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Exodus 12:5 - Perfect lamb for Passover sacrifice

Exodus 12:5 - שמות 12:5

Hebrew Text

שֶׂה תָמִים זָכָר בֶּן־שָׁנָה יִהְיֶה לָכֶם מִן־הַכְּבָשִׂים וּמִן־הָעִזִּים תִּקָּחוּ׃

English Translation

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: you shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats:

Transliteration

Seh tamim zakhar ben-shana yihyeh lakhem min-hakvasim u-min-ha'izim tikachu.

Hebrew Leining Text

שֶׂ֥ה תָמִ֛ים זָכָ֥ר בֶּן־שָׁנָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם מִן־הַכְּבָשִׂ֥ים וּמִן־הָעִזִּ֖ים תִּקָּֽחוּ׃
שֶׂ֥ה תָמִ֛ים זָכָ֥ר בֶּן־שָׁנָ֖ה יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם מִן־הַכְּבָשִׂ֥ים וּמִן־הָעִזִּ֖ים תִּקָּֽחוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse from Shemot (Exodus) 12:5

The verse states: "שֶׂה תָמִים זָכָר בֶּן־שָׁנָה יִהְיֶה לָכֶם מִן־הַכְּבָשִׂים וּמִן־הָעִזִּים תִּקָּחוּ" ("Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: you shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats"). This commandment pertains to the selection of the Korban Pesach (Paschal Lamb) in preparation for the Exodus from Egypt.

Key Interpretations from Orthodox Jewish Sources

  • תָמִים (Without Blemish): Rashi explains that "תָמִים" means the lamb must be free from any physical defects, as derived from Vayikra (Leviticus) 22:20-21, which outlines the requirements for sacrificial animals. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 7) adds that this symbolizes the purity and completeness required in serving Hashem.
  • זָכָר בֶּן־שָׁנָה (A Male of the First Year): The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:2) clarifies that the lamb must be in its first year of life, as it represents freshness and vigor. The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) discusses that a younger animal is preferred for its tenderness and suitability for roasting whole.
  • מִן־הַכְּבָשִׂים וּמִן־הָעִזִּים (From the Sheep or the Goats): The Mechilta (Bo 5) notes that both sheep and goats were acceptable, reflecting the principle that the Korban Pesach could be from either species. The choice may also allude to the future offerings in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), where both sheep and goats were used for different sacrifices.

Symbolic and Halachic Significance

The specifications for the Korban Pesach carry deep halachic and symbolic meaning:

  • The unblemished condition teaches that one must approach divine service with integrity, free from spiritual "flaws" (Sforno).
  • The requirement for a male lamb may symbolize strength and leadership, as the Exodus marked the birth of the Jewish nation (Ramban).
  • The roasting of the lamb whole (as per the next verse) signifies unity and rejection of Egyptian idolatry, as Egyptians worshipped sheep (Rashi, Shemot 8:22).

This verse thus establishes the foundational laws of the Pesach offering, emphasizing both physical perfection and spiritual readiness for redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is discussed in the context of the Passover sacrifice, emphasizing the requirement for the lamb to be without blemish and a male of the first year.
📖 Chullin 28b
The verse is referenced in discussions about the qualifications for sacrificial animals, particularly regarding the age and condition of the lamb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'without blemish' mean in Exodus 12:5?
A: The phrase 'without blemish' (שֶׂה תָמִים) means the lamb or goat must be physically perfect, with no defects or imperfections. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Pesachim 96a), this includes no broken limbs, blemishes, or illnesses. This requirement teaches us to offer only the best to Hashem, symbolizing our complete devotion.
Q: Why does the verse specify a male lamb or goat?
A: The Torah specifies a male lamb or goat because males were traditionally considered more valuable for sacrifices, as explained by Rambam in Hilchot Korban Pesach. This reflects the importance of the Passover offering, which required the highest quality animal to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt.
Q: Why does the lamb have to be 'a male of the first year' (ben shanah)?
A: A lamb in its first year (בֶּן־שָׁנָה) is chosen because it represents freshness, innocence, and new beginnings, as noted in Midrash Shemot Rabbah. This aligns with the theme of Passover, marking the birth of the Jewish people as a nation and their new freedom.
Q: Can the Passover offering be from either sheep or goats?
A: Yes, the verse states that the offering can be taken 'from the sheep or from the goats' (מִן־הַכְּבָשִׂים וּמִן־הָעִזִּים). The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) explains that both are acceptable, but sheep were more commonly used because their wool was also valuable, showing additional generosity in the offering.
Q: How does this verse apply to Passover observance today?
A: Although we no longer bring the Passover sacrifice without the Temple, the verse teaches us about the importance of preparation, excellence, and mindfulness in mitzvot. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 477) discusses how we symbolically recall this mitzvah through the roasted shank bone (zeroa) on the Seder plate.