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Leviticus 5:16 - Repentance through restitution and sacrifice

Leviticus 5:16 - ויקרא 5:16

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר חָטָא מִן־הַקֹּדֶשׁ יְשַׁלֵּם וְאֶת־חֲמִישִׁתוֹ יוֹסֵף עָלָיו וְנָתַן אֹתוֹ לַכֹּהֵן וְהַכֹּהֵן יְכַפֵּר עָלָיו בְּאֵיל הָאָשָׁם וְנִסְלַח לוֹ׃

English Translation

And he shall make amends for the wrong that he has done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part to it, and give it to the priest: and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and it shall be forgiven him.

Transliteration

Ve'et asher chata min-hakodesh yeshalem ve'et chamishito yosef alav venatan oto lakohen vekohen yechaper alav be'eil ha'asham venislach lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁר֩ חָטָ֨א מִן־הַקֹּ֜דֶשׁ יְשַׁלֵּ֗ם וְאֶת־חֲמִֽישִׁתוֹ֙ יוֹסֵ֣ף עָלָ֔יו וְנָתַ֥ן אֹת֖וֹ לַכֹּהֵ֑ן וְהַכֹּהֵ֗ן יְכַפֵּ֥ר עָלָ֛יו בְּאֵ֥יל הָאָשָׁ֖ם וְנִסְלַ֥ח לֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְאֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁר֩ חָטָ֨א מִן־הַקֹּ֜דֶשׁ יְשַׁלֵּ֗ם וְאֶת־חֲמִֽישִׁתוֹ֙ יוֹסֵ֣ף עָלָ֔יו וְנָתַ֥ן אֹת֖וֹ לַכֹּהֵ֑ן וְהַכֹּהֵ֗ן יְכַפֵּ֥ר עָלָ֛יו בְּאֵ֥יל הָאָשָׁ֖ם וְנִסְלַ֥ח לֽוֹ׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

General Context of the Verse

This verse (Vayikra 5:16) discusses the laws of me'ilah (misuse of sanctified property) and the required restitution when someone unintentionally benefits from hekdesh (property consecrated to the Beit HaMikdash). The Torah outlines a process of repentance, restitution, and atonement for such transgressions.

Explanation of the Restitution Process

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר חָטָא מִן־הַקֹּדֶשׁ יְשַׁלֵּם" ("he shall make amends for the wrong that he has done in the holy thing") refers to repaying the principal amount of the misused sanctified property. The additional "חֲמִישִׁתוֹ" (a fifth) is a penalty imposed by the Torah, bringing the total repayment to 125% of the original value (Rashi on Vayikra 5:16).

The Role of the Kohen

The verse states that the repayment must be given to the Kohen. The Rambam (Hilchot Me'ilah 8:8) clarifies that this applies specifically to cases where the misused property belonged to the Kohanim (such as terumah). If the property belonged to the Beit HaMikdash treasury (hekdesh), it would be returned there instead.

Atonement Through the Asham Offering

The "אֵיל הָאָשָׁם" (ram of the guilt offering) serves as the means of atonement. The Talmud (Keritot 25a) explains that this offering atones even if the sinner was unaware of his transgression at the time. The Kohen's role in offering the sacrifice facilitates divine forgiveness, as indicated by the concluding words "וְנִסְלַח לוֹ" ("and it shall be forgiven him").

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Sacred Property Must Be Treated with Reverence: Even unintentional misuse requires restitution and atonement.
  • Financial Accountability: The additional fifth teaches that repentance involves going beyond mere repayment.
  • Role of the Kohen: The Kohen serves as an intermediary in the process of atonement for sins involving sancta.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Keritot 25a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of guilt offerings (asham) and the requirement to add a fifth when making restitution for misusing sacred property.
📖 Bava Kamma 110a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the obligation to repay the principal plus a fifth when one has misappropriated sacred property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 5:16 mean?
A: Leviticus 5:16 discusses the process of atonement for someone who unintentionally misused or took something holy (like Temple property or sacrifices). The person must repay the value of what was taken, add an extra fifth (20%), and bring a guilt offering (אֵיל הָאָשָׁם) to the kohen (priest). The kohen then performs the atonement ritual, and the person is forgiven.
Q: Why is adding a fifth (20%) necessary in Leviticus 5:16?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Kritot 26a), adding a fifth serves as both restitution and a penalty to emphasize the seriousness of misusing holy items. The extra amount ensures the person takes responsibility and discourages carelessness with sacred things.
Q: What is the 'ram of the guilt offering' mentioned in Leviticus 5:16?
A: The 'ram of the guilt offering' (אֵיל הָאָשָׁם) is a specific sacrifice brought for certain sins, including misuse of holy property. The Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh Hakorbanot 1:4) explains that this offering helps achieve atonement when combined with sincere repentance and restitution.
Q: Does Leviticus 5:16 apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today without the Temple, the principles still apply. The Mishnah (Shekalim 5:1) and later halachic authorities teach that the obligation to repay and add a fifth remains for misusing holy objects (like synagogue property). Repentance (תשובה) and restitution are always required for forgiveness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 5:16?
A: This verse teaches the importance of respecting sacred things and taking responsibility for mistakes. Even unintentional wrongs require active correction—repayment, an extra penalty, and spiritual atonement. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) connects this to the broader idea that true repentance involves fixing the wrong and committing to better behavior.