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Leviticus 4:24 - Sin offering's atonement ritual

Leviticus 4:24 - ויקרא 4:24

Hebrew Text

וְסָמַךְ יָדוֹ עַל־רֹאשׁ הַשָּׂעִיר וְשָׁחַט אֹתוֹ בִּמְקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִשְׁחַט אֶת־הָעֹלָה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה חַטָּאת הוּא׃

English Translation

and he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the Lord: it is a sin offering.

Transliteration

Vesamakh yado al-rosh hasa'ir veshakhat oto bimkom asher-yishkhat et-ha'olah lifnei Adonai chatat hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְסָמַ֤ךְ יָדוֹ֙ עַל־רֹ֣אשׁ הַשָּׂעִ֔יר וְשָׁחַ֣ט אֹת֗וֹ בִּמְק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִשְׁחַ֥ט אֶת־הָעֹלָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה חַטָּ֖את הֽוּא׃
וְסָמַ֤ךְ יָדוֹ֙ עַל־רֹ֣אשׁ הַשָּׂעִ֔יר וְשָׁחַ֣ט אֹת֗וֹ בִּמְק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִשְׁחַ֥ט אֶת־הָעֹלָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה חַטָּ֖את הֽוּא׃

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Context: The Yom Kippur Service

This verse (Vayikra 16:9) describes part of the Yom Kippur service, specifically the ritual of the sa'ir la'Hashem (the goat designated for Hashem). The Kohen Gadol would lay his hands on the goat's head, confess the sins of the nation, and then slaughter it as a chatat (sin offering). This parallels the earlier sa'ir la'Azazel (scapegoat), but with key differences in their ultimate purposes.

The Semicha (Laying of Hands)

Rashi explains that the act of semicha (laying hands) symbolizes transferring the sins of Bnei Yisrael onto the goat. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 3:14) elaborates that this is a physical demonstration of the sinner's remorse and commitment to repentance, as the sinner actively participates in the atonement process.

Location of the Slaughter

The verse specifies that the goat must be slaughtered in the same place as the olah (burnt offering). The Talmud (Zevachim 53b) teaches that this refers to the northern side of the Mizbeach (altar), which was designated for slaughtering most korbanot. This detail emphasizes the sanctity and precision required in the avodah (Temple service).

Nature of the Chatat

The concluding words "chatat hu" (it is a sin offering) are interpreted by the Sifra to clarify that this goat atones specifically for tum'at Mikdash u'kodashav (defilement of the Temple and its holy objects). Unlike the scapegoat, which atoned for all other sins, this offering addressed violations of the Temple's sanctity.

Symbolism and Lessons

  • The semicha teaches that repentance requires active participation, not just passive regret (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1).
  • The precise location underscores that atonement must be sought through proper channels—in this case, the divinely ordained Temple service.
  • The dual goats (one for Hashem, one for Azazel) represent the balance between divine judgment and mercy (Vayikra Rabbah 21:9).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 36b
The verse is discussed in the context of the Yom Kippur service, specifically regarding the ritual of the scapegoat and the sin offering.
📖 Zevachim 5a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper place and manner of slaughtering sacrifices, particularly the sin offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'lay his hand upon the head of the goat' in Leviticus 4:24?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, laying hands (semichah) on the animal's head symbolizes transferring one's sins onto the goat. This act represents taking responsibility for wrongdoing and seeking atonement through the korban (offering).
Q: Why was the sin offering slaughtered in the same place as the burnt offering?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 5:3) explains that both sin offerings and burnt offerings were slaughtered in the same area of the Temple courtyard (north of the altar) to teach that all sacrifices require proper intention and holiness. This unity of location emphasizes the seriousness of repentance.
Q: What is the significance of the sin offering being 'before the Lord'?
A: The phrase 'before the Lord' reminds us that repentance isn't just a ritual—it requires sincere intention directed toward G-d. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:1) teaches that true repentance involves confessing before G-d and committing to change.
Q: How do we apply the concept of sin offerings today without the Temple?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 32b) teaches that prayer, charity, and fasting serve as substitutes for sacrifices. On Yom Kippur, we still confess while beating our chests (Vidui) just as the Kohen would confess over the goat (Vayikra Rabba 3:3).
Q: Why does the verse emphasize that the goat 'is a sin offering'?
A: This clarification appears in the Torah to distinguish between different types of offerings. Rashi explains that this specifies it atones specifically for unintentional sins (shogeg), unlike guilt offerings (asham) which have different rules (see Leviticus 5:14-26).