“Yes, this discussion concerns types of forbidden sexual intercourse, the punishment for which (assuming all the criteria are met -- witnesses, warning, functioning Sanhedrin, Temple exists, etc.) is the death penalty. Those who are not "of age" for these particular crimes, who do manage to perform them, are thus spared the death penalty. Those above the specified age are liable to capital punishment. And so a dividing line is established -- 9 years and younger, free of capital liability; 9 years 1 day and older -- subject to the death penalty (assuming all the criteria are met).
So no, they are not discussing biology and they are not even discussing the sexuality of young children. It's a judicial-legal discussion of hypotheticals about perpetrators of different ages, for the sole purpose of establishing the age for potential capital liability, and it is all based on the interpretation of Biblical verses and phrases (primarily Lev. 20:13), not what the rabbis know about biology or have observed in real life.
All legal systems deal with questions like this. What is the definition of a minor? What is the legal culpability of a minor? When can a minor be tried as an adult? There is less going on here than meets the eye.”
You also think Jews are drinking baby blood?
