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Leviticus 6:21 - Purifying sacrificial vessel laws

Leviticus 6:21 - ויקרא 6:21

Hebrew Text

וּכְלִי־חֶרֶשׂ אֲשֶׁר תְּבֻשַּׁל־בּוֹ יִשָּׁבֵר וְאִם־בִּכְלִי נְחֹשֶׁת בֻּשָּׁלָה וּמֹרַק וְשֻׁטַּף בַּמָּיִם׃

English Translation

But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken: and if it be boiled in a brass pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water.

Transliteration

U-khli-kheresh asher tevushal-bo yishaver ve-im bi-khli nechoshet bushala u-morak ve-shutaf ba-mayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּכְלִי־חֶ֛רֶשׂ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תְּבֻשַּׁל־בּ֖וֹ יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר וְאִם־בִּכְלִ֤י נְחֹ֙שֶׁת֙ בֻּשָּׁ֔לָה וּמֹרַ֥ק וְשֻׁטַּ֖ף בַּמָּֽיִם׃
וּכְלִי־חֶ֛רֶשׂ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תְּבֻשַּׁל־בּ֖וֹ יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר וְאִם־בִּכְלִ֤י נְחֹ֙שֶׁת֙ בֻּשָּׁ֔לָה וּמֹרַ֥ק וְשֻׁטַּ֖ף בַּמָּֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 6:21, discussing the laws of the Mincha (meal offering) and the purification of vessels used in its preparation. The Torah distinguishes between earthenware (kli cheres) and copper vessels (kli nechoshet) in terms of how they must be treated after contact with sanctified food.

Interpretation of Earthenware Vessels

Rashi (Vayikra 6:21) explains that an earthenware vessel used to cook a Mincha offering must be broken because it absorbs the sanctity of the offering into its walls. Unlike metal vessels, earthenware cannot be purified through rinsing or scouring due to its porous nature. The Talmud (Pesachim 30b) further elaborates that once a clay vessel absorbs sanctified food, the absorbed material cannot be removed, necessitating its destruction.

Interpretation of Copper Vessels

In contrast, a copper vessel does not absorb sanctified food in the same way. The verse states that it must be scoured and rinsed with water. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 8:5) clarifies that this process removes any residual sanctity. The Talmud (Zevachim 96a) notes that metal vessels can be purified because their non-porous nature allows for complete cleaning.

Underlying Principles

  • Absorption vs. Non-Absorption: Earthenware absorbs, while metal does not, leading to different purification requirements.
  • Kedushah (Sanctity): Sanctified food imparts a status that must be properly removed or contained.
  • Practical Halacha: These laws inform later discussions in kashrus (kosher dietary laws), particularly regarding vessels used for cooking.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) connects this law to a broader spiritual lesson: just as earthenware cannot be purified once defiled, certain spiritual impurities require complete transformation rather than superficial cleansing. Copper, however, represents resilience—able to be restored through effort.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 30b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of kashering vessels used for cooking, particularly focusing on the differences between earthenware and metal vessels.
📖 Avodah Zarah 33b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the purification of vessels that have been used for non-kosher purposes, emphasizing the requirement to break earthenware vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah say to break an earthen vessel used for cooking sacrifices?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Pesachim 30b), an earthenware vessel absorbs flavors and cannot be fully purified through regular washing. Since sacrificial food is holy, the vessel becomes sanctified and cannot be used for mundane purposes. Breaking it ensures no improper use of holy residue.
Q: Why is there a different rule for brass pots compared to earthenware?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 7:6) explains that metal vessels like brass can be purified through scouring and rinsing, as they don't absorb flavors like porous earthenware. This teaches us about the different levels of sanctity and how we must treat holy objects appropriately based on their material.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that just as we must be careful with vessels used for holy purposes, we must be mindful of how we use our 'vessels' - our bodies and possessions - for holy purposes. The verse reminds us to maintain purity in our actions and possessions when involved with sacred matters.
Q: Why does the Torah give such detailed laws about cooking vessels?
A: The Sforno explains that these laws teach us that holiness isn't just about intentions, but about practical details. How we prepare and handle sacred food matters, showing that every aspect of serving Hashem requires attention to both spiritual and physical cleanliness.
Q: Do these laws about vessels apply to modern kitchenware?
A: While these specific laws apply to the Temple service, the principle extends to how we treat items used for mitzvos today. For example, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 451:26) rules that we should have separate utensils for meat and dairy, showing how the concept of designated use continues in Jewish law.