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Leviticus 4:21 - Communal atonement through sacrifice

Leviticus 4:21 - ויקרא 4:21

Hebrew Text

וְהוֹצִיא אֶת־הַפָּר אֶל־מִחוּץ לַמַּחֲנֶה וְשָׂרַף אֹתוֹ כַּאֲשֶׁר שָׂרַף אֵת הַפָּר הָרִאשׁוֹן חַטַּאת הַקָּהָל הוּא׃

English Translation

And he shall carry the bullock outside the camp, and burn it as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering for the congregation.

Transliteration

Vehotzi et-hapar el-michutz lamachane visaraf oto ka'asher saraf et hapar harishon chatat hakahal hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהוֹצִ֣יא אֶת־הַפָּ֗ר אֶל־מִחוּץ֙ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְשָׂרַ֣ף אֹת֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׂרַ֔ף אֵ֖ת הַפָּ֣ר הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן חַטַּ֥את הַקָּהָ֖ל הֽוּא׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְהוֹצִ֣יא אֶת־הַפָּ֗ר אֶל־מִחוּץ֙ לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְשָׂרַ֣ף אֹת֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר שָׂרַ֔ף אֵ֖ת הַפָּ֣ר הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן חַטַּ֥את הַקָּהָ֖ל הֽוּא׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Vayikra 4:12) describes the procedure for the sin offering (chatat) brought on behalf of the entire congregation (kahal) when they inadvertently transgress a commandment. The bullock (par) is taken outside the camp and burned, similar to the first bullock mentioned earlier in the parsha.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 4:12) clarifies that "the first bullock" refers to the bullock of the anointed Kohen (Kohen Gadol) mentioned earlier in the parsha (Vayikra 4:3-12). Both the Kohen Gadol's bullock and the congregation's bullock are burned outside the camp because they share the same status as a chatat whose blood is brought into the Kodesh (the Sanctuary). This distinguishes them from other sin offerings, whose meat is eaten by the Kohanim.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot (7:6), the Rambam codifies the law that any sin offering whose blood is brought into the Kodesh must be entirely burned outside the camp. This includes both the Kohen Gadol's bullock and the congregation's bullock, as their blood is sprinkled in the Kodesh before the Parochet (the curtain separating the Holy of Holies).

Symbolism of Burning Outside the Camp

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 4:12) explains that burning the bullock outside the camp serves as a public demonstration of atonement. By removing and destroying the offering outside the community's boundaries, it symbolizes the removal of sin from the midst of the people. This act reinforces the seriousness of communal transgression and the need for collective repentance.

Distinction Between Individual and Communal Offerings

  • Communal Sin Offering: The entire bullock is burned, emphasizing the gravity of the congregation's transgression and the need for complete atonement.
  • Individual Sin Offering: For most individuals, parts of the offering are eaten by the Kohanim, symbolizing a more personal atonement process.

Chizkuni's Additional Insight

Chizkuni (Vayikra 4:12) notes that the phrase "as he burned the first bullock" teaches that the same meticulous procedure applies to both offerings. This includes the location of burning, the method of disposal, and the requirement that it be done by the Kohen himself, ensuring uniformity in the atonement process.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 68a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the burning of the sin offering bullock outside the camp as part of the Yom Kippur service.
📖 Horayot 6a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing communal sin offerings and the procedures for atonement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to burn the bullock outside the camp in Leviticus 4:21?
A: In Leviticus 4:21, the bullock is burned outside the camp as part of the sin offering for the entire congregation. According to Rashi, this symbolizes the removal of sin and impurity from the community. The act of burning it completely represents the total eradication of the wrongdoing, ensuring it does not linger among the people.
Q: Why was the bullock burned outside the camp and not inside?
A: The bullock was burned outside the camp to emphasize that sin and impurity must be completely separated from the holy community. The Talmud (Yoma 67b) explains that certain sacrifices, especially those for communal sins, required this external burning to maintain the sanctity of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the camp of Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the sin offering for the congregation in Leviticus 4:21?
A: This verse teaches the importance of communal responsibility for sins. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:2) explains that when the community sins, collective repentance and atonement are necessary. The burning of the bullock outside the camp reminds us that wrongdoing must be acknowledged and fully removed to restore spiritual purity.
Q: How does the concept of a sin offering apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Temple or animal sacrifices, the principle of atonement remains central. The Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that prayer, repentance, and charity serve as substitutes for sacrifices. The message of Leviticus 4:21—taking responsibility for wrongdoing and seeking purification—still applies through sincere teshuva (repentance).