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Leviticus 5:17 - Unintentional sin's hidden weight?

Leviticus 5:17 - ויקרא 5:17

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־נֶפֶשׁ כִּי תֶחֱטָא וְעָשְׂתָה אַחַת מִכָּל־מִצְוֺת יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר לֹא תֵעָשֶׂינָה וְלֹא־יָדַע וְאָשֵׁם וְנָשָׂא עֲוֺנוֹ׃

English Translation

And if a person sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord; though he know it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.

Transliteration

Ve-im nefesh ki techeta ve-as'ta achat mikol-mitzvot Adonai asher lo te'aseina ve-lo yada ve-asham ve-nasa avono.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־נֶ֙פֶשׁ֙ כִּ֣י תֶֽחֱטָ֔א וְעָֽשְׂתָ֗ה אַחַת֙ מִכׇּל־מִצְוֺ֣ת יְהֹוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לֹ֣א תֵעָשֶׂ֑ינָה וְלֹֽא־יָדַ֥ע וְאָשֵׁ֖ם וְנָשָׂ֥א עֲוֺנֽוֹ׃
וְאִם־נֶ֙פֶשׁ֙ כִּ֣י תֶֽחֱטָ֔א וְעָֽשְׂתָ֗ה אַחַת֙ מִכׇּל־מִצְוֺ֣ת יְהֹוָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לֹ֣א תֵעָשֶׂ֑ינָה וְלֹֽא־יָדַ֥ע וְאָשֵׁ֖ם וְנָשָׂ֥א עֲוֺנֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

General Context

The verse (Vayikra 5:17) discusses the case of an individual who unknowingly violates a commandment of Hashem. Though the transgression was unintentional, the Torah still considers the person accountable and requires atonement.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this verse refers to a shogeg (unintentional sin) involving issurim (prohibitions) rather than mitzvot aseh (positive commandments). The phrase "מִכָּל־מִצְוֺת יְהוָה" ("any of the commandments of the Lord") specifically denotes negative commandments (לא תעשה). Rashi further clarifies that the person becomes aware of their sin after the fact, leading to a feeling of guilt and the need for repentance.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shegagot, the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates that even unintentional sins require a korban oleh v'yored (a sliding-scale offering) based on one's financial means. This underscores the principle that ignorance does not absolve responsibility—spiritual damage occurs regardless of intent, and atonement is necessary.

Talmudic Discussion (Horayot 8b)

The Talmud discusses whether this verse applies only to individuals or also to communal unintentional sins. The conclusion is that while individuals bring personal offerings, the community also has a collective responsibility to atone for inadvertent transgressions through the par he’elem davar (the bull offering for an erroneous ruling).

Midrashic Insight (Torat Kohanim)

The Midrash emphasizes that the phrase "וְנָשָׂא עֲוֺנוֹ" ("he shall bear his iniquity") teaches that sincere repentance and the korban lead to forgiveness. However, if one fails to repent, the iniquity remains. This aligns with the broader Torah principle that teshuva (repentance) is essential even for unintentional sins.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • One must strive for yirat shamayim (fear of Heaven) to avoid even accidental violations.
  • Upon realizing a transgression, one should seek atonement through viduy (confession) and, where applicable, a korban (today replaced by tefillah and tzedakah).
  • The verse reinforces the idea that spiritual vigilance is required in all aspects of mitzvah observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Horayot 8b
The verse is discussed in the context of unintentional sins and the atonement required for them.
📖 Keritot 26b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the guilt of unintentional sins and the sacrifices needed for atonement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 5:17 mean when it says someone is guilty even if they didn't know they sinned?
A: This verse teaches that unintentional sins still require atonement. According to Rashi, even if someone wasn't aware they violated a commandment, they are still spiritually accountable and must bring a sacrifice (in Temple times) or seek repentance (today). The Rambam explains this shows how seriously we must take all mitzvot.
Q: Why is this verse about unintentional sins important in Judaism?
A: This verse is fundamental because it teaches that spiritual purity matters even for accidental wrongdoings. The Talmud (Shevuot 26b) discusses how this applies to various situations. It reminds us to be constantly mindful of our actions and to regularly examine our behavior, as ignorance doesn't absolve responsibility before Hashem.
Q: How does Leviticus 5:17 apply to Jewish life today without the Temple?
A: While we can't bring sacrifices today, the principle remains. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 603) discusses how Yom Kippur atones for unintentional sins when accompanied by repentance. Many have the custom to say 'Al Chet' on Yom Kippur specifically mentioning 'sins committed unknowingly,' based on this verse.
Q: What kind of 'unintentional sins' does this verse refer to?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Shegagot 1:1) explains this includes cases where someone forgot the law, didn't realize their action was prohibited, or was unaware of the circumstances (like eating forbidden fat without knowing). The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) gives examples such as accidentally eating non-kosher food or violating Shabbat unknowingly.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about personal responsibility?
A: This teaches that we must actively learn Torah commandments to avoid unintentional violations. As the Talmud says (Chagigah 5a), 'Ignorance of the law is no excuse.' It inspires us to study regularly and be careful in our actions, knowing we're accountable even for mistakes made without malice.