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Leviticus 7:21 - Impurity disqualifies sacred offerings

Leviticus 7:21 - ויקרא 7:21

Hebrew Text

וְנֶפֶשׁ כִּי־תִגַּע בְּכָל־טָמֵא בְּטֻמְאַת אָדָם אוֹ בִּבְהֵמָה טְמֵאָה אוֹ בְּכָל־שֶׁקֶץ טָמֵא וְאָכַל מִבְּשַׂר־זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים אֲשֶׁר לַיהוָה וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מֵעַמֶּיהָ׃

English Translation

Moreover the person that shall touch any unclean thing, such as the uncleanness of man, of any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain to the Lord, that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Transliteration

Ve'nefesh ki-tiga be'chol-tame be'tumat adam o be'vehemah teme'ah o be'chol-sheketz tame ve'achal mi'besar-zevach hashelamim asher la'Adonai venichreta hanefesh hahi me'ameha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנֶ֜פֶשׁ כִּֽי־תִגַּ֣ע בְּכׇל־טָמֵ֗א בְּטֻמְאַ֤ת אָדָם֙ א֣וֹ <b>׀</b> בִּבְהֵמָ֣ה טְמֵאָ֗ה א֚וֹ בְּכׇל־שֶׁ֣קֶץ טָמֵ֔א וְאָכַ֛ל מִבְּשַׂר־זֶ֥בַח הַשְּׁלָמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַיהֹוָ֑ה וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּֽיהָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br><sup class="footnote-marker">*</sup><i class="footnote">(אין פרשה בספרי ספרד ואשכנז)</i>
וְנֶ֜פֶשׁ כִּֽי־תִגַּ֣ע בְּכׇל־טָמֵ֗א בְּטֻמְאַ֤ת אָדָם֙ א֣וֹ ׀ בִּבְהֵמָ֣ה טְמֵאָ֗ה א֚וֹ בְּכׇל־שֶׁ֣קֶץ טָמֵ֔א וְאָכַ֛ל מִבְּשַׂר־זֶ֥בַח הַשְּׁלָמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַיהֹוָ֑ה וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּֽיהָ׃ {פ}
*(אין פרשה בספרי ספרד ואשכנז)

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Context and Overview

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 7:21, within the section detailing the laws of korban shelamim (peace offerings). The Torah warns of severe consequences for consuming sacrificial meat while in a state of ritual impurity (tumah). The penalty is karet (being "cut off" from one's people), a divine punishment indicating a severe spiritual breach.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • טָמֵא (Tamei - unclean): Refers to ritual impurity, which can arise from contact with a corpse (tumat met), certain bodily emissions, or impure animals (Rashi on Vayikra 11:4).
  • זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים (Zevach Hashelamim - peace offering): A voluntary sacrifice expressing gratitude or devotion, shared between the altar, the kohanim, and the donor (Rambam, Hilchot Maaseh Hakorbanot 9:1).
  • וְנִכְרְתָה (Venichreta - shall be cut off): Karet implies either premature death or being spiritually severed from the Jewish people in the World to Come (Talmud, Moed Katan 28a; Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 8:1).

Halachic Implications

The verse establishes a prohibition against eating sacrificial meat while in a state of impurity. The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 143) explains that this law emphasizes the sanctity of sacrifices—they must be consumed with proper reverence and purity. The karet penalty underscores the severity of treating sacred offerings with contempt.

Spiritual Lessons from the Midrash

The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) links this verse to the broader concept that impurity distances a person from holiness. The Or HaChaim (Vayikra 7:21) adds that consuming sacred food while impure reflects a lack of appreciation for divine service, warranting karet as a corrective measure.

Practical Ramifications

  • This law applies only when the Temple is standing and sacrifices are offered (Rambam, Hilchot Mechusarei Kaparah 1:3).
  • Today, the principle reminds us to approach mitzvot—especially those involving physical consumption (e.g., matzah on Pesach)—with mindfulness and spiritual preparation (Mishnah Berurah 242:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 101b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the consumption of sacrifices while in a state of impurity, particularly focusing on the consequences of eating peace offerings in an unclean state.
📖 Keritot 2a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the penalties for various transgressions, including the penalty of being 'cut off' (karet) for eating sacrifices while impure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to be 'cut off from one's people' in Leviticus 7:21?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources like Rashi and the Talmud (Keritot 1:1), being 'cut off' (כרת) refers to a severe spiritual punishment where the soul is severed from its connection to the Jewish people and the World to Come. Some opinions say it may also imply premature death or childlessness, depending on the context.
Q: Why is eating peace offerings while impure such a serious offense?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Mechusarei Kaparah 1:1) explains that sacrifices are holy and require purity. Eating them while impure shows disrespect for sanctity. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) adds that peace offerings symbolize closeness to G-d, so approaching them impurely contradicts their purpose.
Q: What types of impurity does Leviticus 7:21 refer to?
A: The verse mentions three types: 1) Impurity from a human source (like contact with a corpse, as per Numbers 19), 2) Impurity from unclean animals (listed in Leviticus 11), and 3) Any 'abominable' impurity (such as creeping creatures, based on Leviticus 11:29-31). Rashi notes all render one unfit to partake of sacrifices.
Q: Do these purity laws still apply today?
A: While we currently lack the Temple and sacrifices, the principles remain relevant. The Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Ochlin 16:8) writes that maintaining spiritual purity is always important. Today, this manifests in laws like washing hands before eating bread and maintaining family purity (Taharat HaMishpacha).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 53b) derives that holiness requires preparation. Just as one couldn't approach sacrifices casually, we learn to approach mitzvot with proper reverence. The Sforno adds that this teaches us to sanctify even mundane acts, elevating them to divine service.