share torah logo

Leviticus 22:27 - Wait seven days for sacrifice?

Leviticus 22:27 - ויקרא 22:27

Hebrew Text

שׁוֹר אוֹ־כֶשֶׂב אוֹ־עֵז כִּי יִוָּלֵד וְהָיָה שִׁבְעַת יָמִים תַּחַת אִמּוֹ וּמִיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי וָהָלְאָה יֵרָצֶה לְקָרְבַּן אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under its dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire to the Lord.

Transliteration

Shor o-kesev o-ez ki yivaled vehaya shiv'at yamim tachat imo umiyom hashmini vehal'ah yeratze lekorbam isheh lahashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

שׁ֣וֹר אוֹ־כֶ֤שֶׂב אוֹ־עֵז֙ כִּ֣י יִוָּלֵ֔ד וְהָיָ֛ה שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים תַּ֣חַת אִמּ֑וֹ וּמִיּ֤וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי֙ וָהָ֔לְאָה יֵרָצֶ֕ה לְקׇרְבַּ֥ן אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃
שׁ֣וֹר אוֹ־כֶ֤שֶׂב אוֹ־עֵז֙ כִּ֣י יִוָּלֵ֔ד וְהָיָ֛ה שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים תַּ֣חַת אִמּ֑וֹ וּמִיּ֤וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי֙ וָהָ֔לְאָה יֵרָצֶ֕ה לְקׇרְבַּ֥ן אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 22:27) establishes a halachic requirement regarding the minimum age for an animal to be offered as a korban (sacrifice) to Hashem. It specifies that a bull, sheep, or goat must remain with its mother for at least seven days after birth, and only from the eighth day onward may it be brought as an offering.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 22:27) explains that the Torah prohibits sacrificing an animal before its eighth day to prevent cruelty, as the animal is still considered weak and dependent on its mother during its first week of life. He also connects this law to the mitzvah of circumcision (brit milah), which occurs on the eighth day, suggesting a parallel between the sanctity of human life and the sanctity of korbanot.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 1:14), Rambam codifies this halacha, emphasizing that an animal younger than eight days old is pasul (invalid) for sacrifice. He further notes that this law applies universally, whether the offering is voluntary (nedavah) or obligatory (chovah).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 27:10) compares the seven-day waiting period to the seven days of creation, teaching that just as the world was not complete until the seventh day, an animal is not considered fully viable until after its first week.
  • Another Midrashic interpretation suggests that the eighth day symbolizes transcendence beyond the natural order, aligning with the idea that korbanot elevate the physical to the spiritual realm.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Chullin 22a) discusses whether this law applies to all sacrifices or only to certain types. The conclusion is that it applies universally, including olah, shelamim, and chatat offerings. The Gemara also notes that this law is derived from the phrase "לַיהוָה" ("to the Lord"), indicating that any offering must meet this standard of fitness.

Symbolic Meaning

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (commentary on Vayikra 22:27) explains that the seven-day period represents the natural world, while the eighth day signifies sanctity and dedication to divine service. By waiting until the eighth day, we acknowledge that korbanot are not merely natural acts but spiritual commitments to Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bekhorot 26b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the firstborn of animals and when they can be consecrated.
📖 Chullin 22a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper age for animals to be eligible for sacrifice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah say an animal must be at least 8 days old before being brought as an offering?
A: The Torah teaches that an animal must spend at least seven days with its mother before being eligible as a sacrifice (Leviticus 22:27). Rashi explains that this waiting period shows compassion for the mother animal, allowing her time to bond with her newborn. Additionally, the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 27:10) teaches that just as a baby boy enters the covenant of Abraham through circumcision on the eighth day, an animal becomes spiritually fit for sacrifice starting from the eighth day.
Q: What types of animals does Leviticus 22:27 refer to for sacrifices?
A: The verse specifically mentions three types of animals that could be brought as offerings: oxen (שׁוֹר), sheep (כֶשֶׂב), and goats (עֵז). These were among the primary animals used for sacrifices in the Temple. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 1:14) explains that these animals were chosen because they were commonly owned and valued, making their sacrifice meaningful.
Q: What is the significance of the 'eighth day' in Leviticus 22:27?
A: The eighth day holds special significance in Jewish tradition. Just as a baby boy is circumcised on the eighth day (Genesis 17:12), an animal becomes fit for sacrifice starting from the eighth day. The Talmud (Chullin 22a) teaches that this parallel shows how both humans and animals can achieve higher spiritual purposes—humans through mitzvot and animals through sacrifices when the Temple stood.
Q: Does Leviticus 22:27 apply to animals today?
A: While the laws of animal sacrifices are currently not practiced due to the absence of the Holy Temple, the principles behind this verse remain relevant. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 294) explains that this commandment teaches us compassion for animals and respect for the natural bond between mother and offspring. These ethical values continue to guide Jewish behavior in all times.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'seven days under its mother' before sacrifice?
A: The seven-day period ensures that the newborn animal has time to nurse and gain strength from its mother before being considered for sacrifice. Rashi (on Leviticus 22:27) notes that this demonstrates the Torah's concern for animal welfare. The Midrash (Sifra Emor 7:3) also connects this to the seven days of creation, showing that all creatures deserve proper care as part of Hashem's world.