R. Johanan said in the name of R. Simeon b. Jehozadak:

By a majority vote, it was resolved in the upper chambers of the house of

Nithza in Lydda18  that in every [other] law of the Torah,

if a man is commanded: 'Transgress and suffer not death'

he may transgress and not suffer death,

excepting:

idolatry, incest, and murder.19 

Q: How may not idolatry be practised [in these circumstances]!?

Has it not been taught: R. Ishmael said:

whence do we know that if a man was bidden:|

'Engage in idolatry and save your life',

that he should do so, and not be slain?

From the verse:Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgements,'

which if a man do] he shall live in them:20 

but not die by them. ?

A: They22  ruled as R. Eliezer.

For it has been taught, R. Eliezer said:

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart

and with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.23 

Since 'with all thy soul' is stated, why is 'with all thy might' stated?

Or if 'with all thy might' be written, why also write 'with all thy soul'?

For the man to whom life is more precious than wealth,

'with all thy soul' is written;24 

whilst he to whom wealth is more precious than life is bidden,

'with all thy might' [i.e., substance].25

18.  A town in South Palestine (Roman name Diospolis).

19.  According to Graetz, Geschichte, IV, p.p. 155 and 428ff this took place during the

Hadrianic persecutions consequent upon the failure of the revolt of Bar Cochba 132-135

C.E. [According to Halevy Doroth i.e., p. 371. before the fall of Bether].

20.  Lev. XVIII, 5.

21.  Lev. XXII, 32.

22.  The Sages that met at the house of Nithza.

23.  Deut, VI. 5.

24.  I.e., even to give thy soul (life) in His service.

25.  This proves that one must incur a martyr's death rather than practice idolatry, for 'and

thou shalt love the Lord thy God' means that we must not worship any other in His place.

Bavli Sanhedrin 74a

Hebrew>