Whoever Lies With a Beast and the Reason for the Repetition

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 22:18

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Whoever lies with a beast" (Exodus 22:18): why do I need this? If [it speaks of] a man who comes upon a beast, that has already been stated. And if [it speaks of] a woman who brings the beast upon herself, that too has already been stated. What, then, does Scripture teach by saying "whoever lies with a beast"? This refers to the male who brings the beast upon himself. I have only [a domestic] beast; from where do I learn [that the same applies to] a wild animal? Scripture teaches, "whoever lies with a beast" [the inclusive phrasing]. "Shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 22:18): by stoning.

Themes

LawCommandmentsDivine Justice

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