Derasha 250 on Vayikra 11:43

TT #250 · Parshas Shemini · Aliyah 7 · Passuk 43

The Complete Passuk

אַל־תְּשַׁקְּצוּ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם בְּכָל־הַשֶּׁרֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵץ וְלֹא תִטַּמְּאוּ בָּהֶם וְנִטְמֵתֶם בָּם:

Chabad.org — Vayikra Chapter 11 with Rashi

English: “Do not make yourselves detestable”: Rav Acha says that one who delays relieving himself violates the prohibition of making his soul detestable.

Source Citation

Makkot 16b.

E-Daf.com — Makkot 16b (Tsurras Hadaf)

Core Text of Chazal

Core Text
אַל תְּשַׁקְּצוּ. אָמַר רַב אַחָא, הַמַּשְׁהֶה נְקָבָיו עוֹבֵר מִשּׁוּם בַּל תְּשַׁקְּצוּ אֶת נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם.

Type of Learning

Ethical application — The Chazal applies the verse’s wording and structure to establish the stated teaching.

What Is Learned

Retaining bodily waste is included under the prohibition of bal teshaktsu.