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Leviticus 3:2 - Sacrifice with priestly devotion.

Leviticus 3:2 - ויקרא 3:2

Hebrew Text

וְסָמַךְ יָדוֹ עַל־רֹאשׁ קָרְבָּנוֹ וּשְׁחָטוֹ פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְזָרְקוּ בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֲנִים אֶת־הַדָּם עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ סָבִיב׃

English Translation

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tent of Meeting: and Aharon’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on the altar round about.

Transliteration

Vesamakh yado al-rosh korbano ushchato petach ohel moed vezarku bnei Aharon hakohanim et-hadam al-hamizbe'ah saviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְסָמַ֤ךְ יָדוֹ֙ עַל־רֹ֣אשׁ קׇרְבָּנ֔וֹ וּשְׁחָט֕וֹ פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְזָרְק֡וּ בְּנֵי֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים אֶת־הַדָּ֛ם עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב׃
וְסָמַ֤ךְ יָדוֹ֙ עַל־רֹ֣אשׁ קׇרְבָּנ֔וֹ וּשְׁחָט֕וֹ פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְזָרְק֡וּ בְּנֵי֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים אֶת־הַדָּ֛ם עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִֽיב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Meaning of Laying Hands (Semichah)

The act of laying one's hand (semichah) on the head of the offering, as described in the verse, is interpreted by Rashi (Vayikra 1:4) as a symbolic gesture of transferring ownership and atonement. The owner presses his hands firmly on the animal, acknowledging his sins and symbolically transferring them to the korban (offering). The Talmud (Menachot 93b) further explains that semichah must be performed with full force, using both hands, to demonstrate sincerity and complete submission to Hashem's will.

Location of the Slaughter

The verse specifies that the slaughter must take place at the opening of the Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed). Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot 5:6) teaches that this requirement ensures the sanctity of the act, as it must be performed in a designated holy space under priestly supervision. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) adds that this location symbolizes the connection between the individual’s repentance and the Divine Presence.

Role of the Kohanim

The verse emphasizes that Aharon’s sons, the Kohanim, are responsible for sprinkling the blood on the altar. Rashi (Vayikra 1:5) notes that this highlights the exclusive role of the Kohanim in the sacrificial service. The Talmud (Zevachim 2a) elaborates that the blood must be cast in a specific manner—surrounding the altar (saviv)—to ensure proper fulfillment of the mitzvah. The blood represents the life force (nefesh) of the animal, and its sprinkling signifies the elevation of the offering to Hashem.

Symbolism of the Blood

  • Atonement: The blood serves as the primary means of kaparah (atonement), as stated in Vayikra 17:11: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have assigned it to you upon the altar to atone for your souls." (Ramban, Vayikra 1:5)
  • Divine Service: The sprinkling around the altar represents the complete dedication of the offering to Hashem, as taught in Torat Kohanim.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 32a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the proper procedure for slaughtering sacrifices, particularly the requirement to lay hands on the head of the offering and the role of the priests in sprinkling the blood.
📖 Menachot 93b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the placement of hands on offerings and the specific locations where certain sacrificial rites must be performed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'lay his hand upon the head of his offering' in Leviticus 3:2?
A: According to Rashi, laying one's hand on the animal's head (called 'semichah') symbolizes transferring ownership and personal connection to the sacrifice. It represents the person's acknowledgment that this offering is being brought in their place to atone for them.
Q: Why was the animal slaughtered at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 32a) explains that slaughtering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting emphasizes the sacred nature of the sacrifice. This location was designated as the proper place for ritual slaughter to maintain the holiness of the act and connect it to the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: What is the significance of sprinkling the blood on the altar?
A: The Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed 3:46) teaches that the blood represents life, and sprinkling it on the altar symbolizes dedicating one's life force to serving Hashem. The act also serves as a physical demonstration of atonement, as blood plays a central role in the purification process.
Q: Why were only Aaron's sons (the priests) allowed to sprinkle the blood?
A: The Torah designates the kohanim (priests) as the only ones permitted to perform certain Temple services. As Rashi explains on Leviticus 1:5, this maintains order in the sacrificial process and honors the special sanctity of the priesthood established at Mount Sinai.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jews today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today, the Talmud (Berachos 32b) teaches that prayer replaces sacrifices. The act of semichah (laying hands) reminds us to approach prayer with the same sincerity and personal connection as one would bring an offering. Additionally, acts of charity and repentance serve similar atoning functions (Proverbs 16:6).