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Leviticus 22:26 - Divine command for animal offerings.

Leviticus 22:26 - ויקרא 22:26

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying,

Transliteration

Vayedaber Adonai el-Moshe lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Communication to Moshe

The verse "וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר" ("And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying") appears frequently in the Torah, introducing direct communication from Hashem to Moshe Rabbeinu. Rashi (Shemot 6:2) notes that this phrasing emphasizes the clarity and directness of Hashem's words, distinguishing it from other forms of prophecy, which may come through dreams or visions (see Bamidbar 12:6-8).

The Significance of "לֵּאמֹר"

The word "לֵּאמֹר" ("saying") is interpreted by the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 28:6) as an instruction for Moshe to transmit the message to Bnei Yisrael. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) explains that Moshe's role as the intermediary was unique—his prophecy was perfectly clear, without any distortion, making him the definitive conduit for Hashem's commandments.

  • Rashi's View: "לֵּאמֹר" implies that Moshe was to relay the words exactly as received, without alteration (Rashi on Shemot 19:7).
  • Ibn Ezra's Insight: The term underscores Moshe's obedience and precision in conveying divine instruction (Ibn Ezra on Shemot 6:10).

The Unique Relationship Between Hashem and Moshe

The Talmud (Yevamot 49b) teaches that Moshe was the only prophet to experience prophecy "פֶּה אֶל פֶּה" ("mouth to mouth"), a direct and unfiltered dialogue with Hashem. This verse exemplifies that intimacy, as it introduces countless commandments and teachings given to Moshe for Klal Yisrael.

The Ramban (Shemot 6:2) adds that this phrasing reinforces Moshe's unparalleled status as the greatest of all prophets, through whom the Torah was given to Am Yisrael for all generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean when the verse says 'And the Lord spoke to Moshe, saying'?
A: This phrase is a common introduction in the Torah indicating that Hashem is giving a new commandment or instruction to Moshe (Moses) to transmit to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this wording emphasizes that Moshe faithfully transmitted exactly what he heard from Hashem without adding or omitting anything.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat 'saying' after 'spoke' in this verse?
A: The double language of 'spoke... saying' teaches that Moshe was commanded to repeat these words to the leaders (Sanhedrin) and to all of Israel. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) derives from this that Torah leaders must properly transmit Hashem's commandments to the entire nation.
Q: What can we learn from how Hashem communicated with Moshe?
A: We learn several important principles: 1) Hashem communicates clearly with His prophets (Rambam Yesodei HaTorah 7), 2) Leadership requires faithfully transmitting messages (Rashi), and 3) Every word in the Torah is significant, even introductory phrases (Talmud Sanhedrin 99a).
Q: How does this verse relate to us today?
A: This teaches us that just as Moshe received Torah from Hashem and transmitted it accurately, we must receive our Torah tradition faithfully from authentic teachers today. The Mishnah in Avot (1:1) emphasizes this chain of transmission from Moshe to Joshua to the elders to the prophets to the Men of the Great Assembly.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Moshe by name here?
A: By specifying that Hashem spoke to Moshe, the Torah emphasizes Moshe's unique role as the primary transmitter of the Torah. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 3:15) explains that Moshe merited this because of his humility and willingness to serve Hashem completely.