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Leviticus 5:7 - Poor man's atonement offering?

Leviticus 5:7 - ויקרא 5:7

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־לֹא תַגִּיע יָדוֹ דֵּי שֶׂה וְהֵבִיא אֶת־אֲשָׁמוֹ אֲשֶׁר חָטָא שְׁתֵּי תֹרִים אוֹ־שְׁנֵי בְנֵי־יוֹנָה לַיהוָה אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת וְאֶחָד לְעֹלָה׃

English Translation

And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he has committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to the Lord; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

Transliteration

Ve-im lo tagi'a yado dei se vehevi et-ashamo asher chata shtei torim o-shnei vnei-yonah lahashem echad lechatat ve'echad le'olah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־לֹ֨א תַגִּ֣יעַ יָדוֹ֮ דֵּ֣י שֶׂה֒ וְהֵבִ֨יא אֶת־אֲשָׁמ֜וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָטָ֗א שְׁתֵּ֥י תֹרִ֛ים אֽוֹ־שְׁנֵ֥י בְנֵֽי־יוֹנָ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה אֶחָ֥ד לְחַטָּ֖את וְאֶחָ֥ד לְעֹלָֽה׃
וְאִם־לֹ֨א תַגִּ֣יעַ יָדוֹ֮ דֵּ֣י שֶׂה֒ וְהֵבִ֨יא אֶת־אֲשָׁמ֜וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָטָ֗א שְׁתֵּ֥י תֹרִ֛ים אֽוֹ־שְׁנֵ֥י בְנֵֽי־יוֹנָ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָ֑ה אֶחָ֥ד לְחַטָּ֖את וְאֶחָ֥ד לְעֹלָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 5:7) appears in the context of the laws of korban oleh v'yored (a sliding-scale offering), where the Torah provides alternatives for those who cannot afford the standard sin-offering (a female sheep or goat). The verse specifies that if one cannot afford a lamb, they may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a chatat (sin offering) and one as an olah (burnt offering).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 5:7) explains that the Torah shows compassion by allowing those of limited means to fulfill their obligation with a less expensive offering. He notes that the two birds serve different purposes: one atones for the sin (chatat), while the other is a voluntary olah to draw closer to Hashem after repentance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shegagot (10:1), the Rambam emphasizes that the Torah’s provision for a less costly offering demonstrates that repentance and atonement are accessible to all, regardless of financial status. The principle is that sincere repentance, coupled with whatever offering one can bring, suffices for atonement.

Symbolism of the Birds

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) suggests that birds—particularly turtledoves and pigeons—are chosen because they are common and easily attainable, reinforcing the idea that Hashem does not burden those with limited means. Additionally, the Chatam Sofer notes that birds, which are always "awake" and chirping, symbolize constant vigilance against sin and a readiness to return to Hashem.

Halachic Details

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 253:1) rules that if one cannot afford even birds, they may bring a meal offering instead (as detailed later in Vayikra 5:11).
  • The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 5:7) explains that the two birds correspond to the two aspects of repentance: the chatat addresses the past sin, while the olah represents a commitment to spiritual elevation in the future.

Moral Lesson

The Sforno (Vayikra 5:7) teaches that this law underscores the importance of humility in repentance. Even if one can only bring the smallest offering, sincere remorse and a commitment to change are what truly matter before Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 27b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of sin offerings and the alternatives for those who cannot afford a lamb.
📖 Menachot 104b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the types of offerings and their requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 5:7 mean?
A: Leviticus 5:7 discusses the atonement process for someone who cannot afford to bring a lamb as a sin offering. Instead, they can bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a sin offering (חַטָּאת) and one as a burnt offering (עֹלָה). This shows HaShem's compassion by providing an affordable option for those with limited means (Rashi, Vayikra 5:7).
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it teaches that repentance and atonement are accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status. The Torah emphasizes that sincere repentance matters more than the cost of the offering (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva 1:1). It also highlights the principle of 'לפום צערא אגרא'—reward is proportional to one's effort (Avot 5:23).
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 5:7 today?
A: Even though we no longer bring animal offerings today, we learn that sincere repentance is always within reach. Just as HaShem accepted the pigeons of the poor, He accepts heartfelt prayer and charity as substitutes for sacrifices (Talmud, Berachot 17a; Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva 2:4). The verse reminds us that spiritual growth is not dependent on wealth.
Q: Why are two birds required in this verse?
A: Two birds are required—one as a sin offering (חַטָּאת) to atone for the transgression and one as a burnt offering (עֹלָה) to symbolize complete devotion to HaShem. The sin offering addresses the past wrongdoing, while the burnt offering represents a commitment to improve in the future (Rashi, Vayikra 5:7; Midrash Torat Kohanim).
Q: How does this apply if there is no Temple today?
A: Since we cannot bring sacrifices today, the Talmud teaches that prayer (תפילה), Torah study (תלמוד תורה), and acts of kindness (גמילות חסדים) serve in place of offerings (Talmud, Ta’anit 2a). The lesson remains—HaShem values sincere repentance and effort, whether through ancient sacrifices or modern spiritual practices (Rambam, Hilchot Tefillah 1:1).