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Leviticus 10:17 - Priestly duty: eat sin offering?

Leviticus 10:17 - ויקרא 10:17

Hebrew Text

מַדּוּעַ לֹא־אֲכַלְתֶּם אֶת־הַחַטָּאת בִּמְקוֹם הַקֹּדֶשׁ כִּי קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים הִוא וְאֹתָהּ נָתַן לָכֶם לָשֵׂאת אֶת־עֲוֺן הָעֵדָה לְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיהֶם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God has given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord?

Transliteration

Madua lo-achaltem et-hachatat bimkom hakodesh ki kodesh kodashim hi ve'ota natan lachem laset et-avon ha'eda lechaper alehem lifnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

מַדּ֗וּעַ לֹֽא־אֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם אֶת־הַחַטָּאת֙ בִּמְק֣וֹם הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ כִּ֛י קֹ֥דֶשׁ קׇֽדָשִׁ֖ים הִ֑וא וְאֹתָ֣הּ <b>׀</b> נָתַ֣ן לָכֶ֗ם לָשֵׂאת֙ אֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן הָעֵדָ֔ה לְכַפֵּ֥ר עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
מַדּ֗וּעַ לֹֽא־אֲכַלְתֶּ֤ם אֶת־הַחַטָּאת֙ בִּמְק֣וֹם הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ כִּ֛י קֹ֥דֶשׁ קׇֽדָשִׁ֖ים הִ֑וא וְאֹתָ֣הּ ׀ נָתַ֣ן לָכֶ֗ם לָשֵׂאת֙ אֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן הָעֵדָ֔ה לְכַפֵּ֥ר עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 10:17) is part of the narrative following the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Aharon's sons, who brought an unauthorized fire offering. Moshe then instructs Aharon and his remaining sons, Elazar and Itamar, regarding the proper handling of the sin offering (חַטָּאת). The verse questions why they did not eat the offering in the holy place, as commanded.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 10:17) explains that Moshe was questioning why the remaining kohanim (Elazar and Itamar) did not consume the sin offering in the courtyard of the Mishkan, as required. He emphasizes that the offering was designated as "קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים" (most holy) and was given to them to "bear the iniquity of the congregation"—meaning that by eating it, they would complete the atonement process for the people.

Purpose of Eating the Sin Offering

  • Completion of Atonement: The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 10:3) teaches that the consumption of the sin offering by the kohanim is an integral part of the kaparah (atonement) process. By eating it in a state of purity and in the designated holy area, they facilitate the removal of the people's sin.
  • Bearing the Iniquity: The phrase "לָשֵׂאת אֶת־עֲוֺן הָעֵדָה" (to bear the iniquity of the congregation) is interpreted by the Sforno as the kohanim taking responsibility for the spiritual rectification of the community through this sacred act.

Aharon's Response

In the following verses (Vayikra 10:19-20), Aharon responds that given the tragedy that had just occurred, it was inappropriate for them to eat the offering. The Talmud (Zevachim 101a) discusses this exchange, noting that Moshe ultimately conceded to Aharon's reasoning, demonstrating that even great leaders must sometimes adjust their understanding based on circumstances.

Halachic Implications

The Mishnah (Zevachim 10:1) and Gemara (Zevachim 97b) elaborate on the laws of where and how the sin offering must be eaten. It must be consumed within the courtyard of the Mishkan (or later, the Beis HaMikdash) by male kohanim in a state of ritual purity. Failure to do so invalidates the atonement process.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 90b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the consumption of sin offerings and the proper place for their consumption.
📖 Menachot 73b
Referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of offerings and the responsibilities of the priests in handling them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the sin offering supposed to be eaten in a holy place?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 99b), the sin offering (חַטָּאת) was considered 'most holy' (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים), meaning it had to be eaten within the sacred area of the Tabernacle or Temple. This elevated status required special handling to maintain its sanctity.
Q: What does it mean that the kohanim (priests) 'bear the iniquity of the congregation'?
A: The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 10:1) that by eating the sin offering, the kohanim complete the atonement process. This act symbolizes their role in absorbing the spiritual consequences of the people's mistakes, as they serve as intermediaries between Israel and Hashem.
Q: Why is this verse important in understanding the role of sacrifices?
A: This verse teaches, based on Midrash Toras Kohanim, that sacrifices weren't just rituals - they required proper intention and procedure. The kohanim eating the offering was a crucial step in achieving kaparah (atonement), showing how physical actions connect to spiritual repair.
Q: How does this apply to us today without the Temple?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 55a) teaches that while we lack sacrifices, Torah study (especially laws of sacrifices) and teshuvah (repentance) serve similar purposes. The verse reminds us that spiritual leaders still help bear communal responsibilities through prayer and guidance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the kohanim's role in atonement?
A: As the Sforno explains, this shows leaders must take responsibility for their community. Just as kohanim bore the people's iniquity through the sacrifice, today's spiritual leaders help guide others toward improvement - a concept found throughout Jewish tradition regarding communal responsibility.