share torah logo

Leviticus 11:38 - Watered seed defiled?

Leviticus 11:38 - ויקרא 11:38

Hebrew Text

וְכִי יֻתַּן־מַיִם עַל־זֶרַע וְנָפַל מִנִּבְלָתָם עָלָיו טָמֵא הוּא לָכֶם׃

English Translation

But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcass fall on it, it shall be unclean to you.

Transliteration

V'chi yutan-mayim al-zera v'nafal minivlatam alav tame hu lachem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִ֤י יֻתַּן־מַ֙יִם֙ עַל־זֶ֔רַע וְנָפַ֥ל מִנִּבְלָתָ֖ם עָלָ֑יו טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא לָכֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְכִ֤י יֻתַּן־מַ֙יִם֙ עַל־זֶ֔רַע וְנָפַ֥ל מִנִּבְלָתָ֖ם עָלָ֑יו טָמֵ֥א ה֖וּא לָכֶֽם׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Torah

The verse (Vayikra 11:38) appears in the section discussing the laws of tum'ah (ritual impurity) related to animal carcasses. It specifies a unique case where seeds become impure if they were moistened before contact with an neveilah (carcass of a non-kosher animal).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that the impurity applies only if the seeds were deliberately moistened with water before contact with the carcass. If the seeds were dry, they do not contract impurity. He cites the Talmud (Chullin 121a) which derives this from the phrase "וכי יותן מים" ("if water be put"), emphasizing human action as a prerequisite for the impurity.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchos Tum'as Ochlin 3:1, Rambam codifies this law, stating that seeds or produce only become susceptible to impurity through carcass contact if they were first made wet by human design. Natural moisture (e.g., dew) does not trigger this susceptibility.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) connects this law to the broader principle that kedushah (holiness) and tum'ah primarily affect items prepared for human use. Moistening seeds—a preparatory act for consumption or planting—renders them vulnerable to impurity, reflecting the spiritual sensitivity of human-directed endeavors.

Practical Implications

  • Agricultural Sensitivity: Farmers must avoid wetting seeds in proximity to carcasses to prevent impurity (Mishnah, Machshirin 1:1).
  • Food Preparation: Dry grains remain pure even if touched by a carcass, but liquids or moistened foods require caution (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 83:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 11:38 mean about seeds becoming impure?
A: This verse teaches that if water was previously placed on seeds (making them susceptible to impurity), and then an impure animal carcass touches them, the seeds become ritually impure (tamei). Rashi explains this refers to seeds that were moistened with water, making them capable of absorbing impurity like food does.
Q: Why does water make seeds susceptible to impurity in Leviticus 11:38?
A: According to Jewish law (based on Talmud Chullin 120a), dry foods cannot become ritually impure. Only foods that have come in contact with water (or certain liquids) can absorb impurity. The Rambam (Hilchos Tum'as Ochlin 1:1) states this is a Torah-level law derived from verses like this one.
Q: How does Leviticus 11:38 apply to keeping kosher today?
A: This verse establishes an important principle in kashrus: dry grains and seeds are not susceptible to impurity unless they become moistened. This affects how we store and handle foods to prevent impurity. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 117) applies these laws to practical kosher food preparation.