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Leviticus 26:29 - Severe punishment for disobedience.

Leviticus 26:29 - ויקרא 26:29

Hebrew Text

וַאֲכַלְתֶּם בְּשַׂר בְּנֵיכֶם וּבְשַׂר בְּנֹתֵיכֶם תֹּאכֵלוּ׃

English Translation

And you shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall you eat.

Transliteration

Va'achaltem basar beneichem uvasar bonoteichem tochelu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֖ם בְּשַׂ֣ר בְּנֵיכֶ֑ם וּבְשַׂ֥ר בְּנֹתֵיכֶ֖ם תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃
וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֖ם בְּשַׂ֣ר בְּנֵיכֶ֑ם וּבְשַׂ֥ר בְּנֹתֵיכֶ֖ם תֹּאכֵֽלוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Vayikra 26:29) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section of severe warnings for failing to observe the mitzvos. This is one of the most extreme consequences described for abandoning the covenant with Hashem.

Literal and Metaphorical Interpretations

  • Rashi explains this as a literal prophecy fulfilled during the siege of Jerusalem (see Melachim II 6:28-29 and Eichah 4:10), where starvation led to horrific acts of cannibalism.
  • Ramban suggests this could also be understood metaphorically—when society collapses, people metaphorically "consume" their own children by neglecting their welfare or exploiting them for personal gain.

Midrashic Perspectives

The Sifra connects this curse to the sin of idolatry, noting that just as idolaters sacrificed children to their false gods (e.g., Molech), they would ultimately be reduced to consuming their own offspring in desperation.

Halachic and Ethical Implications

The Chofetz Chaim derives from this verse the gravity of causing suffering to one's family through neglect or cruelty, comparing it to the unthinkable act of cannibalism. The Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Taaniyos 1:1-4) cites this as an example of why we must repent to avoid such catastrophic punishments.

Kabbalistic Insight

The Arizal teaches that this curse represents the ultimate distortion of creation—where the nurturing relationship between parent and child is inverted into destruction, symbolizing the breakdown of divine sustenance when the Jewish people sever their connection to Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 19a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the severe consequences of famine and divine punishment, illustrating the extreme suffering that can befall a people.
📖 Gittin 56b
The verse is cited in the narrative about the siege of Jerusalem, where it is used to describe the horrific conditions and acts of desperation during times of extreme famine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:29 mean when it says 'you shall eat the flesh of your sons and daughters'?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke) in Leviticus, describing severe consequences if the Jewish people abandon Torah observance. Rashi explains that this refers to the horrors of famine during sieges, where extreme hunger could lead to such unthinkable acts (Rashi on Leviticus 26:29). The Talmud (Gittin 56a) also references this in describing the siege of Jerusalem.
Q: Why would the Torah include such a harsh warning in Leviticus 26:29?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:1) teaches that these severe warnings are meant to motivate people to repent and return to Torah observance. They show the tragic consequences of abandoning our covenant with Hashem, serving as a powerful deterrent against sin.
Q: Has this prophecy in Leviticus 26:29 ever actually happened?
A: Yes, the Talmud (Gittin 56a) describes how during the Roman siege of Jerusalem, a woman named Miriam bas Tanchum was forced to eat her own child due to starvation. The Midrash (Eichah Rabbah 1:16) also recounts similar tragedies during the destruction of the First Temple.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Leviticus 26:29?
A: The verse teaches us the vital importance of maintaining our Torah commitment. As the Sifra explains, these consequences only come when the Jewish people completely abandon Torah values. It reminds us that our spiritual choices have real-world consequences for ourselves and future generations.
Q: How do Jewish commentators explain such extreme punishments in the Torah?
A: The Ramban (Nachmanides on Leviticus 26:16) explains that these are natural consequences that unfold when society abandons morality and Divine law. The Talmud (Megillah 11a) also teaches that Hashem measures punishment precisely according to our actions, showing the seriousness of maintaining our covenant.