share torah logo

Leviticus 22:30 - Sacrifice's urgency: Divine command.

Leviticus 22:30 - ויקרא 22:30

Hebrew Text

בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יֵאָכֵל לֹא־תוֹתִירוּ מִמֶּנּוּ עַד־בֹּקֶר אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

On the same day it shall be eaten up; you shall leave none of it until the morrow: I am the Lord.

Transliteration

Bayom hahu ye'akhel lo-totiru mimeno ad-boker ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּיּ֤וֹם הַהוּא֙ יֵאָכֵ֔ל לֹֽא־תוֹתִ֥ירוּ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ עַד־בֹּ֑קֶר אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה׃
בַּיּ֤וֹם הַהוּא֙ יֵאָכֵ֔ל לֹֽא־תוֹתִ֥ירוּ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ עַד־בֹּ֑קֶר אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Vayikra 22:30) appears in the context of the laws concerning korbanot (sacrifices), specifically the thanksgiving offering (korban todah). The Torah emphasizes that the meat of this offering must be consumed on the same day it is sacrificed, with none left over until morning.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 22:30) explains that the phrase "On the same day it shall be eaten up" refers to the strict time limit for consuming the korban todah. Unlike other sacrifices that may be eaten over two days (e.g., the peace offering), the todah must be entirely consumed before dawn. Rashi connects this to the nature of the todah offering, which expresses gratitude for a miracle—deliverance from danger or illness. The urgency in consuming it reflects the immediacy of gratitude to Hashem.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 9:13), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that leaving any meat of the todah overnight renders it notar (leftover), which is forbidden and incurs the punishment of karet (spiritual excision). The Rambam emphasizes that this prohibition applies even if the meat was properly stored and did not spoil.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 9:7) teaches that the korban todah is linked to the future era of Mashiach, when all sacrifices will be expressions of thanksgiving. The requirement to consume it promptly symbolizes that in the messianic age, gratitude to Hashem will be immediate and unreserved, with no delay or hesitation.

Halachic Implications

  • The prohibition of notar applies only to sacrificial meat, not to ordinary food (Mishnah, Zevachim 5:4).
  • If any meat remains past dawn, it must be burned (Gemara, Pesachim 23a).
  • The phrase "I am the Lord" underscores that this is a divine decree, not subject to human logic (Sifra, Emor 14:10).

Symbolic Meaning

The Chassidic masters (e.g., the Sfat Emet) explain that the korban todah represents our recognition of Hashem's constant miracles. By consuming it quickly, we internalize the lesson that gratitude must be immediate and wholehearted, not postponed or half-hearted.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 41a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the Passover offering, specifically the requirement to consume it entirely on the same night and not leave any until morning.
📖 Yoma 49a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper handling and consumption of sacrificial offerings, emphasizing the importance of adhering to divine commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 22:30 mean when it says not to leave the sacrifice until morning?
A: Leviticus 22:30 instructs that certain sacrifices (like the Korban Todah, Thanksgiving Offering) must be eaten on the same day they are brought and not left overnight. Rashi explains that this teaches discipline and gratitude—we should not delay fulfilling mitzvot or showing thanks to Hashem. Leaving it overnight could lead to spoilage or disrespect for the sanctity of the offering.
Q: Why is it important to eat the sacrifice on the same day?
A: The Torah emphasizes eating the sacrifice immediately to highlight the freshness of our devotion to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos) teaches that delaying consumption diminishes the offering's sanctity. This applies to our attitude toward mitzvot today—we should perform them with enthusiasm and without delay.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 22:30 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of zerizut (alacrity) in serving Hashem. Just as the sacrifice must not be delayed, we should not procrastinate in doing mitzvot or expressing gratitude. The Talmud (Berachos 4b) praises those who perform mitzvot immediately, as it reflects sincerity and reverence.
Q: Does Leviticus 22:30 apply to any practices today?
A: While we no longer bring sacrifices, the principle applies to mitzvot like eating matzah on Pesach (which must be done promptly) or reciting Birkat Hamazon (thanks after meals) soon after eating. The Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 317) connects this to training ourselves in timely gratitude and avoiding neglect of spiritual duties.
Q: What does 'I am the Lord' at the end of the verse signify?
A: The phrase 'I am Hashem' reinforces that these laws are divine commandments, not human customs. Rashi notes that it reminds us to follow mitzvot with awe, recognizing Hashem's authority. The Midrash (Sifra) adds that this affirms His role as the ultimate Judge who ensures the fulfillment of His will.