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Leviticus 22:9 - Priests' sacred duty: avoid profanation.

Leviticus 22:9 - ויקרא 22:9

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמְרוּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּי וְלֹא־יִשְׂאוּ עָלָיו חֵטְא וּמֵתוּ בוֹ כִּי יְחַלְּלֻהוּ אֲנִי יְהוָה מְקַדְּשָׁם׃

English Translation

They shall therefore keep my charge, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the Lord do sanctify them.

Transliteration

Veshamru et-mishmarti velo-yisu alav chet umetu bo ki yechalleluhu ani Adonai mekadesham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁמְר֣וּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י וְלֹֽא־יִשְׂא֤וּ עָלָיו֙ חֵ֔טְא וּמֵ֥תוּ ב֖וֹ כִּ֣י יְחַלְּלֻ֑הוּ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃
וְשָׁמְר֣וּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֗י וְלֹֽא־יִשְׂא֤וּ עָלָיו֙ חֵ֔טְא וּמֵ֥תוּ ב֖וֹ כִּ֣י יְחַלְּלֻ֑הוּ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Vayikra 22:9) appears in the context of the laws pertaining to the kohanim (priests) and their obligations to maintain the sanctity of the offerings and the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It is part of a broader discussion about the responsibilities of the kohanim in their service to Hashem.

Explanation of the Verse

The phrase "וְשָׁמְרוּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּי" ("They shall therefore keep my charge") refers to the kohanim's duty to safeguard the sanctity of the Temple service and the holy items entrusted to them. Rashi explains that this includes both positive commandments (what they must do) and negative commandments (what they must avoid). The kohanim must be vigilant in their duties to prevent any desecration of the sacred.

The warning "וְלֹא־יִשְׂאוּ עָלָיו חֵטְא" ("lest they bear sin for it") emphasizes the severe consequences of negligence. Rambam (Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash 9:7) elaborates that any improper handling of sanctified items or deviation from the prescribed service constitutes a sin, which could lead to severe punishment.

The phrase "וּמֵתוּ בוֹ כִּי יְחַלְּלֻהוּ" ("and die therefore, if they profane it") underscores the gravity of profaning sacred matters. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 83a) discusses that intentional misuse of sanctified objects can incur the penalty of karet (spiritual excision) or even death at the hands of Heaven.

The concluding words "אֲנִי יְהוָה מְקַדְּשָׁם" ("I the Lord do sanctify them") affirm that the sanctity of the kohanim is derived from Hashem Himself. The Sforno explains that their holiness is not inherent but is granted by divine decree, reinforcing their obligation to uphold their sacred role with utmost care.

Key Lessons

  • The kohanim must treat their duties with reverence, as negligence leads to severe consequences.
  • Sanctity in service to Hashem requires strict adherence to halachic guidelines.
  • Holiness is not an innate quality but is conferred by Hashem, demanding continuous vigilance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 22:9 mean?
A: Leviticus 22:9 instructs the Kohanim (priests) to carefully observe their sacred duties in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). The verse warns that neglecting these responsibilities is a serious offense that could lead to severe consequences, as these mitzvot (commandments) are directly connected to Hashem's holiness.
Q: Why is Leviticus 22:9 important?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes the special sanctity of the priestly service and the serious responsibility placed upon the Kohanim. Rashi explains that this teaches us how sacred service requires proper intent and meticulous care, as any negligence profanes what is holy.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 22:9 today?
A: While this verse specifically addresses the Kohanim, the Talmud (Yoma 19a) derives from it a general principle about the importance of treating mitzvot with reverence. Today, we learn that all divine service - whether prayer, Torah study, or other commandments - should be performed with proper focus and respect.
Q: Who is being addressed in Leviticus 22:9?
A: This verse is directed specifically to the Kohanim (priests), as the Rambam explains in Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash. They were given special laws regarding Temple service and were held to higher standards of ritual purity due to their sacred role in serving Hashem in the Mishkan and Beit HaMikdash.
Q: What does 'I the Lord do sanctify them' mean in this verse?
A: The Sforno explains that this concluding phrase teaches that the Kohanim's sanctity comes directly from Hashem. Their holy status isn't based on personal merit, but on divine appointment. This is why they must be especially careful with their service - because they represent Hashem's holiness to the people.