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Leviticus 22:3 - Impurity bars sacred service.

Leviticus 22:3 - ויקרא 22:3

Hebrew Text

אֱמֹר אֲלֵהֶם לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם כָּל־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרַב מִכָּל־זַרְעֲכֶם אֶל־הַקֳּדָשִׁים אֲשֶׁר יַקְדִּישׁוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לַיהוָה וְטֻמְאָתוֹ עָלָיו וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מִלְּפָנַי אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

Say to them, Whoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that approaches the holy things, which the children of Yisra᾽el hallow to the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Emor alehem ledoroteichem kol-ish asher-yikrav mikol-zar'akhem el-hakodashim asher yakdishu venei-Yisrael la'Adonai vetumato alav venichreta hanefesh hahi milfanai ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֱמֹ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֗ם לְדֹרֹ֨תֵיכֶ֜ם כׇּל־אִ֣ישׁ <b>׀</b> אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרַ֣ב מִכׇּל־זַרְעֲכֶ֗ם אֶל־הַקֳּדָשִׁים֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַקְדִּ֤ישׁוּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה וְטֻמְאָת֖וֹ עָלָ֑יו וְנִכְרְתָ֞ה הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ הַהִ֛וא מִלְּפָנַ֖י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
אֱמֹ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֗ם לְדֹרֹ֨תֵיכֶ֜ם כׇּל־אִ֣ישׁ ׀ אֲשֶׁר־יִקְרַ֣ב מִכׇּל־זַרְעֲכֶ֗ם אֶל־הַקֳּדָשִׁים֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יַקְדִּ֤ישׁוּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה וְטֻמְאָת֖וֹ עָלָ֑יו וְנִכְרְתָ֞ה הַנֶּ֧פֶשׁ הַהִ֛וא מִלְּפָנַ֖י אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 22:3, within a section detailing the laws of kohanim (priests) and their obligations regarding the sanctity of the kodashim (holy offerings). The Torah emphasizes the severe consequences of a kohen approaching sacred items while in a state of tumah (ritual impurity).

Explanation of the Prohibition

Rashi explains that this verse warns kohanim not to partake of terumah (priestly offerings) or other sanctified items while in a state of impurity. The phrase "וְטֻמְאָתוֹ עָלָיו" ("his uncleanness upon him") refers to any form of tumah, whether from contact with a corpse (tumat met) or other impure sources. The punishment of karet (being "cut off") underscores the severity of violating this prohibition.

The Concept of Karet

According to Rambam in Hilchot Terumot (6:6), karet in this context refers to a divinely ordained punishment, either premature death or the loss of one's share in the World to Come. The Talmud (Yevamot 7a) further discusses that karet applies only when the transgression is intentional (mezid), whereas an unintentional violation requires a sin offering.

The Sanctity of Kodashim

The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Leviticus) elaborates that the phrase "אֲשֶׁר יַקְדִּישׁוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לַיהוָה" ("which the children of Israel sanctify to the Lord") includes all consecrated items, such as sacrifices, terumah, and first fruits. The Kli Yakar adds that the repetition of "אֲנִי יְהוָה" ("I am the Lord") at the end of the verse reinforces that this law is a divine decree, not subject to human reasoning.

Practical Implications

  • A kohen must ensure he is ritually pure before handling or consuming sanctified items.
  • The prohibition applies to all future generations ("לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם"), indicating its eternal relevance.
  • The severity of karet highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the Mishkan (and later, the Beit HaMikdash).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of ritual purity and the consequences of approaching holy things while impure.
📖 Keritot 2a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the penalties for various transgressions, including approaching holy things in a state of impurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to be 'cut off' in Leviticus 22:3?
A: According to Rashi and Talmudic sources (Keritot 2a), being 'cut off' (כרת) refers to a severe spiritual punishment where the person loses their share in the World to Come (Olam Haba). Some opinions also say it may involve premature death. This applies to someone who intentionally enters the Temple or handles sacred items while ritually impure.
Q: Why is ritual purity so important when approaching holy things?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash 2:1-2) explains that holiness requires separation from impurity. Just as physical dirt would be inappropriate in a royal palace, spiritual impurity is unfit in sacred spaces. This teaches us to approach holy matters with proper reverence and preparation.
Q: Does Leviticus 22:3 still apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot currently bring sacrifices or enter the Temple, the principle remains relevant. The Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chaim 88:1) applies this concept to prayer - we should avoid praying while in a state of impurity (such as after bodily functions) to show respect when approaching Hashem, just as the verse teaches about holiness.
Q: What counts as 'holy things' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains this refers specifically to Temple sacrifices (korbanot), terumah (priestly food offerings), and other sanctified items. The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) details that this includes anything consecrated for Temple use. The severity comes from treating holy objects with disrespect while impure.