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Leviticus 4:35 - Fat removed, sin atoned, forgiven.

Leviticus 4:35 - ויקרא 4:35

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־כָּל־חֶלְבָּה יָסִיר כַּאֲשֶׁר יוּסַר חֵלֶב־הַכֶּשֶׂב מִזֶּבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים וְהִקְטִיר הַכֹּהֵן אֹתָם הַמִּזְבֵּחָה עַל אִשֵּׁי יְהוָה וְכִפֶּר עָלָיו הַכֹּהֵן עַל־חַטָּאתוֹ אֲשֶׁר־חָטָא וְנִסְלַח לוֹ׃

English Translation

and he shall take away all its fat, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offering; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, upon the pyres of the Lord: and the priest shall make atonement for his sin that he has committed, and it shall be forgiven him.

Transliteration

Ve'et kol khelba yasir ka'asher yusar khelev hakesem mizevakh hashelamim vehiktiyr hakohen otam hamizbe'akha al ishey Adonai vekhiper alav hakohen al khatato asher khata venislakh lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־כׇּל־חֶלְבָּ֣הּ יָסִ֗יר כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר יוּסַ֥ר חֵֽלֶב־הַכֶּ֘שֶׂב֮ מִזֶּ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים֒ וְהִקְטִ֨יר הַכֹּהֵ֤ן אֹתָם֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה עַ֖ל אִשֵּׁ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה וְכִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧יו הַכֹּהֵ֛ן עַל־חַטָּאת֥וֹ אֲשֶׁר־חָטָ֖א וְנִסְלַ֥ח לֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְאֶת־כׇּל־חֶלְבָּ֣הּ יָסִ֗יר כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר יוּסַ֥ר חֵֽלֶב־הַכֶּ֘שֶׂב֮ מִזֶּ֣בַח הַשְּׁלָמִים֒ וְהִקְטִ֨יר הַכֹּהֵ֤ן אֹתָם֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה עַ֖ל אִשֵּׁ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה וְכִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧יו הַכֹּהֵ֛ן עַל־חַטָּאת֥וֹ אֲשֶׁר־חָטָ֖א וְנִסְלַ֥ח לֽוֹ׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Removal of the Fat (חֵלֶב) in the Sin Offering

The verse describes the process of removing the fat (חֵלֶב) from a sin offering (חַטָּאת) and burning it on the altar, similar to the procedure for a peace offering (שְׁלָמִים). Rashi (Vayikra 4:35) explains that this comparison teaches that the fat of the sin offering is removed and offered in the same manner as the fat of the peace offering, despite their different purposes. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:13) elaborates that the fats from certain organs—specifically those covering the kidneys, the diaphragm, and the liver—must be removed and burned on the altar, as they are considered the choicest parts.

The Role of the Kohen in Atonement

The verse emphasizes the Kohen's role in effecting atonement (כִּפֶּר) for the sinner. The Talmud (Zevachim 7a) states that the proper burning of the fats on the altar is essential for the atonement process. The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 4:35) adds that the Kohen serves as an intermediary, ensuring the offering is accepted by Hashem. The phrase "וְנִסְלַח לוֹ" ("and it shall be forgiven him") indicates that sincere repentance, coupled with the proper sacrificial service, results in divine forgiveness.

Symbolism of the Fat

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:4) interprets the removal of the fat as symbolic of removing arrogance and indulgence, as fat represents luxury and excess. By offering the fat on the altar, the sinner demonstrates humility and a commitment to spiritual refinement. The Sforno (Vayikra 4:35) further explains that burning the fat—the richest part of the animal—signifies dedicating one's material blessings to divine service.

The Connection Between Sin Offering and Peace Offering

The comparison to the peace offering (שְׁלָמִים) suggests a deeper relationship between repentance and reconciliation. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar, Vayikra 4:35) notes that even in the context of sin, the process mirrors that of the peace offering, teaching that atonement ultimately restores harmony between the sinner and Hashem. This aligns with the Talmudic principle (Yoma 86a) that sincere repentance transforms intentional sins into merits.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 49b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of sacrifices, specifically regarding the removal of fat from the sacrifice and its burning on the altar.
📖 Keritot 6b
The verse is cited in a discussion about atonement and forgiveness of sins through sacrifices, emphasizing the role of the priest in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 4:35 teach about atonement?
A: Leviticus 4:35 teaches that when a person brings a sin offering (korban chatat), the kohen (priest) removes the fat and burns it on the altar. Through this process, atonement is achieved, and the person's sin is forgiven. This highlights the importance of the sacrificial system in achieving spiritual purification, as explained in the Talmud (Zevachim 7a) and Rashi's commentary.
Q: Why is the fat removed and burned in Leviticus 4:35?
A: The fat (chelev) is considered the choicest part of the animal and is designated exclusively for Hashem, as stated in Leviticus 3:16. Rashi explains that burning the fat on the altar symbolizes complete devotion to G-d. The removal and burning of the fat are essential steps in the sin offering process, demonstrating that atonement requires giving something of value.
Q: How does Leviticus 4:35 apply today without the Temple?
A: Since we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), we cannot bring sacrifices. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:3) teaches that sincere repentance (teshuvah), prayer (tefillah), and charity (tzedakah) now serve in place of sacrifices. The principle of seeking forgiveness through sincere effort remains central in Jewish life.
Q: What is the significance of the priest's role in Leviticus 4:35?
A: The kohen (priest) acts as an intermediary in the atonement process, performing the sacrificial rites on behalf of the sinner. The Talmud (Yoma 36a) emphasizes that the kohen’s service facilitates forgiveness, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding people toward repentance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'and it shall be forgiven him' in Leviticus 4:35?
A: This phrase teaches that sincere repentance, accompanied by the proper korban (offering) in Temple times, leads to complete forgiveness. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) explains that G-d is merciful and eagerly accepts repentance, encouraging us to always seek spiritual improvement.