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Leviticus 7:8 - Priest's skin portion reward

Leviticus 7:8 - ויקרא 7:8

Hebrew Text

וְהַכֹּהֵן הַמַּקְרִיב אֶת־עֹלַת אִישׁ עוֹר הָעֹלָה אֲשֶׁר הִקְרִיב לַכֹּהֵן לוֹ יִהְיֶה׃

English Translation

And the priest that offers any man’s burnt offering, the priest shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering which he has offered.

Transliteration

Vehakohen hamakriv et-olat ish or ha'olah asher hikriv lakohen lo yihyeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַ֨כֹּהֵ֔ן הַמַּקְרִ֖יב אֶת־עֹ֣לַת אִ֑ישׁ ע֤וֹר הָֽעֹלָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הִקְרִ֔יב לַכֹּהֵ֖ן ל֥וֹ יִהְיֶֽה׃
וְהַ֨כֹּהֵ֔ן הַמַּקְרִ֖יב אֶת־עֹ֣לַת אִ֑ישׁ ע֤וֹר הָֽעֹלָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הִקְרִ֔יב לַכֹּהֵ֖ן ל֥וֹ יִהְיֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 7:8) discusses the distribution of the skin (or ha'olah) from a burnt offering (olah) to the priest who performed the sacrificial service. This is part of the broader Torah laws detailing the rights and portions allocated to the Kohanim (priests) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Vayikra 7:8) explains that the skin of the burnt offering is given to the priest who actually performed the sacrificial service (ha'kohen hamakriv), not necessarily the priest who owns the altar or oversees the procedure. This emphasizes the principle that the one who performs the labor receives the reward.

Halachic Implications (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 10:4) codifies this law, stating that the skin of a burnt offering is a perquisite (matnot kehunah) reserved exclusively for the officiating priest. This applies even if multiple priests participated in the service—only the one who completed the final steps (e.g., sprinkling the blood) receives the skin.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 7:8) connects this law to the broader theme of schar mitzvah (reward for performing a mitzvah). Just as the priest is rewarded with the skin for his service, so too does Hashem reward those who fulfill His commandments, whether in the physical or spiritual realm.

Practical Considerations (Talmud)

  • The Talmud (Zevachim 12a) clarifies that this law applies only to voluntary burnt offerings (olah nedavah), not obligatory ones (e.g., the daily tamid offering).
  • If the offering was disqualified (piggul or notar), the skin may not be used by the priest (Zevachim 97b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 12b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the distribution of the skins of the burnt offerings to the priests.
📖 Menachot 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the rights of priests to certain portions of the sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 7:8 mean?
A: Leviticus 7:8 states that the skin of a burnt offering (olah) belongs to the kohen (priest) who performed the sacrifice. This was part of the Torah's system of supporting the kohanim, who did not receive a portion of land in Israel and relied on these gifts for their livelihood (Rashi on Leviticus 7:8).
Q: Why did the priest get the skin of the burnt offering?
A: The Torah allocates the skin of the burnt offering to the kohen as part of the various gifts given to the priesthood (terumot and matnot kehunah). Since kohanim served in the Temple full-time and had no land inheritance, these portions helped sustain them (Rambam, Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:3).
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 7:8 today?
A: Although we no longer bring sacrifices, this verse teaches the importance of supporting Torah scholars and those who serve the community spiritually. Just as the kohanim were sustained through their service, we are encouraged to assist those who dedicate themselves to Torah and mitzvot (Talmud, Ketubot 105b).
Q: Did all sacrifices give the priest the skin?
A: No, only certain sacrifices gave the kohen the skin. For example, the burnt offering (olah) gave the kohen the skin, while other offerings like the sin offering (chatat) did not. The details vary based on the type of sacrifice (Talmud, Zevachim 12:3).
Q: How was the skin of the burnt offering used by the priest?
A: The kohen could use the skin for personal needs, such as making clothing or selling it. This was one of the practical benefits given to the kohanim for their service in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash (Rashi on Leviticus 7:8; Rambam, Hilchot Bikkurim 9:7).