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Numbers 35:20 - Hatred's deadly ambush revealed

Numbers 35:20 - במדבר 35:20

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־בְּשִׂנְאָה יֶהְדָּפֶנּוּ אוֹ־הִשְׁלִיךְ עָלָיו בִּצְדִיָּה וַיָּמֹת׃

English Translation

And if he thrust him out of hatred, or hurl something at him whilst lying in wait, that he die;

Transliteration

Ve'im-b'sinah yehdafenu o-hishlikh alav bitzidiyah vayamot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־בְּשִׂנְאָ֖ה יֶהְדֳּפֶ֑נּוּ אֽוֹ־הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ עָלָ֛יו בִּצְדִיָּ֖ה וַיָּמֹֽת׃
וְאִם־בְּשִׂנְאָ֖ה יֶהְדֳּפֶ֑נּוּ אֽוֹ־הִשְׁלִ֥יךְ עָלָ֛יו בִּצְדִיָּ֖ה וַיָּמֹֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Exodus 21:14) discusses the legal consequences for intentional murder, distinguishing it from accidental killing. This is part of the broader Mishpatim (civil and criminal laws) given at Sinai, following the Ten Commandments.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 21:14) clarifies that this verse refers to a case where someone kills another with premeditation (b'zadon) and out of hatred (b'sinah). He emphasizes that the Torah distinguishes between:

  • Intentional murder ("b'sinah" or "b'zadon") – deserving capital punishment.
  • Accidental killing ("b'shogeg") – where the killer may flee to a city of refuge (as discussed in Numbers 35).

Rambam's Legal Analysis

In Hilchot Rotzeach U'Shmirat Nefesh (Laws of Murder and Preservation of Life 1:4), Rambam (Maimonides) explains that this verse establishes the criteria for intentional murder:

  • Acting out of hatred – indicating malice aforethought.
  • Lying in wait ("b'tzidiyah") – showing premeditation.

Rambam rules that such a murderer is subject to the death penalty if there is clear evidence and proper warning (hatra'ah).

Talmudic Interpretation (Sanhedrin 72a)

The Talmud discusses this verse in the context of rodef (a pursuer intent on killing). It derives that:

  • If a person acts with clear intent to kill, they are treated as a murderer.
  • The phrase "v'im b'sinah yehdafenu" ("if he thrust him out of hatred") implies that hatred is a key factor in establishing intent.

Midrashic Insight (Mechilta)

The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Exodus) notes that this verse underscores the severity of premeditated murder, as it violates the divine image (tzelem Elokim) in man. The Torah demands justice for such an act, as it undermines societal sanctity.

Practical Halachic Implications

This verse forms the basis for Jewish law regarding intentional homicide:

  • Requires two valid witnesses and warning (hatra'ah) for conviction.
  • Demonstrates the Torah's emphasis on motive and intent in legal judgment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 78a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding murder and the distinction between intentional and unintentional killing.
📖 Makkot 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the conditions under which one is liable for murder, particularly concerning premeditation and hatred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 35:20 mean?
A: Numbers 35:20 discusses the case of someone who kills another person intentionally—either by pushing them out of hatred or by ambushing them with a deadly object. According to Rashi and traditional Jewish law, this describes a deliberate act of murder, which carries severe consequences under Torah law.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish law?
A: This verse is important because it helps distinguish between intentional murder (which requires the death penalty under Jewish law) and accidental killing (which allows the killer to flee to a city of refuge). The Talmud (Makkot 7b) and Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach) explain that intent is a key factor in determining punishment.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about hatred?
A: The verse teaches that hatred can lead to severe sins like murder. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Mishpatim 8) warns that unchecked hatred corrupts a person’s soul and can result in violent actions. Jewish ethics emphasize resolving conflicts peacefully and avoiding hatred (Pirkei Avot 2:11).
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: While Jewish courts no longer administer capital punishment, the principle remains relevant: intentional violence is a grave sin. The Chofetz Chaim (in Sefer Shemirat HaLashon) teaches that hatred and harmful speech can also be spiritually destructive, so we must guard against them in daily life.