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Leviticus 22:16 - Priests' sacred meal consequences?

Leviticus 22:16 - ויקרא 22:16

Hebrew Text

וְהִשִּׂיאוּ אוֹתָם עֲוֺן אַשְׁמָה בְּאָכְלָם אֶת־קָדְשֵׁיהֶם כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה מְקַדְּשָׁם׃

English Translation

and so cause them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the Lord do sanctify them.

Transliteration

V'hisiu otam avon ashma b'ochlam et-kodsheihem ki ani Adonai m'kadsham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִשִּׂ֤יאוּ אוֹתָם֙ עֲוֺ֣ן אַשְׁמָ֔ה בְּאׇכְלָ֖ם אֶת־קׇדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְהִשִּׂ֤יאוּ אוֹתָם֙ עֲוֺ֣ן אַשְׁמָ֔ה בְּאׇכְלָ֖ם אֶת־קׇדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם כִּ֛י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Vayikra 22:16) appears in the context of the laws pertaining to the kohanim (priests) and their consumption of terumah (sacred offerings). The Torah warns against allowing unauthorized individuals to eat consecrated items, as this would cause them to bear the guilt of trespass (ashmah). The concluding phrase emphasizes that Hashem is the source of sanctification.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהִשִּׂיאוּ אוֹתָם עֲוֺן אַשְׁמָה" ("and so cause them to bear the iniquity of trespass") refers to the responsibility of the kohanim to prevent non-priests from partaking of the holy offerings. If they fail in this duty, they cause the transgressors to incur guilt. Rashi further notes that the term "אַשְׁמָה" implies a sin requiring repentance and atonement, as it is associated with a breach of sanctity.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Terumos (6:1), the Rambam elaborates that a non-kohen who intentionally eats terumah is liable for misah bidei shamayim (divine punishment), while one who does so unintentionally must repay the principal plus a fifth. The verse underscores the severity of violating the sanctity of offerings designated exclusively for the kohanim.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifra (a halachic midrash on Vayikra) comments on the phrase "כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה מְקַדְּשָׁם" ("for I the Lord do sanctify them"), explaining that the sanctity of the kohanim and the offerings is not a human institution but a divine decree. This reinforces the idea that the boundaries of holiness are set by Hashem and cannot be altered by human beings.

Key Themes

  • Guardianship of Holiness: The kohanim are entrusted with preserving the sanctity of the offerings and must prevent misuse.
  • Divine Authority: The source of all holiness is Hashem, and human beings must respect the boundaries He establishes.
  • Consequences of Transgression: Unauthorized consumption of sacred items carries severe spiritual repercussions, emphasizing the gravity of trespassing divine commandments.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 22:16 mean when it says 'cause them to bear the iniquity of trespass'?
A: According to Rashi, this verse warns the Kohanim (priests) that if they allow non-Kohanim to eat from the holy offerings (terumah or sacrifices), they will bear the sin of that trespass. The Kohanim have a responsibility to safeguard the sanctity of the holy items.
Q: Why is it forbidden for non-Kohanim to eat holy things?
A: The Rambam explains in Hilchos Terumos that holy items (like terumah or sacrifices) are designated exclusively for Kohanim as part of their sacred service. Non-Kohanim eating them violates their sanctity, as stated in the verse: 'for I the Lord do sanctify them'—meaning these items are set apart by Hashem for a specific holy purpose.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Leviticus 22:16 today?
A: The Talmud (Yevamos 86b) derives from this verse the importance of respecting boundaries in holiness. Just as Kohanim must protect sacred items from misuse, we must also treat mitzvos and holy matters with care, ensuring they are used properly and not treated lightly.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern times if we don't have the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the principle still applies to remaining holy matters. For example, the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 322) rules that terumah and maaser (tithes) in Israel today still carry sanctity and must be handled properly by Kohanim, reflecting the eternal message of this verse.