This passage represents the classic formulation by the amoraim of the Scriptural basis for the prohibition of the writing of the oral law. This passage here refers to halakhot (legal traditions), but in the view of the Rabbis, it also holds true for other aspects of oral tradition as well.

Rabbi Abba son of Rabbi Hiyya son of Abba said in the name of Rabbi Yohanan: “Those who write the laws are as if they burn the Torah, and he who learns from them, the books, does not receive reward.”

Rabbi Judah the son of Nahmani, the translator of Rabbi Simeon son of Lakish, expounded: “It is written (Ex. 34:27), ‘Write yourselves these words…’ and it is written, ‘For according to, literally by the mouth of, these words….’ How can this be? Words which are in writing you are not permitted to transmit orally, and words which are transmitted orally you may not transmit in writing.”

A teacher of the school of Rabbi Ishmael taught: “‘These,’ ibid., these words you may write, but you may not write halakhot.”

53. Trans. L. H. Schiffman.