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Leviticus 14:10 - Purification's sacrificial renewal process.

Leviticus 14:10 - ויקרא 14:10

Hebrew Text

וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי יִקַּח שְׁנֵי־כְבָשִׂים תְּמִימִים וְכַבְשָׂה אַחַת בַּת־שְׁנָתָהּ תְּמִימָה וּשְׁלֹשָׁה עֶשְׂרֹנִים סֹלֶת מִנְחָה בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן וְלֹג אֶחָד שָׁמֶן׃

English Translation

And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth measures of fine flour for a meal offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.

Transliteration

Uvayom hashmini yikach shnei-kevasim temimim vechavsa achat bat-shnata temima ushlosha esronim solet mincha belula vashemen velog echad shemen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י יִקַּ֤ח שְׁנֵֽי־כְבָשִׂים֙ תְּמִימִ֔ם וְכַבְשָׂ֥ה אַחַ֛ת בַּת־שְׁנָתָ֖הּ תְּמִימָ֑ה וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֤לֶת מִנְחָה֙ בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַשֶּׁ֔מֶן וְלֹ֥ג אֶחָ֖ד שָֽׁמֶן׃
וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י יִקַּ֤ח שְׁנֵֽי־כְבָשִׂים֙ תְּמִימִ֔ם וְכַבְשָׂ֥ה אַחַ֛ת בַּת־שְׁנָתָ֖הּ תְּמִימָ֑ה וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֤לֶת מִנְחָה֙ בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַשֶּׁ֔מֶן וְלֹ֥ג אֶחָ֖ד שָֽׁמֶן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 14:10) details the offerings brought by a metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy) upon completing their purification process on the eighth day. The offerings mark their return to spiritual and communal purity after isolation.

Explanation of the Offerings

  • Two Male Lambs and One Ewe Lamb: Rashi (Vayikra 14:10) explains that the two male lambs serve different purposes—one as a chatat (sin offering) and the other as an olah (burnt offering). The ewe lamb is brought as an asham (guilt offering). The Rambam (Hilchot Mechusarei Kaparah 2:1) elaborates that these offerings atone for the spiritual failings that led to the tzara'at.
  • Three Tenths of Fine Flour: The mincha (meal offering) accompanies the sacrifices. The three-tenths measure (approximately 30 issaron) corresponds to the three types of offerings brought, as noted by the Sifra (Metzora 3:5).
  • One Log of Oil: The oil is used for the metzora's purification ritual (Vayikra 14:15-18), symbolizing renewal and divine favor, as oil represents wisdom and divine blessing (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 5).

Significance of the Eighth Day

The metzora's purification culminates on the eighth day, which the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 15:6) associates with transcendence—just as circumcision occurs on the eighth day, symbolizing rising above physicality. The Ramban (Vayikra 14:10) adds that the eighth day signifies a new beginning, marking the individual's reintegration into holiness after repentance.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Repentance and Atonement: The multiple offerings teach that atonement requires addressing different aspects of wrongdoing—sin (chatat), neglect of positive duties (olah), and misappropriation of holiness (asham), as explained by the Kli Yakar (Vayikra 14:10).
  • Community and Isolation: The process emphasizes the gravity of sins like lashon hara (evil speech), often linked to tzara'at (Arachin 15b), and the joy of returning to communal life after sincere repentance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 89b
The verse is discussed in the context of the meal offering and the requirements for the sacrifices brought by a Nazirite.
📖 Nazir 46a
The verse is referenced in relation to the offerings a Nazirite must bring upon completion of the Nazirite vow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 14:10 teach about the purification process for someone with tzara'at (skin affliction)?
A: Leviticus 14:10 describes part of the purification process for someone who has recovered from tzara'at (often mistranslated as leprosy). According to Rashi and the Talmud (Arachin 15b), this verse specifies the offerings required on the eighth day of purification—two male lambs, one female lamb, flour mixed with oil, and additional oil. These offerings symbolize gratitude to Hashem for healing and a return to spiritual purity.
Q: Why does the Torah require specific animals and measurements for the purification offering in Leviticus 14:10?
A: The Torah requires precise animals (unblemished lambs) and measurements (three tenths of fine flour, one log of oil) to teach discipline and attentiveness in serving Hashem. Rambam (Hilchot Mechusarei Kaparah 1:1) explains that these details reflect the seriousness of spiritual impurity and the structured path to atonement. The uniformity also ensures fairness and equality in the sacrificial service.
Q: What is the significance of the 'eighth day' mentioned in Leviticus 14:10?
A: The 'eighth day' signifies a new beginning beyond the natural seven-day week, symbolizing transcendence and spiritual renewal (Vayikra Rabbah 15:2). After a seven-day waiting period (Leviticus 14:8-9), the eighth day marks the completion of the purification process, allowing the person to fully reenter the community and the Mishkan/Temple service.
Q: How does Leviticus 14:10 apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring these offerings without the Temple, the verse teaches timeless lessons: 1) Gratitude for recovery from illness (Talmud Berachot 54a), 2) The importance of structured repentance (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah), and 3) Sensitivity to spiritual 'impurities' like lashon hara (evil speech), which the Sages associate with tzara'at (Arachin 15b). Today, prayer, charity, and self-reflection replace the offerings (Hoshea 14:3).
Q: Why does the purification offering include flour and oil (minchah) alongside animals?
A: The flour-and-oil minchah (meal offering) accompanies the animal sacrifices to represent humility and sustenance. Rashi (on Leviticus 2:1) notes that the minchah is often brought by those of modest means, showing that all can participate in serving Hashem. Oil symbolizes wisdom and Divine blessing (Talmud Menachot 85b), indicating that spiritual renewal requires both material and intellectual dedication.