share torah logo

Leviticus 1:13 - Purification precedes divine offering

Leviticus 1:13 - ויקרא 1:13

Hebrew Text

וְהַקֶּרֶב וְהַכְּרָעַיִם יִרְחַץ בַּמָּיִם וְהִקְרִיב הַכֹּהֵן אֶת־הַכֹּל וְהִקְטִיר הַמִּזְבֵּחָה עֹלָה הוּא אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

but he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour to the Lord.

Transliteration

Vehakerev vehakra'ayim yirchatz bamayim vehikriv hakohen et-hakol vehiktir hamizbecha olah hu ishe re'ach nichoach lahashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַקֶּ֥רֶב וְהַכְּרָעַ֖יִם יִרְחַ֣ץ בַּמָּ֑יִם וְהִקְרִ֨יב הַכֹּהֵ֤ן אֶת־הַכֹּל֙ וְהִקְטִ֣יר הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה עֹלָ֣ה ה֗וּא אִשֵּׁ֛ה רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהֹוָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְהַקֶּ֥רֶב וְהַכְּרָעַ֖יִם יִרְחַ֣ץ בַּמָּ֑יִם וְהִקְרִ֨יב הַכֹּהֵ֤ן אֶת־הַכֹּל֙ וְהִקְטִ֣יר הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה עֹלָ֣ה ה֗וּא אִשֵּׁ֛ה רֵ֥יחַ נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהֹוָֽה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the procedure for preparing and offering a burnt sacrifice (עֹלָה) on the altar, emphasizing the purification of the animal's innards and legs before the offering is made. This process is part of the broader sacrificial service in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), which serves as a means of drawing closer to Hashem.

Washing the Inwards and Legs

Rashi (Vayikra 1:9) explains that the washing of the innards (קֶּרֶב) and legs (כְּרָעַיִם) is necessary to remove any filth or impurities before the offering is burned on the altar. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:15) elaborates that this act symbolizes spiritual purification—just as the physical parts of the sacrifice must be cleansed, so too must a person's inner intentions (כַּוָּנָה) be pure when bringing an offering.

The Role of the Kohen

The verse states that the Kohen (priest) brings the entire offering to the altar. The Talmud (Zevachim 14a) teaches that the Kohanim serve as intermediaries in the sacrificial process, ensuring that the mitzvah is performed according to halachah. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 1:9) adds that the Kohen's involvement underscores the importance of proper leadership in avodat Hashem (service of G-d).

The Nature of the Olah Sacrifice

The verse concludes by describing the offering as an "אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַיהוָה" (a fire-offering, a pleasing aroma to Hashem). The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:3) explains that the term "רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ" does not imply that Hashem needs physical satisfaction, but rather that He accepts the sincere devotion behind the offering. The Ramban (Vayikra 1:9) further notes that the Olah sacrifice, being entirely consumed on the altar, represents total submission to Hashem's will.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Purification: Just as the sacrifice must be physically cleansed, we must strive for spiritual purity in our service of Hashem.
  • Proper Intentions: The role of the Kohen reminds us that mitzvot should be performed with the guidance of Torah authorities and with sincere devotion.
  • Total Dedication: The Olah sacrifice teaches the value of complete commitment to Hashem, as it is wholly given over to Him.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to wash the inwards and legs with water in Leviticus 1:13?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, washing the inwards (internal organs) and legs of the sacrificial animal symbolizes purification and removing any impurities before offering it to Hashem. This teaches us the importance of approaching divine service with cleanliness and sincerity.
Q: Why is the burnt offering called a 'sweet savour to the Lord' in Leviticus 1:13?
A: The Talmud (Menachot 110a) explains that the term 'sweet savour' (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ) does not mean Hashem needs physical offerings, but rather that He delights in the obedience and devotion of His people. The Rambam teaches that sacrifices were a concession to human nature, guiding people toward serving Hashem with their hearts.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn today from Leviticus 1:13 about sacrifices?
A: Although we no longer bring animal sacrifices, the Midrash teaches that prayer has replaced sacrifices (Bereshit Rabbah 22:13). Just as the priests prepared offerings carefully, we should approach prayer with proper preparation, purity of heart, and full devotion—making our words a 'sweet savour' before Hashem.
Q: Why does the priest burn the entire offering on the altar in this verse?
A: The burnt offering (עֹלָה) is unique because it is entirely consumed on the altar, unlike other sacrifices where parts are eaten. Rashi explains this symbolizes complete submission to Hashem—just as the offering ascends (עֹלָה means 'going up'), we should strive to elevate ourselves entirely in divine service.