Deuteronomy 21:4 - Unresolved murder's ritual atonement

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Hebrew Text

וְהוֹרִדוּ זִקְנֵי הָעִיר הַהִוא אֶת־הָעֶגְלָה אֶל־נַחַל אֵיתָן אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יֵעָבֵד בּוֹ וְלֹא יִזָּרֵעַ וְעָרְפוּ־שָׁם אֶת־הָעֶגְלָה בַּנָּחַל׃

English Translation

and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a rough ravine, which is neither ploughed nor sown, and shall break the heifer’s neck there in the ravine:

Transliteration

Vehoridu ziknei ha'ir hahi et-ha'egla el-nachal eitan asher lo-ye'aved bo velo yizare'a ve'arfu-sham et-ha'egla banachal.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהוֹרִ֡דוּ זִקְנֵי֩ הָעִ֨יר הַהִ֤וא אֶת־הָֽעֶגְלָה֙ אֶל־נַ֣חַל אֵיתָ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹא־יֵעָבֵ֥ד בּ֖וֹ וְלֹ֣א יִזָּרֵ֑עַ וְעָֽרְפוּ־שָׁ֥ם אֶת־הָעֶגְלָ֖ה בַּנָּֽחַל׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 21:4) describes the procedure of the עֶגְלָה עֲרוּפָה (eglah arufah), the ritual of the decapitated heifer, performed when a murdered body is found between cities and the killer is unknown. The elders of the nearest city must bring a heifer to an uncultivated valley and break its neck as an atonement for the unsolved crime.

Symbolism of the Unworked Valley

Rashi (Devarim 21:4) explains that the valley must be "אֵיתָן" (rough or enduring) and uncultivated to symbolize the tragedy of a life cut short before its time—just as this land remains unproductive. The Rambam (Hilchos Rotzeach 9:6) adds that the location must never be cultivated afterward, serving as a perpetual reminder of the unresolved murder.

Role of the Elders

The Talmud (Sotah 45b) emphasizes that the elders declare, "Our hands did not shed this blood" (Devarim 21:7), accepting communal responsibility. The Sifrei (Devarim 21:4) teaches that this ritual underscores the moral duty of leadership to ensure safe roads and justice. The breaking of the heifer's neck (rather than sacrificial slaughter) signifies that the act is not a korban but a solemn atonement.

Moral Lessons

Collective Responsibility: The ritual highlights that society must atone for negligence in protecting life (Ramban, Devarim 21:7).
Sanctity of Life: The unworked valley mirrors the desolation of a life unjustly ended (Kli Yakar, Devarim 21:4).
Leadership Accountability: The elders’ involvement teaches that leaders bear responsibility for communal safety (Malbim, Devarim 21:1-9).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 45b

The verse is discussed in the context of the ritual of the heifer whose neck is broken (eglah arufah), detailing the procedure and the significance of the location where it is performed.

📖 Sanhedrin 71a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws pertaining to the heifer whose neck is broken, particularly focusing on the conditions of the ravine where the ritual takes place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the ritual with the heifer in Deuteronomy 21:4?
A: The ritual of the 'eglah arufah' (broken-necked heifer) is performed when an unidentified murder victim is found near a city. The elders of the nearest city must bring a heifer to an uncultivated valley, break its neck, and declare their innocence in the matter. This serves as atonement and emphasizes the gravity of unsolved murder, as well as the communal responsibility to uphold justice (Rashi on Deuteronomy 21:4; Mishnah Sotah 9:6).

Q: Why does the heifer have to be taken to a rough, uncultivated valley?
A: The valley must be uncultivated (not plowed or sown) to symbolize that this is a place of destruction rather than productivity. The Rambam (Hilchos Rotzeach 9:6) explains that this emphasizes the tragedy of a life cut short—just as the valley cannot produce, so too the victim’s potential was lost. It also prevents future use of the land, ensuring the site remains a solemn reminder.

Q: What lesson does this verse teach about communal responsibility?
A: This verse teaches that a murder affects the entire community, not just the perpetrator. The elders must take responsibility by performing this ritual, showing that society must ensure justice and safety (Talmud Sotah 45b). The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 21:4) adds that this ritual humbles the leaders, reminding them to improve roads and security to prevent future tragedies.

Q: Does this law apply today without the Temple?
A: No, the ritual of the eglah arufah is not practiced today because it requires the presence of the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court) and specific conditions outlined in the Torah (Mishneh Torah, Hilchos Rotzeach 9:1). However, its moral lessons—communal responsibility, the sanctity of life, and the pursuit of justice—remain timeless.