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Leviticus 6:13 - Priests' eternal flour offering

Leviticus 6:13 - ויקרא 6:13

Hebrew Text

זֶה קָרְבַּן אַהֲרֹן וּבָנָיו אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִיבוּ לַיהוָה בְּיוֹם הִמָּשַׁח אֹתוֹ עֲשִׂירִת הָאֵפָה סֹלֶת מִנְחָה תָּמִיד מַחֲצִיתָהּ בַּבֹּקֶר וּמַחֲצִיתָהּ בָּעָרֶב׃

English Translation

This is the offering of Aharon and of his sons, which they shall offer to the Lord on the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an efa of fine flour for a meal offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half of it at night.

Transliteration

Ze korban Aharon uvanav asher-yakrivu la'Adonai b'yom himashach oto asirit ha'eifa solet mincha tamid machatzita ba'boker u'machatzita ba'erev.

Hebrew Leining Text

זֶ֡ה קׇרְבַּן֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן וּבָנָ֜יו אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִ֣יבוּ לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה בְּיוֹם֙ הִמָּשַׁ֣ח אֹת֔וֹ עֲשִׂירִ֨ת הָאֵפָ֥ה סֹ֛לֶת מִנְחָ֖ה תָּמִ֑יד מַחֲצִיתָ֣הּ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וּמַחֲצִיתָ֖הּ בָּעָֽרֶב׃
זֶ֡ה קׇרְבַּן֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן וּבָנָ֜יו אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִ֣יבוּ לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה בְּיוֹם֙ הִמָּשַׁ֣ח אֹת֔וֹ עֲשִׂירִ֨ת הָאֵפָ֥ה סֹ֛לֶת מִנְחָ֖ה תָּמִ֑יד מַחֲצִיתָ֣הּ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וּמַחֲצִיתָ֖הּ בָּעָֽרֶב׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Minchat Chinuch Offering

The verse describes the special meal offering (mincha) brought by Aharon and his sons upon their inauguration as Kohanim. Rashi (Vayikra 6:13) explains that this offering was brought daily, half in the morning and half in the evening, symbolizing the perpetual service of the Kohanim in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash.

Quantity and Significance

The offering consisted of a tenth of an efa (approximately 2.2 liters) of fine flour. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 13:3) notes that this measurement teaches precision in divine service, as even small details in avodat Hashem are significant. The Talmud (Menachot 50b) further discusses how this amount was consistent for both high-ranking and ordinary Kohanim, demonstrating equality before Hashem.

Daily Division

The division into morning and evening portions reflects the continuous nature of the priestly service. The Midrash (Sifra Tzav 1:13) connects this to the perpetual fire on the altar (Vayikra 6:6), teaching that our devotion to Hashem must be constant, like the eternal flame.

  • Morning portion: Represents renewal of commitment each day (based on Rashi to Vayikra 6:13)
  • Evening portion: Signifies completion and reflection on the day's service (based on Kli Yakar to Vayikra 6:13)

Symbolism of the Mincha

The flour offering, as opposed to animal sacrifices, represents the basic sustenance of life. The Or HaChaim (Vayikra 6:13) explains that this teaches that even our most mundane activities should be elevated to divine service. The fact that it was brought specifically at the time of anointing (b'yom himshach oto) shows that leadership requires humility and simple devotion alongside grandeur.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 51a
The verse is discussed in the context of the meal offering of Aaron and his sons, particularly regarding the quantity and timing of the offering.
📖 Yoma 14a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly offerings and the procedures for the anointment day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the flour offering mentioned in Leviticus 6:13?
A: The flour offering (mincha) in Leviticus 6:13 was a daily offering brought by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and his sons. According to Rashi, this offering was unique because it was brought both in the morning and evening, symbolizing constant devotion to Hashem. The fine flour (solet) represents purity and humility in serving G-d.
Q: Why was the offering split into two parts - half in the morning and half in the evening?
A: The Rambam explains in Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin that splitting the offering into two parts teaches us that our service to Hashem should be constant—both when we begin our day (morning) and when we conclude it (evening). The Talmud (Menachot 50b) also connects this to the continuous nature of the Temple service.
Q: What does the 'tenth of an efa' measurement represent in this verse?
A: The measurement of a tenth of an efa (about 2.2 liters) has symbolic meaning. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) teaches that the number ten represents completeness, like the Ten Commandments. This teaches that our offerings to Hashem—whether physical or spiritual—should be given with full measure and sincerity.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: The Chofetz Chaim explains that while we cannot bring physical offerings today, the verse teaches us to begin and end each day with spiritual dedication—like the morning and evening offerings. Many Jews follow this idea by reciting morning and evening prayers (Shacharit and Ma'ariv) with the same consistency as the Kohen's offering.
Q: Why is this offering connected to the day of Aharon's anointing?
A: Rashi explains that this verse refers to the inaugural offering brought when Aharon and his sons were first anointed as Kohanim (priests). The Sforno adds that this establishes the eternal nature of the priesthood—just as this offering was perpetual, so too the priestly service continues through generations, reminding us of our enduring covenant with Hashem.