Gemara Clarity

Zevachim 71a

זבחים ע״א ע״א

Learn Zevachim 71a step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

Open Zevachim 71a in Gemara Clarity

Topic

Animals that are forbidden for the מזבח (but not forbidden to use for other things) getting mixed up with קרבנות

Overview

This text is the middle of a list in the משנה. The משנה names animals that can never be brought on the מזבח, even though a person is generally allowed to get use from them. The concern is a case where one of these animals gets mixed into a group of קרבנות and no one can tell which one it is. First the משנה names an ox that killed a person, where the only proof is one witness or the owner's own admission. With two witnesses, the ox would have been stoned and forbidden for any use. Next it lists three pairs of animals connected to sin: animals involved in bestiality, animals connected to עבודה זרה, and an animal given as a harlot's payment or traded for a dog. The משנה gives its ruling for such a mix right after this list.

Opening lines

שֶׁהֵמִית אֶת הָאָדָם

[an ox] that killed a person

עַל פִּי עֵד אֶחָד

based on one witness

אוֹ עַל פִּי הַבְּעָלִים,

or based on the owner,

בְּרוֹבֵעַ וְנִרְבָּע,

with an animal that copulated with a person, or one that was the object of bestiality,

The steps (2)

  1. StatementAn ox that killed a person but was not convicted by two witnesses
  2. StatementMore animals connected to sin that cannot be brought on the altar