share torah logo

Leviticus 23:13 - Grain offering with wine?

Leviticus 23:13 - ויקרא 23:13

Hebrew Text

וּמִנְחָתוֹ שְׁנֵי עֶשְׂרֹנִים סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ וְנִסְכֹּה יַיִן רְבִיעִת הַהִין׃

English Translation

And the meal offering thereof shall be two tenth measures of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire to the Lord for a sweet savour: and its drink offering shall be of wine, the fourth part of a hin.

Transliteration

Uminchato shnei esronim solet belula vashemen ishe lahashem re'ach nichoach venisco yayin revi'at hahin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִנְחָתוֹ֩ שְׁנֵ֨י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים סֹ֣לֶת בְּלוּלָ֥ה בַשֶּׁ֛מֶן אִשֶּׁ֥ה לַיהֹוָ֖ה רֵ֣יחַ נִיחֹ֑חַ וְנִסְכֹּ֥ה יַ֖יִן רְבִיעִ֥ת הַהִֽין׃
וּמִנְחָתוֹ֩ שְׁנֵ֨י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים סֹ֣לֶת בְּלוּלָ֥ה בַשֶּׁ֛מֶן אִשֶּׁ֥ה לַיהֹוָ֖ה רֵ֣יחַ נִיחֹ֑חַ וְנִסְכֹּ֥ה יַ֖יִן רְבִיעִ֥ת הַהִֽין׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the details of the meal offering (מִנְחָה) and its accompanying wine libation (נִסְכֹּה) brought as part of the sacrificial service in the Beit HaMikdash. According to Rashi (Vayikra 23:13), this offering is associated with the Korban Omer (the barley offering brought on the second day of Pesach) and the Korban Shavuot (the wheat offering brought on Shavuot). The fine flour (סֹלֶת) represents the highest quality of grain, symbolizing the dedication of one's finest possessions to Hashem.

Components of the Meal Offering

  • Two Tenth Measures of Fine Flour (שְׁנֵי עֶשְׂרֹנִים סֹלֶת): The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 13:4) explains that an isaron (tenth measure) is a specific volume measurement, totaling approximately 4.3 liters. Two tenths signify completeness, as seen in other offerings (e.g., the daily Tamid offering).
  • Mingled with Oil (בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן): The oil represents richness and Divine favor. The Talmud (Menachos 76a) discusses the precise method of mixing, ensuring the flour is thoroughly saturated with oil, symbolizing the infusion of Torah wisdom into one's deeds.
  • An Offering Made by Fire (אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה): The burning of the offering on the altar signifies total devotion to Hashem, as fire transforms the physical into the spiritual (Midrash Tanchuma, Tzav 14).

The Drink Offering (נִסְכֹּה)

The wine libation, a quarter of a hin (approximately 1 liter), accompanies the meal offering. The Talmud (Sukkah 49b) teaches that wine symbolizes joy, indicating that serving Hashem should be done with simcha (joy). The hin measurement is significant, as it appears in multiple sacrificial contexts, reinforcing the idea of consistency in Divine service.

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 27:5) interprets the "sweet savor" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ) as an expression of Divine pleasure in the sincere service of the Jewish people. The combination of flour, oil, and wine represents the integration of physical sustenance (flour), spiritual elevation (oil), and joy (wine) in avodas Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 104a
The verse is discussed in the context of the meal offerings and the measurements of flour and oil required for them.
📖 Keritot 6a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper proportions for meal offerings and drink offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the meal offering (mincha) in Leviticus 23:13?
A: The meal offering (mincha) mentioned in Leviticus 23:13 consists of fine flour mixed with oil and is brought as a fire offering to Hashem. According to Rashi, this offering accompanies certain sacrifices, like the Omer offering during Passover, and symbolizes gratitude and dedication to G-d. The 'sweet savor' represents Divine acceptance when offered with proper intent.
Q: Why is wine included as a drink offering in this verse?
A: The wine libation (nesech) in Leviticus 23:13—a quarter hin of wine—complements the meal offering. The Talmud (Menachot 89b) explains that wine symbolizes joy and sanctity in service to Hashem. Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 2:3) notes that drink offerings were poured at the base of the altar, demonstrating complete devotion.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the details of this offering?
A: The precise measurements (two tenths of flour, a quarter hin of wine) teach the importance of order and exactness in serving Hashem, as emphasized in Jewish law (halacha). The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 27:5) also highlights that even 'simple' flour offerings—when given sincerely—are precious to G-d, teaching humility in our spiritual efforts.
Q: How does this verse connect to the festivals in Judaism?
A: Leviticus 23:13 refers to the offerings brought on the second day of Passover, when the Omer (barley offering) was given. The Chizkuni explains that this meal offering and wine libation were part of the communal thanksgiving for the new harvest, linking physical sustenance (flour, wine) to spiritual gratitude during the festival.