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Leviticus 5:6 - Repentance through female sacrifice?

Leviticus 5:6 - ויקרא 5:6

Hebrew Text

וְהֵבִיא אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ לַיהוָה עַל חַטָּאתוֹ אֲשֶׁר חָטָא נְקֵבָה מִן־הַצֹּאן כִּשְׂבָּה אוֹ־שְׂעִירַת עִזִּים לְחַטָּאת וְכִפֶּר עָלָיו הַכֹּהֵן מֵחַטָּאתוֹ׃

English Translation

and he shall bring his guilt offering to the Lord for his sin which he has sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin.

Transliteration

Vehevi et-ashamo lahashem al hata'to asher hata nekeva min-hatzon kisva o-se'irat izim lehata'at vechiper alav hakohen mehata'to.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהֵבִ֣יא אֶת־אֲשָׁמ֣וֹ לַיהֹוָ֡ה עַ֣ל חַטָּאתוֹ֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר חָטָ֜א נְקֵבָ֨ה מִן־הַצֹּ֥אן כִּשְׂבָּ֛ה אֽוֹ־שְׂעִירַ֥ת עִזִּ֖ים לְחַטָּ֑את וְכִפֶּ֥ר עָלָ֛יו הַכֹּהֵ֖ן מֵחַטָּאתֽוֹ׃
וְהֵבִ֣יא אֶת־אֲשָׁמ֣וֹ לַיהֹוָ֡ה עַ֣ל חַטָּאתוֹ֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר חָטָ֜א נְקֵבָ֨ה מִן־הַצֹּ֥אן כִּשְׂבָּ֛ה אֽוֹ־שְׂעִירַ֥ת עִזִּ֖ים לְחַטָּ֑את וְכִפֶּ֥ר עָלָ֛יו הַכֹּהֵ֖ן מֵחַטָּאתֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Nature of the Guilt Offering (Asham)

The verse discusses the asham (guilt offering), which is brought for certain specific sins, particularly those involving misuse of sacred property or doubtful transgressions (Vayikra 5:14-26). Rashi explains that this offering is distinct from the chatat (sin offering) in that it requires a ram of fixed value (Vayikra 5:15), whereas here, the Torah permits a female sheep or goat for certain cases of sin.

Choice of Animal: Female from the Flock

The requirement to bring a female animal—either a lamb (kisbah) or a female goat (seirat izim)—differs from other offerings, such as the olah (burnt offering), which typically requires a male. The Talmud (Chullin 22b) discusses this distinction, noting that the female animal symbolizes humility and submission, aligning with the penitent's state of mind when seeking atonement.

  • Kisbah (Lamb): Represents innocence and gentleness, reflecting the sinner's desire to return to a state of purity.
  • Seirat Izim (Female Goat): Goats were often associated with atonement (e.g., Yom Kippur’s scapegoat), symbolizing the removal of sin.

The Role of the Kohen in Atonement

The verse emphasizes that the kohen (v’chiper alav hakohen) effects atonement. Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot 1:1) explains that the sacrificial service, performed by the kohen, serves as a Divinely ordained mechanism for repentance. The sinner’s sincere remorse, coupled with the korban, facilitates forgiveness.

Spiritual Lessons from the Asham

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) teaches that the asham underscores the seriousness of unintentional sins, as even mistakes require rectification. The offering reminds us that:

  • Sin disrupts one’s relationship with Hashem, requiring active repair.
  • Financial cost (bringing an animal) instills mindfulness of one’s actions.
  • The involvement of the kohen highlights the communal aspect of repentance—no one atones in isolation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 2a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of sin offerings and atonement, particularly regarding the types of animals that can be brought as a sin offering.
📖 Shevuot 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the requirements for bringing a guilt offering and the process of atonement by the priest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 5:6 mean?
A: Leviticus 5:6 describes the process of bringing a guilt offering (Asham) for certain unintentional sins. A person who sinned must bring a female lamb or goat as a sin offering, and the Kohen (priest) will perform atonement for them. This teaches the importance of repentance and correcting one's mistakes before Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse specify a female animal for the sin offering?
A: Rashi explains that a female animal is required here because this offering is for an individual's unintentional sin, and a female is considered a lesser sacrifice compared to a male (which is used for more severe cases). The Torah shows compassion by not demanding a more costly offering for mistakes made without intent.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 5:6 today?
A: Even though we no longer bring animal sacrifices, this verse teaches us the importance of taking responsibility for our mistakes. True repentance involves acknowledging wrongdoing, making amends, and seeking atonement. Today, this is done through prayer (Tefillah), charity (Tzedakah), and sincere repentance (Teshuvah).
Q: Why does the priest (Kohen) make atonement in this verse?
A: The Kohen acts as an intermediary between the person and Hashem, facilitating the atonement process. The Talmud (Zevachim 7a) explains that the Kohen's service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or Beit HaMikdash (Temple) was essential for certain offerings, as it represented the proper way to restore one's relationship with Hashem after sinning.
Q: What types of sins require this kind of offering?
A: According to Rambam (Hilchot Shegagot), this offering applies to specific unintentional sins, such as failing to testify when one has information, touching ritual impurity, or making an careless oath. The Torah provides a way for repentance even when a person sins without full awareness.