Commentary for Yevamot 121:2

מיתיבי (במדבר לא, מ) ונפש אדם ששה עשר אלף משום בהמה

but the idolaters are not called men.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' [H] (Adam), in respect of levitical uncleanness by ohel. The expression [H] is also used in the Pentateuchal text dealing with the laws of the uncleanness of objects found in a tent in which lay a corpse. V. Num, XIX, 14ff. [This is held by R. Simeon b. Yohai to denote, as distinct from the other terms for 'man' ([H]), only an Israelite who, as a worshipper of the true God, can be said to have been like Adam created in the image of God. (Cf. Gen. I, 27 and V, I, where the Heb. text has in each case Adam for 'man'). Idol worshippers having marred the Divine image forfeit all claim to this appelation. V. also B.M. Sonc. ed. p. 651, n. 6]. ');">³</span> An objection was raised: And the persons were sixteen thousand!<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Num. XXXI, 40. Here also the Heb. equivalent for persons is [H] though it refers to the Midianites who were idolaters. ');">⁴</span> — This is due to [the mention of] cattle.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' V, ibid. 37ff. In contrast to cattle, idolaters also may be described as Adam (men). ');">⁵</span>

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