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Leviticus 5:11 - Flour for the poor's atonement?

Leviticus 5:11 - ויקרא 5:11

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־לֹא תַשִּׂיג יָדוֹ לִשְׁתֵּי תֹרִים אוֹ לִשְׁנֵי בְנֵי־יוֹנָה וְהֵבִיא אֶת־קָרְבָּנוֹ אֲשֶׁר חָטָא עֲשִׂירִת הָאֵפָה סֹלֶת לְחַטָּאת לֹא־יָשִׂים עָלֶיהָ שֶׁמֶן וְלֹא־יִתֵּן עָלֶיהָ לְבֹנָה כִּי חַטָּאת הִיא׃

English Translation

But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an efa of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense upon it: for it is a sin offering.

Transliteration

Ve-im lo tasig yado lishtei torim o lishnei vnei-yona vehevi et-korbano asher chata asirit ha'efa solet lechatat lo-yasem aleha shemen ve-lo-yiten aleha levona ki chatat hi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־לֹא֩ תַשִּׂ֨יג יָד֜וֹ לִשְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֗ים אוֹ֮ לִשְׁנֵ֣י בְנֵי־יוֹנָה֒ וְהֵבִ֨יא אֶת־קׇרְבָּנ֜וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָטָ֗א עֲשִׂירִ֧ת הָאֵפָ֛ה סֹ֖לֶת לְחַטָּ֑את לֹא־יָשִׂ֨ים עָלֶ֜יהָ שֶׁ֗מֶן וְלֹא־יִתֵּ֤ן עָלֶ֙יהָ֙ לְבֹנָ֔ה כִּ֥י חַטָּ֖את הִֽוא׃
וְאִם־לֹא֩ תַשִּׂ֨יג יָד֜וֹ לִשְׁתֵּ֣י תֹרִ֗ים אוֹ֮ לִשְׁנֵ֣י בְנֵי־יוֹנָה֒ וְהֵבִ֨יא אֶת־קׇרְבָּנ֜וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָטָ֗א עֲשִׂירִ֧ת הָאֵפָ֛ה סֹ֖לֶת לְחַטָּ֑את לֹא־יָשִׂ֨ים עָלֶ֜יהָ שֶׁ֗מֶן וְלֹא־יִתֵּ֤ן עָלֶ֙יהָ֙ לְבֹנָ֔ה כִּ֥י חַטָּ֖את הִֽוא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Offering of the Poor

The verse (Vayikra 5:11) discusses the case where an individual cannot afford the standard sin offering of two turtledoves or pigeons and instead brings a tenth of an efa of fine flour. This demonstrates the Torah's compassion for those of limited means, ensuring that everyone has the ability to achieve atonement regardless of financial status (Rashi, Vayikra 5:11).

Exclusion of Oil and Frankincense

The flour offering for sin differs from standard meal offerings in two key ways:

  • No oil: Oil typically represents joy and richness (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 3:45). Its absence here signifies that sin diminishes one's spiritual joy and requires humility in repentance.
  • No frankincense: Frankincense produces a pleasant aroma when burned, symbolizing the elevation of the offering. Its omission indicates that a sin offering doesn't "rise up" in the same way as other offerings (Sforno, Vayikra 5:11).

Nature of the Sin Offering

The concluding phrase "כי חטאת הוא" ("for it is a sin offering") teaches that despite its humble form, this flour offering serves the same atoning function as animal sacrifices. The Talmud (Menachot 110a) derives from this that the poor person's offering is equally valid before Hashem, emphasizing that sincere repentance matters more than the monetary value of the sacrifice.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh Hakorbanot 1:4) rules that this flour offering follows the same general laws as other sin offerings, including:

  • It must be brought to the same location as animal sacrifices
  • It requires proper intent (kavanah) like all Temple offerings
  • It follows the same rules regarding who may eat it

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 2a
The verse is discussed in the context of the types of sin offerings and the conditions under which a flour offering is acceptable when one cannot afford the usual animal offerings.
📖 Menachot 104b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the requirements for sin offerings, particularly the prohibition of adding oil or frankincense to the flour offering for sin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 5:11 mean when it talks about bringing flour as a sin offering?
A: Leviticus 5:11 teaches that if someone cannot afford to bring birds (turtledoves or pigeons) as a sin offering, they may bring fine flour instead. This shows that Hashem considers sincere repentance accessible to everyone, regardless of financial means. Rashi explains that the flour offering is a humble alternative for those who cannot afford animal sacrifices.
Q: Why does the flour sin offering in Leviticus 5:11 not have oil or frankincense?
A: Oil and frankincense are typically added to grain offerings to make them more pleasant (as seen in other sacrifices). However, the Torah specifies that they are omitted from this sin offering (חַטָּאת) to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the need for humility in repentance. The Rambam notes that this teaches us that atonement requires sincere introspection, not external beauty.
Q: How does Leviticus 5:11 apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer bring physical offerings, the principle of Leviticus 5:11 still applies: Hashem accepts sincere repentance from every person, regardless of their means. The Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that prayer, charity, and Torah study serve as substitutes for sacrifices. This verse reminds us that heartfelt teshuva (repentance) is always within reach.
Q: What is the significance of the 'tenth of an efa' measurement in Leviticus 5:11?
A: The 'tenth of an efa' (about 2.2 liters) is a standard measurement for grain offerings, symbolizing completeness in serving Hashem. The Midrash (Sifra) connects this to the idea that repentance requires giving one's full effort—just as we tithe our produce (a tenth), we must dedicate ourselves fully to correcting our mistakes.