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Leviticus 4:9 - Sacrificing inner fat's significance?

Leviticus 4:9 - ויקרא 4:9

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת שְׁתֵּי הַכְּלָיֹת וְאֶת־הַחֵלֶב אֲשֶׁר עֲלֵיהֶן אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַכְּסָלִים וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶרֶת עַל־הַכָּבֵד עַל־הַכְּלָיוֹת יְסִירֶנָּה׃

English Translation

and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the appendage of the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away,

Transliteration

Ve'et shtei haklayot ve'et-hakhelev asher aleihen asher al-haksalim ve'et-hayoteret al-hakaved al-haklayot yesirena.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת־הַחֵ֙לֶב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵיהֶ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַכְּסָלִ֑ים וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙ עַל־הַכָּבֵ֔ד עַל־הַכְּלָי֖וֹת יְסִירֶֽנָּה׃
וְאֵת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְאֶת־הַחֵ֙לֶב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲלֵיהֶ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַכְּסָלִ֑ים וְאֶת־הַיֹּתֶ֙רֶת֙ עַל־הַכָּבֵ֔ד עַל־הַכְּלָי֖וֹת יְסִירֶֽנָּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 3:4) describes the parts of an animal sacrifice (korban shelamim) that are to be removed and offered on the altar. These include the kidneys, the fat surrounding them, and the lobe of the liver. The removal and burning of these specific parts are central to the sacrificial service.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Vayikra 3:4) explains that the verse refers to the chelev (forbidden fat) and the yoteret (the lobe of the liver), which must be separated and burned on the altar. He notes that the kidneys are mentioned because they are the seat of human counsel and desire (based on Talmudic sources), symbolizing that one must dedicate their innermost thoughts to Hashem when bringing a sacrifice.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot (Laws of Sacrificial Procedure), the Rambam (Maimonides) details the practical steps for removing these parts, emphasizing precision in fulfilling the mitzvah. He explains that the kidneys and their fat are designated for the altar because they represent the innermost parts of the animal, paralleling the need for sincerity in divine service.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) connects these organs to moral lessons:

  • The kidneys symbolize thought and deliberation, teaching that one must purify their intentions.
  • The fat represents indulgence, reminding us to curb physical desires.
  • The liver's lobe is linked to anger (as the liver produces bile), teaching the need to remove wrath from one's heart.

Halachic Significance

The Talmud (Chullin 49b) discusses the precise definitions of the forbidden fats (chelev) and the proper method of their removal. The Gemara emphasizes that only the specific fats mentioned in the Torah are prohibited, highlighting the importance of exactitude in halachic observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 49b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of sacrifices, specifically regarding the parts of the animal that are to be offered on the altar.
📖 Menachot 62a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper procedures for handling the sacrificial parts of offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 4:9 mean in the context of sacrifices?
A: Leviticus 4:9 describes the parts of an animal that were removed and offered on the altar during certain sin offerings (korban chatat). According to Rashi, these specific parts—the kidneys, the fat around them, and the lobe of the liver—were considered choice portions and were completely burned on the altar as part of the atonement process.
Q: Why were the kidneys and liver fat specifically chosen for the offering?
A: The kidneys and the fat surrounding them (as well as the liver's lobe) were considered spiritually significant. The Talmud (Chullin 49a) explains that the kidneys symbolize inner thoughts and decisions, while the liver represents desires. Offering these parts teaches that repentance (teshuvah) requires correcting both our thoughts and our physical inclinations.
Q: Does this verse have any relevance today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer bring animal sacrifices, the Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that prayer, charity, and sincere repentance replace the function of sacrifices. The message of Leviticus 4:9—refining our inner thoughts and desires—remains essential in serving Hashem even without the Temple.
Q: What is the 'yoteret' (appendage) mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'yoteret' refers to a specific lobe attached to the liver. Rashi explains that it was a distinct part that had to be removed and offered separately along with the kidneys and fat. The Talmud (Zevachim 37b) discusses its precise location and how it was handled during the sacrificial process.