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Leviticus 22:14 - Unintentional sin's costly repair

Leviticus 22:14 - ויקרא 22:14

Hebrew Text

וְאִישׁ כִּי־יֹאכַל קֹדֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָה וְיָסַף חֲמִשִׁיתוֹ עָלָיו וְנָתַן לַכֹּהֵן אֶת־הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall add the fifth part thereof to it, and shall give the holy thing to the priest.

Transliteration

Ve'ish ki-yokhal kodesh bishgaga veyasaf chamishito alav venatan lakohayn et-hakodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֕ישׁ כִּֽי־יֹאכַ֥ל קֹ֖דֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָ֑ה וְיָסַ֤ף חֲמִֽשִׁיתוֹ֙ עָלָ֔יו וְנָתַ֥ן לַכֹּהֵ֖ן אֶת־הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃
וְאִ֕ישׁ כִּֽי־יֹאכַ֥ל קֹ֖דֶשׁ בִּשְׁגָגָ֑ה וְיָסַ֤ף חֲמִֽשִׁיתוֹ֙ עָלָ֔יו וְנָתַ֥ן לַכֹּהֵ֖ן אֶת־הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Vayikra 22:14) discusses the case of someone who unintentionally consumes terumah (sacred food designated for kohanim) or other sanctified items. According to Torah law, such items are reserved exclusively for kohanim and their households, and their consumption by a non-kohen—even accidentally—requires restitution.

Obligation to Restore and Add a Fifth

Rashi explains that the violator must repay the principal amount of the sanctified item (et hakodesh) and add an additional fifth (chamishito), making the total repayment 125% of the original value. The Mishnah (Terumot 6:1) clarifies that this additional fifth is calculated based on the principal, meaning one adds a quarter of the principal's value (e.g., for 100 units, the repayment is 125).

Reason for the Additional Fifth

Rambam (Hilchot Terumot 7:1-2) teaches that the extra fifth serves as both restitution and a deterrent, ensuring people are vigilant about respecting sanctified property. The Talmud (Kritut 4b) further notes that this penalty applies only to unintentional consumption; deliberate misuse of sanctified items incurs stricter punishments.

Giving the Repayment to the Kohen

The verse concludes by instructing the violator to give the repaid sanctified item (et hakodesh) to the kohen. The Sifra (Emor 12:6) emphasizes that this must be given to a kohen in a state of ritual purity, as the sanctity of the item must be preserved. The Ramban adds that this reinforces the principle that kohanim are entrusted with maintaining the sanctity of the Beit HaMikdash and its associated offerings.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The law applies to all sanctified items, including terumah, maaser, and sacrifices (Rambam, Hilchot Meilah 1:1).
  • If the original sanctified item is no longer available, the violator must repay its monetary equivalent (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 331:1).
  • The additional fifth is not required if the item was consumed under duress (e.g., forced by others) (Tosafot, Kritut 4b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Kritot 6b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of unintentional consumption of sacred offerings and the requirement to add a fifth when making restitution.
📖 Shevuot 8a
Referenced in the context of oaths and the penalties for misusing sacred property, highlighting the principle of adding a fifth for restitution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 22:14 mean?
A: Leviticus 22:14 discusses the law of someone who accidentally eats something holy (like terumah or sacrificial meat). If this happens unintentionally, the person must repay the value of what was eaten plus an additional fifth (20%) and give it to the kohen (priest). This teaches the importance of respecting sanctity and making amends for mistakes.
Q: Why is adding a fifth part required in Leviticus 22:14?
A: The Torah requires adding a fifth (חומש) as a form of restitution and atonement for accidentally misusing holy items. Rashi explains that this extra payment serves as a penalty to emphasize the seriousness of treating sacred things with care, even if the violation was unintentional.
Q: What qualifies as a 'holy thing' in Leviticus 22:14?
A: A 'holy thing' (קודש) refers to items designated for sacred use, such as terumah (priestly tithe), sacrifices, or other sanctified property. The Talmud (Chullin 135a) clarifies that this applies only to things that are permitted to kohanim (priests) but not to regular Israelites unless under specific conditions.
Q: Does Leviticus 22:14 apply today?
A: While the Temple is not standing, the principle of respecting sacred items still applies. For example, if someone mistakenly uses an object designated for mitzvot (like tzedakah money or items for Shabbat), they should rectify the mistake. The Rambam (Hilchos Me’ilah 8:8) discusses similar laws regarding misusing sanctified property.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 22:14?
A: This verse teaches us to be mindful of holiness and take responsibility for our actions, even unintentional mistakes. The requirement to repay with an extra fifth shows that we must go beyond mere correction—we should actively strengthen our awareness of kedushah (holiness) in daily life.