Now if (in the killing of) an Israelite, the graver (instance), not being subject to (the provision of [(Exodus 21:21)]) "But if one or two days," he is not liable unless it be with an implement of killing potential and in a locus which is critical to life, then (in the killing of) a Canaanite, the instance of lesser gravity, being subject to the above provision, how much more so should he not be liable unless it be with an implement of killing potential and in a locus which is critical to life! (Why, then, need it be written?) For if you say this, you have ruled for punishment through a fortiori reasoning, wherefore it is written "with a rod, etc.", to teach that punishment is not to be ruled for through such reasoning.