Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 5:5 mean?
A: Leviticus 5:5 teaches the importance of verbal confession (וִדּוּי, vidui) when a person realizes they have sinned. According to Rashi, this verse emphasizes that repentance is incomplete without verbally acknowledging one's wrongdoing before Hashem. The Talmud (Yoma 86a) explains that confession is a crucial step in the teshuva (repentance) process.
Q: Why is confession important in Judaism?
A: Confession is a fundamental part of repentance in Judaism. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:1) lists confession as one of the essential steps of teshuva. By verbally admitting our sins, we take responsibility for our actions, demonstrate remorse, and commit to improving. This verse in Leviticus establishes the biblical basis for this practice.
Q: How does Leviticus 5:5 apply today?
A: Today, this verse reminds us that when we make mistakes, we must actively acknowledge them. During the Yom Kippur prayers and in personal supplications, Jews recite the 'Al Chet' confession, following this biblical principle. The Sages teach that even between man and his fellow, admitting wrongdoing is necessary for reconciliation (Talmud Yoma 85b).
Q: What can we learn from 'he shall confess that he has sinned'?
A: We learn that repentance requires honesty and humility. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) explains that just as the sin was done openly (in thought, speech or action), so too should the confession be. This teaches us not to hide our faults but to confront them directly to achieve spiritual growth.
Q: Does Leviticus 5:5 only apply to specific sins?
A: While the immediate context discusses certain sacrifices for unintentional sins, Rashi and the Talmud (Shevuot 13a) explain that the principle of confession applies to all sins. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 2:8) states that one should confess both major and minor transgressions, as this verse establishes a universal Torah value.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Vayikra 5:5) appears in the context of the Torah's discussion of korbanot (sacrifices) brought for unintentional sins, particularly those requiring a korban oleh v'yored (a sliding-scale offering based on one's financial means). This verse emphasizes the obligation of vidui (confession) as an essential component of the repentance process.
The Obligation of Confession (Vidui)
Rashi, citing Torat Kohanim, explains that the phrase "וְהִתְוַדָּה" ("he shall confess") refers to a verbal declaration of one's sin before Hashem. This is derived from the word "וְהִתְוַדָּה", which implies a spoken acknowledgment of wrongdoing. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:1) further elaborates that vidui is one of the essential steps of teshuvah (repentance), alongside regret, abandonment of sin, and resolution not to repeat the transgression.
Confession as Part of the Sacrificial Process
The Talmud (Yoma 36a) teaches that even when bringing a korban, the sinner must verbally confess their sin, as the verse states: "אֲשֶׁר חָטָא עָלֶיהָ" ("that he has sinned in that thing"). This underscores that the external act of bringing a sacrifice is insufficient without sincere internal repentance and verbal confession.
Specificity in Confession
The phrase "אֲשֶׁר חָטָא עָלֶיהָ" ("that he has sinned in that thing") indicates that the confession must be precise. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:2) rules that one must specify the sin in their confession rather than making a general statement of guilt. This specificity demonstrates true awareness and acceptance of responsibility.
The Power of Verbal Admission
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:5) highlights the importance of verbal confession by comparing it to a person who immerses in a mikveh while holding a contaminating object—until they let go, they remain impure. Similarly, verbal confession "releases" the sin, allowing repentance to take full effect.