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Exodus 12:10 - Destroy remnants before dawn.

Exodus 12:10 - שמות 12:10

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־תוֹתִירוּ מִמֶּנּוּ עַד־בֹּקֶר וְהַנֹּתָר מִמֶּנּוּ עַד־בֹּקֶר בָּאֵשׁ תִּשְׂרֹפוּ׃

English Translation

And you shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remains of it until the morning you shall burn with fire.

Transliteration

Velo-totiru mimeno ad-boker vehanotar mimeno ad-boker ba'esh tisrofu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹא־תוֹתִ֥ירוּ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ עַד־בֹּ֑קֶר וְהַנֹּתָ֥ר מִמֶּ֛נּוּ עַד־בֹּ֖קֶר בָּאֵ֥שׁ תִּשְׂרֹֽפוּ׃
וְלֹא־תוֹתִ֥ירוּ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ עַד־בֹּ֑קֶר וְהַנֹּתָ֥ר מִמֶּ֛נּוּ עַד־בֹּ֖קֶר בָּאֵ֥שׁ תִּשְׂרֹֽפוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 12:10) appears in the context of the laws of the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice), given to Bnei Yisrael before their exodus from Egypt. It instructs that no part of the sacrifice should remain until morning, and any leftovers must be burned.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the prohibition against leaving the Korban Pesach until morning serves two purposes:

  • Preventing Degradation: Leaving sacrificial meat overnight could lead to spoilage, which would be disrespectful to the sanctity of the offering.
  • Symbolic Urgency: The command reflects the haste of the Exodus—Bnei Yisrael needed to be ready to leave Egypt immediately, without delay.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Korban Pesach (1:8), the Rambam codifies this law, emphasizing that burning the leftovers is a positive commandment. He further rules that this applies not only to the meat but also to any bones or sinews that retain flavor (Pesachim 84b).

Midrashic Insight

The Mechilta connects this verse to the broader theme of zerizut (alacrity) in mitzvot. Just as Bnei Yisrael were commanded to eat the Korban Pesach with haste, we learn the importance of performing mitzvot promptly and without procrastination.

Kabbalistic Interpretation

The Zohar teaches that burning the leftovers symbolizes the eradication of spiritual "leftovers"—negative influences or traces of impurity that must be purged before redemption can be complete.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • This law applies specifically to the Korban Pesach in Temple times, but its lessons extend to other areas of halacha, such as the proper treatment of sacred items.
  • The Gemara (Pesachim 84b) derives from here that any mitzvah involving consumption (e.g., matzah, maror) should be completed in a timely manner.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 21b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the Passover sacrifice, specifically the prohibition of leaving any of it until morning and the requirement to burn the remains.
📖 Yoma 49a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper disposal of sacrificial remains, emphasizing the importance of burning what is left over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:10 mean when it says not to leave the sacrifice until morning?
A: This verse refers to the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) that was brought in the times of the Temple. The Torah commands that no part of the sacrifice should be left uneaten until morning; whatever remains must be burned. Rashi explains that this teaches us to treat holy things with respect and not let them spoil or become degraded by leaving them overnight.
Q: Why is it important to burn the leftovers of the Passover sacrifice?
A: Burning the leftovers ensures that the sanctity of the Korban Pesach is preserved. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 8:15) explains that leaving it overnight could lead to disrespect or improper use of the holy offering. Burning it prevents any misuse and maintains the proper reverence for the mitzvah.
Q: How does Exodus 12:10 apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer bring the Korban Pesach, the principle still applies in how we treat mitzvot and holy objects. The Talmud (Pesachim 84b) derives from this verse that we should not delay performing mitzvot—just as the sacrifice was not left overnight, we should fulfill commandments promptly and with care.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the command to burn the Passover sacrifice leftovers?
A: This teaches us about zerizut (alacrity) in performing mitzvot and treating holy matters with urgency and respect. The Midrash (Mechilta) connects this to the idea that spiritual opportunities should not be delayed or neglected, just as the Korban Pesach had to be consumed and disposed of properly in its time.