Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'Whoever cohabits with a beast shall surely be put to death' mean?
A: This verse from Exodus 22:18 prohibits bestiality, which is a severe sin in Jewish law. The Torah considers this act a perversion of the natural order and a violation of human dignity. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a), this law applies to both men and women who engage in such behavior, and it is punishable by death under biblical law when there is proper testimony and warning (Hasra'ah).
Q: Why is the prohibition against bestiality important in Judaism?
A: Bestiality is considered a grave sin because it blurs the boundaries between humans and animals, which goes against the Torah's view of human uniqueness. Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:15) explains that such acts corrupt moral behavior and undermine the sanctity of human relationships. The Torah emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in intimate matters, and this prohibition reinforces that principle.
Q: How does this law apply today if the death penalty is not carried out?
A: Although the death penalty is not practiced today due to the absence of the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court), the prohibition remains fully in effect. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 52b) discusses the severity of the sin, and halacha (Jewish law) still considers it a capital offense in principle. Today, rabbinic authorities emphasize repentance (Teshuvah) and distancing oneself from such behavior, as it is a serious moral and spiritual transgression.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about the Torah's view of human-animal relationships?
A: The Torah teaches that while humans have dominion over animals (Genesis 1:28), this does not permit immoral or abusive behavior toward them. Bestiality is forbidden because it degrades human dignity and misuses the proper relationship between humans and animals. The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 20:15) highlights that holiness in conduct extends to all areas of life, including how we interact with animals.
Q: Are there any other Torah laws related to this prohibition?
A: Yes, the Torah also prohibits crossbreeding animals (Kilayim, Leviticus 19:19) and mandates humane treatment of animals (Tza'ar Ba'alei Chayim). These laws, along with the prohibition of bestiality, emphasize maintaining proper boundaries and ethical behavior in human-animal interactions. The Talmud (Chullin 7b) further discusses the importance of respecting the natural order in all aspects of life.
Verse Context and Prohibition
The verse (Exodus 22:18) states: "כָּל־שֹׁכֵב עִם־בְּהֵמָה מוֹת יוּמָת" ("Whoever cohabits with a beast shall surely be put to death"). This prohibition falls under the category of איסורי עריות (forbidden sexual relations) and is one of the most severe transgressions in Torah law, punishable by death. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah 1:15) lists bestiality among the forbidden relationships that are considered a חילול השם (desecration of God's name) due to their unnatural and degrading nature.
Legal Severity and Punishment
According to the Talmud (Sanhedrin 54a), the death penalty for this transgression is סקילה (stoning), the most severe of the four capital punishments. The Gemara explains that this is derived from the double language of "מוֹת יוּמָת" ("shall surely be put to death"), which indicates a stringent form of execution. Rashi (on Sanhedrin 54a) clarifies that both the human perpetrator and the animal involved are subject to punishment—the human by stoning and the animal by slaughter—to eradicate the corruption caused by the act.
Philosophical and Moral Implications
The Midrash (Sifra, Kedoshim 20:15) emphasizes that this prohibition underscores the distinction between human beings and animals. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:49) explains that such laws are meant to elevate human conduct and prevent the blurring of boundaries between species, which would lead to moral and societal decay. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 62) adds that this commandment reinforces the sanctity of human relationships and the proper channeling of physical desires.
Halachic Nuances
Broader Ethical Lessons
The prohibition serves as a reminder of the Torah's emphasis on קדושה (holiness) and moral purity. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 22:18) notes that such laws guard against the degradation of human dignity, as engaging in bestiality reduces a person to the level of an animal. This aligns with the broader Torah principle of "קדושים תהיו" ("You shall be holy") (Leviticus 19:2), which calls for sanctity in all aspects of life.