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Leviticus 15:15 - Purification through priestly offerings

Leviticus 15:15 - ויקרא 15:15

Hebrew Text

וְעָשָׂה אֹתָם הַכֹּהֵן אֶחָד חַטָּאת וְהָאֶחָד עֹלָה וְכִפֶּר עָלָיו הַכֹּהֵן לִפְנֵי יְהוָה מִזּוֹבוֹ׃

English Translation

and the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord because of his issue.

Transliteration

Ve'asa otam hakohan echad chatat veha'echad ola vechiper alav hakohan lifnei Adonai mizovo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשָׂ֤ה אֹתָם֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶחָ֣ד חַטָּ֔את וְהָאֶחָ֖ד עֹלָ֑ה וְכִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧יו הַכֹּהֵ֛ן לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מִזּוֹבֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְעָשָׂ֤ה אֹתָם֙ הַכֹּהֵ֔ן אֶחָ֣ד חַטָּ֔את וְהָאֶחָ֖ד עֹלָ֑ה וְכִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧יו הַכֹּהֵ֛ן לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מִזּוֹבֽוֹ׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 15:15) discusses the purification process for a zav (a man who experiences an abnormal discharge). The Torah mandates that he bring two offerings—a chatat (sin offering) and an olah (burnt offering)—to achieve atonement. The Kohen facilitates this process before Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 15:15) clarifies that the chatat is brought because the zav may have transgressed by neglecting his condition or failing to seek purification earlier. The olah, which is entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizes his renewed commitment to spiritual elevation after his impurity. Rashi emphasizes that the Kohen's role is essential in effecting the atonement, as the verse states, "vechiper alav hakohen"—"the priest shall make atonement for him."

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Mechusarei Kaparah (1:1), the Rambam explains that the zav requires these offerings to complete his purification, even after immersion in a mikveh. The chatat atones for possible negligence, while the olah represents his desire to draw closer to Hashem. The Rambam stresses that the offerings are not merely symbolic but are halachically necessary for full restoration to purity.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim, Metzora 5:6) connects this verse to the broader theme of taharah (purity) and teshuvah (repentance). It teaches that the zav's offerings parallel the process of spiritual rehabilitation—first atonement (chatat), then dedication (olah). The Midrash highlights that the phrase "lifnei Hashem" ("before the Lord") underscores that true repentance must be sincere and directed toward Heaven.

Halachic Implications

  • The chatat is a female goat or lamb, while the olah is a male sheep or bird (Vayikra 15:14-15).
  • The offerings must be brought after the zav has immersed and waited until nightfall (tevilah and he'erev shemesh).
  • The Kohen's involvement is mandatory, as the verse specifies "ve'asah otam hakohen"—"the priest shall offer them."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Niddah 34b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws concerning a zav (a man with a discharge) and the required sacrifices for purification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 15:15 mean?
A: Leviticus 15:15 discusses the purification process for a person who had a bodily discharge (zav). The verse explains that the kohen (priest) must bring two offerings on their behalf: a sin offering (chatat) and a burnt offering (olah). Through these offerings, the kohen achieves atonement for the person before Hashem. This teaches us the importance of spiritual purification and returning to a state of ritual purity.
Q: Why is a sin offering and burnt offering required for purification?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources, the sin offering (chatat) atones for possible transgressions related to the impurity, while the burnt offering (olah) represents complete devotion to Hashem. Rashi explains that the offerings restore the person's spiritual connection after being in a state of tumah (ritual impurity). The Rambam (Hilchot Mechusrei Kapparah) further elaborates that these offerings complete the purification process.
Q: Does this law apply today without the Temple?
A: Since the destruction of the Second Temple, we are unable to bring sacrifices, including the offerings mentioned in Leviticus 15:15. However, the Talmud (Berachot 10a) teaches that prayer and repentance can serve as substitutes for sacrifices in our times. The principles of spiritual purity and atonement remain important, even though the practical mitzvah cannot be fulfilled today.
Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us about the importance of addressing spiritual impurities and seeking atonement. Just as the person with an issue had to take active steps for purification, we too must actively work on our spiritual growth. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) connects this to the idea that repentance and offerings bring a person closer to Hashem. Today, we apply this through teshuva (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity).