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Leviticus 7:18 - Third-day offering: rejected?

Leviticus 7:18 - ויקרא 7:18

Hebrew Text

וְאִם הֵאָכֹל יֵאָכֵל מִבְּשַׂר־זֶבַח שְׁלָמָיו בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי לֹא יֵרָצֶה הַמַּקְרִיב אֹתוֹ לֹא יֵחָשֵׁב לוֹ פִּגּוּל יִהְיֶה וְהַנֶּפֶשׁ הָאֹכֶלֶת מִמֶּנּוּ עֲוֺנָהּ תִּשָּׂא׃

English Translation

And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offering be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed to him who offers it: it shall be an abomination, and the person that eats of it shall bear his iniquity.

Transliteration

Ve'im he'akhol ye'akhel mibesar zevach shelamav bayom hashlishi lo yeratzeh hamakriv oto lo yechashev lo pigul yihyeh vehanefesh ha'ochelet mimenu avonah tissa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִ֣ם הֵאָכֹ֣ל יֵ֠אָכֵ֠ל מִבְּשַׂר־זֶ֨בַח שְׁלָמָ֜יו בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֮ לֹ֣א יֵרָצֶה֒ הַמַּקְרִ֣יב אֹת֗וֹ לֹ֧א יֵחָשֵׁ֛ב ל֖וֹ פִּגּ֣וּל יִהְיֶ֑ה וְהַנֶּ֛פֶשׁ הָאֹכֶ֥לֶת מִמֶּ֖נּוּ עֲוֺנָ֥הּ תִּשָּֽׂא׃
וְאִ֣ם הֵאָכֹ֣ל יֵ֠אָכֵ֠ל מִבְּשַׂר־זֶ֨בַח שְׁלָמָ֜יו בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֮ לֹ֣א יֵרָצֶה֒ הַמַּקְרִ֣יב אֹת֗וֹ לֹ֧א יֵחָשֵׁ֛ב ל֖וֹ פִּגּ֣וּל יִהְיֶ֑ה וְהַנֶּ֛פֶשׁ הָאֹכֶ֥לֶת מִמֶּ֖נּוּ עֲוֺנָ֥הּ תִּשָּֽׂא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Vayikra 7:18) discusses the laws of zevach shelamim (peace offerings), specifically addressing the prohibition against eating the sacrificial meat on the third day. This is part of the broader Torah laws concerning the proper time frame for consuming sacrifices, emphasizing the sanctity and timely fulfillment of mitzvot.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that if the meat of the shelamim is eaten on the third day, it is considered pigul (an abomination). The term pigul refers to a sacrifice that becomes invalid due to improper intent during its offering (e.g., if the kohen had in mind to eat or sacrifice it outside its designated time). Rashi emphasizes that the sacrifice will not be credited to the one who brought it, and the one who eats it bears the weight of sin (avon).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos (Laws of Sacrificial Procedures), Rambam elaborates that the prohibition against eating on the third day is rooted in the idea of maintaining the sanctity of the offering. He notes that the Torah sets strict boundaries for consumption to ensure the sacrifice retains its holy status. Violating these boundaries renders the offering unacceptable and carries spiritual consequences.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) connects this verse to the broader theme of zrizin makdimin l'mitzvos (the diligent perform mitzvot promptly). Delaying the consumption of the sacrifice beyond its allotted time reflects negligence in fulfilling a divine commandment, which is spiritually detrimental. The phrase "lo yechashev lo" (it shall not be imputed to him) underscores that the mitzvah loses its merit when not performed correctly.

Halachic Implications

  • The meat of shelamim must be eaten by the end of the second day; eating it on the third day violates a Torah prohibition.
  • The sacrifice becomes pigul if improper intent was present during its offering, invalidating it entirely.
  • The one who eats the meat transgresses a sin and bears spiritual responsibility (avon).

Spiritual Lessons

This verse teaches the importance of hiddur mitzvah (enhancing the performance of commandments) by adhering to their precise requirements. It also highlights the concept of zechirah (mindfulness) in avodas Hashem, as even unintentional neglect can lead to spiritual loss. The severity of pigul serves as a reminder that mitzvot must be approached with proper intent and timeliness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 23b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of sacrifices and the prohibition of eating sacrificial meat beyond its permitted time.
📖 Zevachim 29a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the invalidation of sacrifices and the consequences of improper consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 7:18 mean?
A: Leviticus 7:18 discusses the laws of the peace offering (זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים). It states that if any part of the offering is eaten on the third day, it becomes invalid (פִּגּוּל) and is not accepted. The person who eats it bears spiritual responsibility (עֲוֺנָהּ תִּשָּׂא). Rashi explains that this teaches the importance of following the Torah's precise instructions regarding sacrifices.
Q: Why is eating a peace offering on the third day forbidden?
A: The Torah limits the time for eating a peace offering to two days (the day it is offered and the following night). Eating it on the third day violates this commandment, rendering it invalid (פִּגּוּל). The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos) explains that this law emphasizes discipline in fulfilling mitzvos properly and respecting the sanctity of sacrifices.
Q: What does 'pigul' mean in Leviticus 7:18?
A: The term פִּגּוּל (pigul) refers to a sacrifice that becomes invalid due to improper intentions or actions, such as eating it outside its designated time. The Talmud (Zevachim 29a) teaches that pigul invalidates the offering, and one who eats it transgresses a prohibition. Rashi notes that pigul reflects a lack of reverence for the mitzvah.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 7:18 today?
A: Although we no longer bring sacrifices, this verse teaches the importance of adhering to halachic details and deadlines in mitzvos. The Sforno explains that neglecting time-sensitive commandments shows disrespect for divine service. Today, this applies to prayers, Shabbat observance, and other time-bound mitzvos.
Q: What does 'bearing iniquity' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'עֲוֺנָהּ תִּשָּׂא' (bearing iniquity) means the person who eats the invalid offering incurs spiritual guilt. The Rambam (Hilchos Meilah 8:8) explains that this requires repentance and atonement. The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) connects this to the broader principle that intentional misuse of sacred items carries consequences.