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Leviticus 26:40 - Repentance reconnects exiled souls.

Leviticus 26:40 - ויקרא 26:40

Hebrew Text

וְהִתְוַדּוּ אֶת־עֲוֺנָם וְאֶת־עֲוֺן אֲבֹתָם בְּמַעֲלָם אֲשֶׁר מָעֲלוּ־בִי וְאַף אֲשֶׁר־הָלְכוּ עִמִּי בְּקֶרִי׃

English Translation

And they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary to me;

Transliteration

Vehitvadu et-avonam ve'et-avon avotam bema'alam asher ma'alu-bi ve'af asher-halchu imi bekri.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִתְוַדּ֤וּ אֶת־עֲוֺנָם֙ וְאֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן אֲבֹתָ֔ם בְּמַעֲלָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר מָֽעֲלוּ־בִ֑י וְאַ֕ף אֲשֶׁר־הָֽלְכ֥וּ עִמִּ֖י בְּקֶֽרִי׃
וְהִתְוַדּ֤וּ אֶת־עֲוֺנָם֙ וְאֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן אֲבֹתָ֔ם בְּמַעֲלָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר מָֽעֲלוּ־בִ֑י וְאַ֕ף אֲשֶׁר־הָֽלְכ֥וּ עִמִּ֖י בְּקֶֽרִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Confession of Iniquity in Vayikra (Leviticus) 26:40

The verse from Vayikra 26:40 discusses the concept of vidui (confession) as a prerequisite for repentance and redemption. The Torah emphasizes that the Jewish people must acknowledge not only their own sins but also the transgressions of their ancestors. This dual confession is essential for achieving full teshuvah (repentance).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on this verse, noting that the phrase "וְהִתְוַדּוּ אֶת־עֲוֺנָם" ("they shall confess their iniquity") refers to verbal confession, a fundamental step in repentance. He explains that acknowledging sin aloud demonstrates sincerity and humility before Hashem. Additionally, Rashi interprets "וְאֶת־עֲוֺן אֲבֹתָם" ("and the iniquity of their fathers") as recognizing that later generations may have perpetuated the same sinful behaviors as their ancestors, thus bearing responsibility for correcting those patterns.

Rambam on Vidui

In Hilchot Teshuvah (1:1), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates on the necessity of confession, stating that one must specify their sins rather than offering a general admission. This aligns with the detailed phrasing in the verse: "בְּמַעֲלָם אֲשֶׁר מָעֲלוּ־בִי" ("with their trespass which they trespassed against me"). The Rambam teaches that true repentance requires both remorse and a commitment to change.

The Concept of "Walking Contrary" (בְּקֶרִי)

The term "בְּקֶרִי" ("contrary") is interpreted by the Midrash (Sifra Bechukotai 8:1) as implying a rebellious, willful rejection of Hashem’s commandments. The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that this describes a mindset of indifference or defiance, where one disregards divine providence. True repentance requires abandoning this attitude and realigning with Hashem’s will.

Lessons from the Talmud

  • Yoma 86b teaches that confession is so powerful it can transform intentional sins into merits when accompanied by sincere repentance.
  • Sanhedrin 43b emphasizes that acknowledging ancestral sins prevents their repetition, fulfilling the verse’s call to break negative generational cycles.

Practical Application

This verse underscores that repentance is not only personal but also communal. The Jewish people must collectively recognize historical and ongoing shortcomings to merit redemption. The Or HaChaim (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar) adds that confessing ancestral sins inspires humility, as it reminds individuals that they are part of a larger spiritual legacy requiring correction.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 86b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of confession (vidui) for repentance, particularly on Yom Kippur.
📖 Sanhedrin 43b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the necessity of confessing one's sins before execution, drawing a parallel to the biblical requirement of confession.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers' in Leviticus 26:40?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish interpretation, this verse teaches that true repentance (teshuvah) requires acknowledging not only one's own sins but also recognizing the wrongdoings of previous generations. This does not mean taking personal blame for ancestors' actions, but rather understanding how past mistakes may have influenced the present. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Teshuvah that confession (vidui) is a crucial step in the repentance process.
Q: Why is confession important in Judaism based on Leviticus 26:40?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 86b) teaches that confession is essential for complete repentance. This verse shows that G-d expects us to verbally acknowledge our wrongdoings. The Sages explain that saying our sins out loud helps us take responsibility and commit to change. This principle forms the basis for the Vidui (confession) prayers said during Yom Kippur and throughout the year when seeking forgiveness.
Q: What does 'walked contrary to me' mean in Leviticus 26:40?
A: Rashi explains this phrase ('הלכו עמי בקרי') refers to behaving toward G-d with casualness or indifference, rather than with proper reverence and commitment. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) compares this to someone who only remembers G-d during times of trouble but forgets Him during good times. It teaches that our relationship with G-d should be consistent and sincere, not occasional or convenience-based.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:40 apply to Jewish practice today?
A: This verse establishes the ongoing mitzvah of vidui (confession), which we practice especially during the High Holidays but also whenever we seek forgiveness. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1) rules that confessing is obligatory for every sin. Additionally, it reminds us to learn from historical mistakes - both personal and communal - to improve our relationship with G-d. Many Jews reflect on this concept during Selichot prayers before Rosh Hashanah.
Q: Why does the verse mention confessing fathers' sins along with one's own?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that children often continue the negative patterns of their ancestors. By acknowledging these inherited tendencies, we can break harmful cycles. However, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 27b) clarifies that each person is only judged for their own actions. The confession of ancestral sins means recognizing how we might have been influenced by them, not taking personal guilt for them. This idea is reflected in the Al Chet prayer where we say 'for the sin we committed before You knowingly and unknowingly.'