The Mishna on amud aleph states that witnesses were intimidated with warnings about the catastrophic spiritual and physical consequences of false testimony, aiming to deter potential perjurers. Our Gemara on amud aleph explores the specific message conveyed to these witnesses.

Initially, the Gemara considers a warning based on a verse indicating that false testimony leads to starvation through famine. This idea is rejected because the rabbis reason that a witness might rationalize that famine affects farmers, but a craftsman can always find a way to earn a living. The Gemara then suggests a warning invoking a curse of death upon false witnesses. This too is dismissed, as people might rationalize that death is inevitable and predetermined, rendering such a threat ineffective. Ultimately, the Gemara settles on a verse suggesting that false witnesses are disrespected by society, including those they aim to benefit.

The Chida (Maris Ayin) raises an obvious question: If potential perjurers are unfazed by threats of starvation or death, why would the loss of respect deter them? The Ben Yehoyada offers an explanation: Since those who encourage false testimony do not truly respect the perjurer, they are unlikely to protect his secret. Gossip will spread, exposing the lie and leading to social consequences for the crooked witnesses.

I suggest a simpler answer: A perjurer, lying to protect someone else, may reconsider if he realizes that very person holds him in contempt. Another perspective is from the would-be false witness, rationalizes that he can survive famine through cunning, and that death is beyond his control. However, the threat of social mockery touches a nerve, deterring him more effectively than threats of physical harm because he thinks he has more control over this area of his life.

A final answer highlights a psychological nuance: The emotional pain of social shame may feel more severe than physical injury or death. The need to conform to societal norms and maintain status is a fundamental force in civilization. An instinct geared toward societal protection often outweighs personal self-preservation. If personal needs always took precedence, the sacrifices necessary for societal cohesion would not occur. This insight suggests that verbal abuse and humiliation, though often considered less damaging than physical abuse, can cause greater subjective pain.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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