share torah logo

Leviticus 2:10 - Priestly holy remnant portion

Leviticus 2:10 - ויקרא 2:10

Hebrew Text

וְהַנּוֹתֶרֶת מִן־הַמִּנְחָה לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים מֵאִשֵּׁי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And that which is left of the meal offering shall be Aharon’s and his sons’: it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the Lord made by fire.

Transliteration

Vehanoteret min-hamincha le'Aharon ulevanav kodesh kodashim me'ishei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַנּוֹתֶ֙רֶת֙ מִן־הַמִּנְחָ֔ה לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָ֑יו קֹ֥דֶשׁ קׇֽדָשִׁ֖ים מֵאִשֵּׁ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וְהַנּוֹתֶ֙רֶת֙ מִן־הַמִּנְחָ֔ה לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָ֑יו קֹ֥דֶשׁ קׇֽדָשִׁ֖ים מֵאִשֵּׁ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 2:3) discusses the portion of the mincha (meal offering) that remains after a handful is burned on the altar. This remaining portion is designated for Aharon and his sons, the Kohanim, and is described as "kodesh kodashim" (most holy).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the term "kodesh kodashim" indicates that this portion is of the highest sanctity, similar to other offerings like the chatat (sin offering) and asham (guilt offering). Only Kohanim may eat it, and it must be consumed within the boundaries of the azarah (Temple courtyard) by ritually pure individuals.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot (Laws of Sacrificial Procedure), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates that the leftover portion of the mincha is given to the Kohanim as part of their terumah (priestly due). He emphasizes that this is a divine commandment ensuring the sustenance of those who serve in the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this verse to the broader theme of the Kohanim’s role in facilitating atonement and divine service. The fact that the mincha is shared with them underscores their spiritual responsibility and the holiness of their mission.

Key Halachic Points

  • The leftover mincha is exclusively for Kohanim and may not be eaten by non-Kohanim.
  • It must be eaten in a state of ritual purity and within the designated sacred area.
  • This portion is considered equal in sanctity to other kodshei kodashim offerings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 73b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the meal offerings, specifically about the portions that are given to the priests.
📖 Zevachim 44a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of the portions of the offerings that are designated for the priests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 2:10 mean when it says the leftover meal offering is 'most holy'?
A: The verse teaches that the portion of the meal offering (mincha) not burned on the altar is given to the kohanim (priests), specifically Aaron and his sons. It is called 'kodesh kodashim' (most holy) because it has a high level of sanctity, meaning it must be eaten by the kohanim in a state of ritual purity within the Temple courtyard (as explained in Rashi and Mishnah Menachot).
Q: Why was the leftover meal offering given to Aaron and his sons?
A: Hashem designated the kohanim (priests) to receive portions of certain offerings as their sustenance since they served in the Temple and did not inherit land like the other tribes (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:5). This was their 'portion' from Hashem for their sacred service.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 2:10 today?
A: Even though we no longer have the Temple service, this verse teaches the importance of honoring those who dedicate their lives to Torah and spiritual leadership. Just as the kohanim were sustained through holy service, we support Torah scholars and teachers today (based on Talmudic principles in Ketubot 105b).
Q: How was the leftover meal offering different from other sacrifices?
A: Unlike some offerings where parts were burned and other parts eaten by the owners, the meal offering was unique—part was burned on the altar, and the rest was given only to the kohanim (as explained in Torat Kohanim). This highlights its special status as a 'most holy' gift to Hashem.