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Leviticus 14:21 - Poor's affordable atonement offering?

Leviticus 14:21 - ויקרא 14:21

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־דַּל הוּא וְאֵין יָדוֹ מַשֶּׂגֶת וְלָקַח כֶּבֶשׂ אֶחָד אָשָׁם לִתְנוּפָה לְכַפֵּר עָלָיו וְעִשָּׂרוֹן סֹלֶת אֶחָד בָּלוּל בַּשֶּׁמֶן לְמִנְחָה וְלֹג שָׁמֶן׃

English Translation

And if he be poor, and his means do not suffice; then he shall take one lamb for a guilt offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, and one tenth measure of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering, and a log of oil;

Transliteration

Ve'im dal hu ve'ein yado masseget velakach keves echad asham litnufa lechaper alav ve'isaron solet echad balul bashemen lemincha velog shemen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־דַּ֣ל ה֗וּא וְאֵ֣ין יָדוֹ֮ מַשֶּׂ֒גֶת֒ וְ֠לָקַ֠ח כֶּ֣בֶשׂ אֶחָ֥ד אָשָׁ֛ם לִתְנוּפָ֖ה לְכַפֵּ֣ר עָלָ֑יו וְעִשָּׂר֨וֹן סֹ֜לֶת אֶחָ֨ד בָּל֥וּל בַּשֶּׁ֛מֶן לְמִנְחָ֖ה וְלֹ֥ג שָֽׁמֶן׃
וְאִם־דַּ֣ל ה֗וּא וְאֵ֣ין יָדוֹ֮ מַשֶּׂ֒גֶת֒ וְ֠לָקַ֠ח כֶּ֣בֶשׂ אֶחָ֥ד אָשָׁ֛ם לִתְנוּפָ֖ה לְכַפֵּ֣ר עָלָ֑יו וְעִשָּׂר֨וֹן סֹ֜לֶת אֶחָ֨ד בָּל֥וּל בַּשֶּׁ֛מֶן לְמִנְחָ֖ה וְלֹ֥ג שָֽׁמֶן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 14:21) appears in the Torah portion discussing the purification process for a metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy). The Torah outlines different offerings based on the individual's financial capacity, demonstrating Hashem's compassion for those with limited means.

The Offering for the Poor

Rashi explains that this verse provides an alternative for someone who cannot afford the standard offering of two lambs (as mentioned in the previous verses). Instead, they may bring one lamb as an asham (guilt offering) and a smaller quantity of flour and oil. This reflects the principle that HaKadosh Baruch Hu considers a person's financial situation and does not impose an unbearable burden.

Symbolism of the Offerings

  • One Lamb: The asham serves as atonement, while the waving (tenufah) symbolizes dedication to Hashem (Rambam, Hilchot Mechusarei Kaparah).
  • Fine Flour and Oil: The mincha (meal offering) represents humility, as flour is ground finely, alluding to the need for humility after the arrogance that often leads to tzara'at (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah).
  • Log of Oil: Oil symbolizes wisdom and purity, indicating the hope for spiritual renewal (Malbim).

Halachic Insights

The Talmud (Keritot 8a) derives from this verse that the Torah adjusts requirements based on financial ability, teaching that the sincerity of the heart matters more than the monetary value of the offering. The Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot 14:1) emphasizes that the poor person's offering is equally valid in achieving kaparah (atonement) as the wealthier person's more elaborate offering.

Moral Lesson

This verse underscores the Torah's sensitivity to individual circumstances. The Sforno notes that Hashem values the intent and effort behind the mitzvah, not the material cost. This principle extends beyond korbanot (offerings) to all aspects of avodat Hashem (service of G-d), where sincere effort is cherished regardless of outward appearance or financial capacity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 85a
The verse is discussed in the context of the requirements for the meal offering of a poor person, comparing it to the offerings of those who are not poor.
📖 Keritot 27b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the atonement process and the different types of offerings required based on one's financial ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 14:21 teach about sacrifices for poor people?
A: Leviticus 14:21 teaches that if someone is poor and cannot afford the usual sacrifice for atonement (such as in the case of purification from tzara'at, a spiritual affliction), they may bring a less expensive offering—one lamb, a small amount of flour, and oil. This shows G-d's compassion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial status, can achieve atonement (Rashi, Vayikra 14:21).
Q: Why does the Torah provide different offerings based on wealth?
A: The Torah provides scaled offerings to ensure that spiritual atonement is accessible to all. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 12:1) explains that the value of a sacrifice is not what matters most—what counts is the sincerity of repentance. A poor person's humble offering is just as acceptable to G-d as a wealthy person's lavish one.
Q: What is the significance of waving the guilt offering (asham) in Leviticus 14:21?
A: The waving (tenufah) of the guilt offering symbolizes dedicating it to G-d. The Talmud (Menachot 61b) explains that this act represents surrendering one's sins and committing to change. Even a poor person's offering is elevated through this meaningful gesture.
Q: How does Leviticus 14:21 apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer bring sacrifices, the principle remains: sincere repentance and prayer take the place of offerings (Hoshea 14:3, Rambam Hilchot Teshuvah 1:3). Just as the Torah made atonement possible for all, today, heartfelt prayer (tefillah) and charity (tzedakah) serve as substitutes for sacrifices.
Q: What does the flour and oil mixture represent in this verse?
A: The flour (minchah) mixed with oil symbolizes basic sustenance and devotion. Rashi (Vayikra 2:1) explains that flour offerings represent humility, as they are simple yet meaningful. For a poor person, even a small amount, given with sincerity, fulfills the mitzvah completely.