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Leviticus 22:6 - Impurity until evening immersion.

Leviticus 22:6 - ויקרא 22:6

Hebrew Text

נֶפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר תִּגַּע־בּוֹ וְטָמְאָה עַד־הָעָרֶב וְלֹא יֹאכַל מִן־הַקֳּדָשִׁים כִּי אִם־רָחַץ בְּשָׂרוֹ בַּמָּיִם׃

English Translation

the person who has touched any such shall be unclean until evening, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he bathe his flesh with water.

Transliteration

Nefesh asher tigga bo vetame'a ad ha'erev velo yochal min hakodashim ki im rachatz besaro bamayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

נֶ֚פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּגַּע־בּ֔וֹ וְטָמְאָ֖ה עַד־הָעָ֑רֶב וְלֹ֤א יֹאכַל֙ מִן־הַקֳּדָשִׁ֔ים כִּ֛י אִם־רָחַ֥ץ בְּשָׂר֖וֹ בַּמָּֽיִם׃
נֶ֚פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּגַּע־בּ֔וֹ וְטָמְאָ֖ה עַד־הָעָ֑רֶב וְלֹ֤א יֹאכַל֙ מִן־הַקֳּדָשִׁ֔ים כִּ֛י אִם־רָחַ֥ץ בְּשָׂר֖וֹ בַּמָּֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Vayikra 22:6) discusses the laws of tum'ah (ritual impurity) and its effect on partaking of kodshim (holy offerings). According to the Torah, one who comes into contact with a source of impurity becomes tamei (ritually impure) until evening and is prohibited from eating sacred foods until they undergo tevilah (ritual immersion) in water.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 22:6) clarifies that the phrase "nefesh asher tigga bo" ("the person who has touched any such") refers to someone who touches a creature that conveys impurity, such as a sheretz (a creeping creature mentioned earlier in the parsha). He emphasizes that the impurity lasts only until evening, after which the person becomes tahor (ritually pure) again, provided they immerse in a mikveh.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Mechusarei Kaparah 1:3) explains that this verse establishes a fundamental principle: even after the impurity has naturally expired at nightfall, one must still immerse in water before being permitted to eat terumah or kodshim. This underscores the necessity of tevilah as an active step in the purification process.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (a halachic midrash on Vayikra) elaborates that the phrase "v'lo yochal min ha'kodashim" ("shall not eat of the holy things") teaches that the prohibition applies not only to the kohen but to any Israelite who may have access to kodshim, reinforcing the sanctity of holy offerings and the seriousness of ritual impurity.

Practical Implications from the Talmud

  • The Gemara (Chagigah 11a) derives from this verse that immersion must be in a proper mikveh containing at least 40 se'ah of water, not just any washing.
  • Talmud Yoma (30a) notes that the immersion must be complete - covering the entire body - based on the phrase "rachatz b'saro bamayim" ("bathe his flesh with water").
  • Zevachim 23b teaches that this law applies even to minor impurities, showing how seriously the Torah guards the sanctity of holy foods.

Kabbalistic Dimension

The Zohar (Vayikra 103a) interprets the requirement of immersion as not merely physical cleansing but a spiritual renewal. The evening (erev) represents the transition from impurity to purity, mirroring the cosmic cycle of darkness giving way to light.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 67a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of ritual purity and impurity, particularly in relation to the consumption of holy things.
📖 Zevachim 23b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the requirements for priests to maintain ritual purity before partaking in sacred offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 22:6 mean?
A: Leviticus 22:6 discusses the laws of ritual impurity (tum'ah). It states that if a person touches something impure, they become impure until evening and cannot eat from the holy offerings (terumah or sacrifices) unless they first immerse their body in water (tevilah). This teaches the importance of spiritual purity when engaging with sacred matters.
Q: Why is immersion in water required after becoming impure?
A: Immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath) is required to restore ritual purity, as water symbolizes spiritual renewal. The Torah emphasizes that one must be in a state of purity before partaking of holy things. This concept is rooted in the idea that holiness requires preparation and mindfulness.
Q: Does this law still apply today?
A: While the Temple is not standing, and we do not bring sacrifices or eat terumah today, the concept of ritual purity remains relevant in certain areas of Jewish life. For example, immersion in a mikveh is still required for converts, women after niddah (menstruation), and for utensils used with food. The underlying principle—respecting holiness through purity—still guides Jewish practice.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 22:6?
A: This verse teaches that holiness requires effort and awareness. Just as physical impurity prevents one from partaking in sacred things, spiritual distractions can distance a person from divine service. The requirement to immerse reminds us to 'wash away' negativity and refocus on holiness.
Q: Why does impurity last only until evening?
A: The Torah sets evening as the time when impurity ends because the new Jewish day begins at nightfall. This symbolizes renewal—just as the day resets, a person can spiritually renew themselves through immersion and the passage of time. Rashi explains that some impurities last longer, but this type is resolved by nightfall and tevilah.