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Leviticus 1:9 - Purification precedes divine acceptance.

Leviticus 1:9 - ויקרא 1:9

Hebrew Text

וְקִרְבּוֹ וּכְרָעָיו יִרְחַץ בַּמָּיִם וְהִקְטִיר הַכֹּהֵן אֶת־הַכֹּל הַמִּזְבֵּחָה עֹלָה אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ־נִיחוֹחַ לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

but its inwards and its legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour to the Lord.

Transliteration

Vekirbo uchera'av yirchatz bamayim vehiktiyr hakohen et hakol hamizbeicha olah isheh re'ach nicho'ach lahashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְקִרְבּ֥וֹ וּכְרָעָ֖יו יִרְחַ֣ץ בַּמָּ֑יִם וְהִקְטִ֨יר הַכֹּהֵ֤ן אֶת־הַכֹּל֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה עֹלָ֛ה אִשֵּׁ֥ה רֵֽיחַ־נִיח֖וֹחַ לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְקִרְבּ֥וֹ וּכְרָעָ֖יו יִרְחַ֣ץ בַּמָּ֑יִם וְהִקְטִ֨יר הַכֹּהֵ֤ן אֶת־הַכֹּל֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה עֹלָ֛ה אִשֵּׁ֥ה רֵֽיחַ־נִיח֖וֹחַ לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context

The verse (Vayikra 1:9) describes part of the procedure for offering an olah (burnt offering) in the Beit HaMikdash. The olah is unique in that it is entirely consumed by the fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion to Hashem.

Washing the Inwards and Legs

Rashi explains that the washing of the innards (kerev) and legs (kera'ayim) serves to remove any filth or residue. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:15) elaborates that this teaches us the importance of purity in divine service—just as we cleanse the physical offering, we must cleanse our hearts in serving Hashem.

  • Inwards (קרבו): The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:5) connects this to introspection—just as we cleanse the animal's inner parts, we must examine and purify our own inner thoughts.
  • Legs (כרעיו): The Kli Yakar suggests this symbolizes the need to purify one's actions ("legs" representing movement and deeds).

Burning on the Altar

The phrase "והקטיר הכהן את הכל המזבחה" ("the priest shall burn all on the altar") emphasizes the completeness of the olah offering. The Sforno notes that unlike other sacrifices where parts are eaten, the olah is entirely given to Hashem, representing total submission.

Reiach Nichoach LaShem

The concluding phrase "אשה ריח ניחוח לה'" ("a sweet savour to the Lord") is understood by the Ramban as an expression of divine pleasure when Jews fulfill His will with proper intent. The Talmud (Menachot 110a) teaches that whether one offers much or little, what matters is directing one's heart to Heaven.

Halachic Insights

  • The Mishnah (Zevachim 6:4) details the precise method of washing—three times for each part.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya connects this to the threefold soul (nefesh, ruach, neshamah), suggesting our entire being must be purified in divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 20a
The verse is cited in the discussion of the proper procedure for washing the innards and legs of a sacrifice before offering it on the altar.
📖 Menachot 49b
Referenced in the context of discussing the requirements for various types of offerings and the importance of following the prescribed rituals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does washing the inwards and legs of the sacrifice symbolize in Leviticus 1:9?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, washing the inner parts and legs of the sacrifice symbolizes purification and the need to remove any impurities before offering to Hashem. Just as we must cleanse ourselves spiritually, the physical washing represents preparing the sacrifice properly for its sacred purpose.
Q: Why is the burnt offering described as a 'sweet savour to the Lord' in Leviticus 1:9?
A: The phrase 'sweet savour to the Lord' (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ לַיהוָה) teaches that when an offering is brought with proper intention and according to halacha, it is pleasing to Hashem. The Talmud (Menachot 110a) explains that this shows Hashem values our sincere service, whether through sacrifices or other mitzvot, when done with devotion.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn today from Leviticus 1:9 about sacrifices?
A: Although we do not currently bring sacrifices, the Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) teaches that the details of sacrifices remind us of the care and precision required in serving Hashem. Just as the priests meticulously prepared offerings, we must approach prayer and mitzvot with similar attentiveness and respect.
Q: Why does the priest burn the entire offering on the altar in Leviticus 1:9?
A: The olah (burnt offering) is unique in being entirely consumed on the altar, unlike other sacrifices where parts are eaten. Rashi explains this represents complete dedication to Hashem - just as the offering is wholly given, we too should strive to serve Hashem with our entire being.