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Leviticus 15:14 - Purification through bird offerings.

Leviticus 15:14 - ויקרא 15:14

Hebrew Text

וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי יִקַּח־לוֹ שְׁתֵּי תֹרִים אוֹ שְׁנֵי בְּנֵי יוֹנָה וּבָא לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּנְתָנָם אֶל־הַכֹּהֵן׃

English Translation

And on the eighth day he shall take for himself two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the Lord to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the priest:

Transliteration

Uvayom hashmini yikach-lo shtei torim o shnei bnei yonah uva lifnei Adonai el-petach ohel moed unetanam el-hakohen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י יִֽקַּֽח־לוֹ֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֔ים א֥וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יוֹנָ֑ה וּבָ֣א <b>׀</b> לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶל־פֶּ֙תַח֙ אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וּנְתָנָ֖ם אֶל־הַכֹּהֵֽן׃
וּבַיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֗י יִֽקַּֽח־לוֹ֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֔ים א֥וֹ שְׁנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֣י יוֹנָ֑ה וּבָ֣א ׀ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶל־פֶּ֙תַח֙ אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וּנְתָנָ֖ם אֶל־הַכֹּהֵֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 14:22) is part of the Torah's discussion of the purification process for a metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy). The metzora brings offerings upon completing their purification, with different requirements based on their financial means. This verse specifies the offering for one who cannot afford lambs.

Choice of Birds: Turtledoves or Young Pigeons

Rashi (Vayikra 14:22) explains that the Torah permits either turtledoves (torim) or young pigeons (bnei yonah) because these birds are commonly found and accessible even to those of limited means. The Talmud (Chullin 22a) notes that these species are singled out because they are the only birds fit for korbanot (sacrifices), as they are not birds of prey and are thus symbolically appropriate for atonement.

The Eighth Day

The metzora brings this offering on the eighth day of their purification process. Rambam (Hilchot Tumat Tzara'at 11:1) explains that the seven days prior represent a period of transition from impurity to purity, culminating in the eighth day when the individual fully reenters the community and sanctified space. The number eight also symbolizes transcendence beyond nature (seven representing the natural order), reflecting spiritual renewal.

Significance of Bringing the Offering to the Tent of Meeting

The verse emphasizes that the offering must be brought "before the Lord to the door of the Tent of Meeting." The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 16:9) teaches that this requirement underscores the idea that atonement and purification are not merely personal acts but involve reconnecting with the Divine presence. The Kohen (priest) serves as an intermediary, facilitating this return to spiritual wholeness.

Symbolism of the Two Birds

  • Humility and Repentance: Birds are small and unassuming, reflecting the humility required for true repentance (Malbim, Vayikra 14:22).
  • Freedom vs. Sacrifice: Earlier in the purification process (Vayikra 14:4-7), one bird is sacrificed while the other is set free, symbolizing the removal of sin and the return to freedom from spiritual affliction.
  • Pairs for Completeness: The requirement of two birds may allude to the dual aspects of repentance—abandoning sin and committing to positive change (based on Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 2:2).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 2a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the valuation of offerings and the types of birds that can be brought as sacrifices.
📖 Keritot 8a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the atonement process and the types of offerings required for different situations.
📖 Menachot 93b
The verse is mentioned in the discussion about the procedures for bringing bird offerings and the role of the priest in receiving them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:14 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:14 describes the purification process for someone who had a certain type of ritual impurity (zav). On the eighth day, they must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (later the Temple) and give them to the kohen (priest) as part of their purification offering.
Q: Why does the verse specify 'two turtledoves or two young pigeons'?
A: The Torah offers these two options to accommodate people of different financial means. Turtledoves and young pigeons were among the most affordable offerings, ensuring even those with limited resources could fulfill their obligation (Rashi on Leviticus 1:14, based on Leviticus Rabbah 3:5).
Q: Why is the eighth day significant in this verse?
A: The eighth day represents completion and a new beginning after the seven-day purification process (Vayikra Rabbah 15:2). It symbolizes the person's full return to spiritual purity and readiness to reconnect with Hashem through the Temple service.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today, we learn the importance of: 1) Following proper purification processes (now through mikveh immersion where applicable), 2) Being mindful of spiritual purity, and 3) Ensuring mitzvah observance is accessible to all economic levels (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Mechusrei Kaparah 1:1-2).
Q: Why does the person bring the offering to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: The entrance represents the threshold between the mundane and the sacred. By bringing the offering there, the person demonstrates their transition from impurity back to holiness, facilitated by the kohen who serves as the intermediary in this process (Malbim on Leviticus 15:14).