share torah logo

Leviticus 19:8 - Sacrifice eaten late: soul severed.

Leviticus 19:8 - ויקרא 19:8

Hebrew Text

וְאֹכְלָיו עֲוֺנוֹ יִשָּׂא כִּי־אֶת־קֹדֶשׁ יְהוָה חִלֵּל וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מֵעַמֶּיהָ׃

English Translation

Therefore everyone that eats it shall bear his iniquity, because he has profaned the hallowed thing of the Lord: and that soul shalt be cut off from among his people.

Transliteration

Ve'ochlav avono yisa ki-et kodesh Adonai chilel venichreta hanefesh hahi me'ameha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֹֽכְלָיו֙ עֲוֺנ֣וֹ יִשָּׂ֔א כִּֽי־אֶת־קֹ֥דֶשׁ יְהֹוָ֖ה חִלֵּ֑ל וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּֽיהָ׃
וְאֹֽכְלָיו֙ עֲוֺנ֣וֹ יִשָּׂ֔א כִּֽי־אֶת־קֹ֥דֶשׁ יְהֹוָ֖ה חִלֵּ֑ל וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּֽיהָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:8, within the broader discussion of the sanctity of kodshim (holy offerings) and the severe consequences of misusing them. The Torah emphasizes that consuming sacrificial meat improperly—such as beyond its designated time—constitutes a desecration of holiness and incurs severe punishment.

Explanation of the Key Terms

  • "וְאֹכְלָיו עֲוֺנוֹ יִשָּׂא" (Therefore everyone that eats it shall bear his iniquity) – Rashi explains that this refers to one who eats notar (sacrificial meat left beyond its permitted time). The transgressor bears the weight of his sin, implying divine accountability.
  • "כִּי־אֶת־קֹדֶשׁ יְהוָה חִלֵּל" (because he has profaned the hallowed thing of the Lord) – The Rambam (Hilchos Me’ilah 1:2) teaches that misuse of sanctified items is a form of me’ilah (sacrilege), as holiness must be treated with reverence.
  • "וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מֵעַמֶּיהָ" (and that soul shall be cut off from among his people) – The Talmud (Kerisos 1:1) interprets kareis (excision) as either premature death or being spiritually severed from one’s people in the World to Come.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 144) elaborates that this prohibition reinforces the principle of kedushas ha’korbanos (sanctity of offerings). Since sacrifices are dedicated to Hashem, their misuse demonstrates contempt for divine service. The punishment of kareis underscores the severity of treating holy matters with negligence.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno comments that this verse teaches the broader concept of respecting boundaries in avodas Hashem (divine service). Just as one may not overstep the permitted time for eating sacrifices, so too must one approach all mitzvos with discipline and reverence. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tzav 14) adds that holiness requires vigilance—failure in this regard leads to spiritual detachment from the community.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 2a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the severity of eating consecrated food in a state of impurity and the consequences of such actions.
📖 Yoma 73a
Referenced in the context of discussing the laws of atonement and the seriousness of profaning sacred things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 19:8 mean?
A: Leviticus 19:8 warns that someone who eats a sacrificial offering (קדש ה׳) after its designated time bears guilt and is spiritually 'cut off' from the Jewish people. Rashi explains this refers to the 'Pigul' sacrifice—one that was improperly offered with wrong intentions (Zevachim 29a). Eating it is a serious transgression.
Q: Why is being 'cut off' (כרת) mentioned in this verse?
A: The punishment of 'כרת' (being cut off) signifies severe spiritual consequences in Jewish tradition. Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 8:1) explains it can mean premature death or losing one's share in the World to Come. Here, it applies to deliberately disrespecting holy offerings.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we lack sacrifices today, the principle remains: we must treat holy things with respect. The Talmud (Berachos 33b) derives from this verse that misusing Torah study or mitzvos for personal gain similarly 'profanes holiness.'
Q: What does 'profaning the holy' mean in this context?
A: The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim 1:4) teaches that holy items (like sacrifices) have strict rules. Using them improperly—such as eating them late—treats them as mundane, which insults their sanctity. This mirrors how we must honor mitzvos today.
Q: Does this verse only refer to sacrifices?
A: Primarily yes, but Chazal extend the idea. For example, the Talmud (Pesachim 25a) warns against benefiting from stolen food used for a mitzvah—this too 'profanes holiness.' The verse teaches broader respect for anything dedicated to Hashem.