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Numbers 19:2 - Red cow purifies impurity?

Numbers 19:2 - במדבר 19:2

Hebrew Text

זֹאת חֻקַּת הַתּוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה לֵאמֹר דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִקְחוּ אֵלֶיךָ פָרָה אֲדֻמָּה תְּמִימָה אֲשֶׁר אֵין־בָּהּ מוּם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־עָלָה עָלֶיהָ עֹל׃

English Translation

This is the ordinance of the Tora which the Lord has commanded, saying, Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el, that they bring thee a red heifer without defect, in which there is no blemish, and upon which never came a yoke:

Transliteration

Zot chukat haTorah asher-tziva Adonai lemor daber el-bnei Yisrael veyikchu eleicha parah adumah temimah asher ein-bah mum asher lo-alah aleyha ol.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֹ֚את חֻקַּ֣ת הַתּוֹרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר דַּבֵּ֣ר <b>׀</b> אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְיִקְח֣וּ אֵלֶ֩יךָ֩ פָרָ֨ה אֲדֻמָּ֜ה תְּמִימָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר אֵֽין־בָּהּ֙ מ֔וּם אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹא־עָלָ֥ה עָלֶ֖יהָ עֹֽל׃
זֹ֚את חֻקַּ֣ת הַתּוֹרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר דַּבֵּ֣ר ׀ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וְיִקְח֣וּ אֵלֶ֩יךָ֩ פָרָ֨ה אֲדֻמָּ֜ה תְּמִימָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר אֵֽין־בָּהּ֙ מ֔וּם אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹא־עָלָ֥ה עָלֶ֖יהָ עֹֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah)

The verse introduces the mitzvah of the Parah Adumah (Red Heifer), a unique commandment whose laws are described as "חֻקַּת הַתּוֹרָה" ("the statute of the Torah"). Rashi (Bamidbar 19:2) explains that this term signifies a decree from Hashem that we must accept without questioning its rationale, as it is beyond human comprehension. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:3) further emphasizes that even King Solomon, the wisest of men, could not fully grasp the mystery of the Parah Adumah.

Requirements of the Red Heifer

  • Red Heifer (פָרָה אֲדֻמָּה): The animal must be entirely red, without even two black hairs (Mishnah Parah 2:5). Rambam (Hilchos Parah Adumah 1:1) states that if it had as few as two non-red hairs, it was disqualified.
  • Without Defect (תְּמִימָה אֲשֶׁר אֵין־בָּהּ מוּם): Like other korbanos, the Parah Adumah must be physically perfect, free from any blemishes (Rashi, Bamidbar 19:2).
  • Never Yoked (אֲשֶׁר לֹא־עָלָה עָלֶיהָ עֹל): The heifer must never have been used for labor. The Talmud (Yoma 74a) derives from this that even placing a cloth on its back for a non-labor purpose disqualifies it.

Purpose and Paradox of the Parah Adumah

The Parah Adumah was used to purify those who had become tamei meis (ritually impure through contact with a corpse). The paradox, as noted by Chazal (Yoma 14a), is that while it purifies the impure, those involved in its preparation become impure. Rashi (Bamidbar 19:22) explains that this reflects the depth of Hashem's decrees, which transcend human logic.

Symbolism and Deeper Meaning

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:8) connects the red color of the heifer to the sin of the Golden Calf, suggesting that the Parah Adumah serves as an atonement for that transgression. The Ramban (Bamidbar 19:2) adds that the use of a cow—an animal associated with materialism (as in the "עֵגֶל מַסֵּכָה")—teaches that spiritual purification requires distancing from physical indulgence.

Halachic Significance

According to the Mishnah (Parah 3:5), only nine Parah Adumahs were used throughout history, with a tenth to be prepared by Mashiach (Rambam, Hilchos Parah Adumah 3:4). This underscores its rarity and eschatological significance in Jewish tradition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 42b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the red heifer and its requirements for purity.
📖 Parah 3:5
The Mishnah discusses the specifics of the red heifer as commanded in this verse, detailing the conditions it must meet.
📖 Sotah 46a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of the red heifer and its role in purification rituals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the red heifer (parah adumah) in Numbers 19:2?
A: The red heifer (parah adumah) is a completely red cow without any blemishes or defects, which was used in a special purification ritual described in the Torah. According to Rashi, it had to be entirely red—even two black hairs would disqualify it. This mitzvah is considered a 'chok' (a statute beyond human understanding) in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why did the red heifer have to be without a yoke?
A: The Torah specifies that the red heifer must never have had a yoke placed upon it (Numbers 19:2). Rashi explains that this symbolizes purity and freedom from any servitude or labor. Just as the heifer was untouched by human work, its purification power comes from its pristine state, untainted by ordinary use.
Q: What is the significance of the red heifer in Jewish law?
A: The red heifer was essential for purifying individuals who had become ritually impure through contact with the dead (tum’at met). The ashes of the heifer, mixed with water, created the 'mei chatat' (waters of purification). The Rambam (Hilchot Parah Adumah) teaches that this mitzvah is one of the most mysterious in the Torah, representing divine wisdom beyond human comprehension.
Q: Is the red heifer still relevant today?
A: While the Temple is not standing today, the laws of the red heifer remain significant in Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Yoma 42a) discusses its future role in the Messianic era when the Temple service will be restored. Many Orthodox Jews today study these laws in anticipation of that time.
Q: Why is the red heifer called a 'chok' (statute)?
A: The Torah introduces this mitzvah with the words 'zot chukat haTorah' (this is the statute of the Torah), emphasizing that it is a divine decree beyond human logic. Rashi and the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:1) explain that even King Solomon, the wisest of men, could not fully understand the paradox of the red heifer—it purifies the impure but makes the pure impure in the process.