share torah logo

Leviticus 3:11 - Divine fire consumes sacred offering.

Leviticus 3:11 - ויקרא 3:11

Hebrew Text

וְהִקְטִירוֹ הַכֹּהֵן הַמִּזְבֵּחָה לֶחֶם אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

And the priest shall burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to the Lord.

Transliteration

Vehiktiro hakohen hamizbe'acha lechem isheh la'Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִקְטִיר֥וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה לֶ֥חֶם אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְהִקְטִיר֥וֹ הַכֹּהֵ֖ן הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה לֶ֥חֶם אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָֽה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 3:11) discusses the burning of a sacrifice on the altar, referring to it as "lechem isheh laHashem" ("the food of the offering made by fire to the Lord"). This phrase highlights the sacrificial service as an act of devotion to Hashem.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the term "lechem isheh" (food of the offering) does not mean that Hashem literally consumes the sacrifice, but rather that it is pleasing to Him like food when His will is fulfilled. He cites the Talmud (Menachot 110a), which states that the sacrifices are a metaphor for human obedience, just as food sustains a person, so too do mitzvot sustain the world.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:46), Rambam explains that sacrifices were commanded as a means to wean Bnei Yisrael off idolatrous practices. The concept of "lechem isheh" elevates the act into a divine service, transforming a physical offering into a spiritual experience.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) compares the sacrifices to a king’s table—just as a king derives satisfaction from seeing his subjects honor him, so too does Hashem derive "pleasure" from the service of His people. The term "isheh" (fire-offering) also alludes to the burning passion one should have in serving Hashem.

Halachic Significance

  • The Kohen must perform the burning in accordance with strict halachic guidelines (Zevachim 2:1).
  • The sacrifice must be entirely consumed by the fire, symbolizing complete dedication to Hashem (Rambam, Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot 5:6).
  • The phrase "laHashem" emphasizes that the act must be done exclusively for divine service, not for personal gain (Sifra, Vayikra 1:9).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'food of the offering made by fire to the Lord' mean in Leviticus 3:11?
A: In Leviticus 3:11, the phrase refers to the korban shelamim (peace offering), which was burned on the altar as a gift to Hashem. Rashi explains that this offering symbolizes closeness and peace between the person bringing it and Hashem. The 'food' aspect represents that it is pleasing to Hashem, like a meal shared in friendship.
Q: Why is the priest the one who burns the offering in Leviticus 3:11?
A: The Torah assigns this role specifically to the kohen (priest) because he serves as an intermediary between the Jewish people and Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) teaches that only kohanim, who are sanctified for service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or Beit HaMikdash (Temple), may perform this sacred act to maintain the holiness of the offering.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 3:11 today if we don't have a Temple?
A: Although we cannot bring korbanot (offerings) today, the Talmud (Menachot 110a) teaches that Torah study and prayer can take their place. The verse reminds us to seek closeness to Hashem through our actions, just as the offering did. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) also explains that acts of kindness are like sacrifices, showing that the lesson of devotion remains relevant.
Q: What is the significance of the offering being burned completely in Leviticus 3:11?
A: The complete burning (isheh) symbolizes total dedication to Hashem. Rashi notes that the fire represents the divine presence accepting the offering. The Talmud (Zevachim 46a) teaches that this act shows we must offer our best to Hashem without holding back, just as the korban is entirely given over to Him.