses laying hands on the blasphemer's head symbolizes transferring the responsibility for his punishment from themselves to him. This act demonstrates that they are free from guilt for his death, as they are merely carrying out the court's sentence (based on Vayikra Rabbah 32:4).
Q: Why was the execution performed outside the camp?
A: The execution was performed outside the camp to maintain the purity and holiness of the Israelite community. The Midrash (Sifra Emor 19:4) teaches that just as we distance ourselves from physical impurities, we must also distance ourselves from spiritual impurities like blasphemy. This separation protected the sanctity of the community.