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Leviticus 6:18 - Where is sin offering slaughtered?

Leviticus 6:18 - ויקרא 6:18

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־אַהֲרֹן וְאֶל־בָּנָיו לֵאמֹר זֹאת תּוֹרַת הַחַטָּאת בִּמְקוֹם אֲשֶׁר תִּשָּׁחֵט הָעֹלָה תִּשָּׁחֵט הַחַטָּאת לִפְנֵי יְהוָה קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים הִוא׃

English Translation

Speak to Aharon and to his sons, saying, This is the Tora of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the Lord: it is most holy.

Transliteration

Daber el-Aharon ve'el-banav lemor zot torat ha-chatat bimkom asher tishachet ha'olah tishachet ha-chatat lifnei Adonai kodesh kodashim hi.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּ֤ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶל־בָּנָ֣יו לֵאמֹ֔ר זֹ֥את תּוֹרַ֖ת הַֽחַטָּ֑את בִּמְק֡וֹם אֲשֶׁר֩ תִּשָּׁחֵ֨ט הָעֹלָ֜ה תִּשָּׁחֵ֤ט הַֽחַטָּאת֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה קֹ֥דֶשׁ קׇֽדָשִׁ֖ים הִֽוא׃
דַּבֵּ֤ר אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹן֙ וְאֶל־בָּנָ֣יו לֵאמֹ֔ר זֹ֥את תּוֹרַ֖ת הַֽחַטָּ֑את בִּמְק֡וֹם אֲשֶׁר֩ תִּשָּׁחֵ֨ט הָעֹלָ֜ה תִּשָּׁחֵ֤ט הַֽחַטָּאת֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה קֹ֥דֶשׁ קׇֽדָשִׁ֖ים הִֽוא׃

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Parasha Commentary

Location of the Sin Offering Slaughter

The verse commands that the sin offering (chatat) must be slaughtered in the same location as the burnt offering (olah), specifically in the northern part of the courtyard of the Mishkan (and later the Beit HaMikdash). Rashi (Vayikra 6:18) explains that this teaches that all sin offerings must be slaughtered in the north, as derived from the phrase "בִּמְקוֹם אֲשֶׁר תִּשָּׁחֵט הָעֹלָה" ("in the place where the burnt offering is killed"). The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:1) codifies this as halacha, stating that slaughtering a sin offering outside its designated area invalidates the offering.

Holiness of the Sin Offering

The verse concludes by emphasizing the supreme sanctity of the sin offering: "קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים הִוא" ("it is most holy"). The Sifra (Torat Kohanim, Vayikra 6:18) elaborates that this designation means the sin offering must be treated with the highest level of sanctity, similar to other kodshei kodashim (most holy offerings). This includes:

  • Only male Kohanim may eat it (Rambam, Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashin 19:1).
  • It must be eaten within the Azarah (Temple courtyard) (Zevachim 56b).
  • It must be consumed by the following morning (Vayikra 6:19).

Symbolism of the Sin Offering

The Kli Yakar (Vayikra 6:18) offers a deeper insight: the requirement to slaughter the sin offering in the same place as the burnt offering symbolizes that repentance (teshuva) must be accompanied by a complete return to Hashem, akin to the total devotion represented by the burnt offering. The northward direction also alludes to spiritual darkness (as per Yechezkel 1:4), reminding the sinner to turn away from wrongdoing and seek atonement.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Zevachim 5:1) derives from this verse that improper intent during slaughter can invalidate a sin offering. Since it is kodesh kodashim, it requires precise fulfillment of mitzvot. The Mishneh LaMelech (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 5:1) further notes that the sin offering's unique laws underscore its role in atoning for unintentional sins, requiring heightened sanctity to restore spiritual purity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 32b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the slaughtering of sin offerings and their comparison to burnt offerings.
📖 Menachot 5a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of sin offerings and their proper handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'This is the Tora of the sin offering' mean in Leviticus 6:18?
A: The phrase 'This is the Tora of the sin offering' refers to the detailed laws and procedures for bringing a sin offering (chatat) in the Temple. According to Rashi, this teaches that the sin offering must be slaughtered in the same place as the burnt offering (olah), emphasizing the seriousness and holiness of the atonement process.
Q: Why must the sin offering be slaughtered in the same place as the burnt offering?
A: The Torah specifies that the sin offering must be slaughtered in the same place as the burnt offering to highlight its sanctity. The Talmud (Zevachim 5:1) explains that this teaches us about the importance of consistency and order in divine service. Both offerings require the same level of reverence, as they are 'most holy' (kodesh kodashim).
Q: What does 'most holy' (kodesh kodashim) mean in this verse?
A: The term 'most holy' (kodesh kodashim) indicates that the sin offering has an exceptionally high level of sanctity. Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 10:1) explains that such offerings may only be eaten by male kohanim (priests) within the Temple courtyard, underscoring their sacred nature and the strict rules governing their handling.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sin offerings today without the Temple, the verse teaches us about the seriousness of repentance (teshuva) and atonement. The Talmud (Berachos 32b) explains that prayer, charity, and sincere repentance now take the place of sacrifices. The holiness and intentionality required for offerings remind us to approach repentance with reverence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the sin offering being 'most holy'?
A: The fact that the sin offering is 'most holy' teaches that even after wrongdoing, a person can achieve closeness to Hashem through sincere repentance. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) compares the sin offering to a person who cleanses themselves spiritually, showing that holiness is attainable through proper atonement and returning to the right path.