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Leviticus 7:24 - Forbidden fat's alternate purpose?

Leviticus 7:24 - ויקרא 7:24

Hebrew Text

וְחֵלֶב נְבֵלָה וְחֵלֶב טְרֵפָה יֵעָשֶׂה לְכָל־מְלָאכָה וְאָכֹל לֹא תֹאכְלֻהוּ׃

English Translation

And the fat of the beast that dies of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but you shall by no means eat of it.

Transliteration

Vechelev nevelah vechelev tereifah ye'aseh lechol-melachah ve'achol lo tocheluho.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְחֵ֤לֶב נְבֵלָה֙ וְחֵ֣לֶב טְרֵפָ֔ה יֵעָשֶׂ֖ה לְכׇל־מְלָאכָ֑ה וְאָכֹ֖ל לֹ֥א תֹאכְלֻֽהוּ׃
וְחֵ֤לֶב נְבֵלָה֙ וְחֵ֣לֶב טְרֵפָ֔ה יֵעָשֶׂ֖ה לְכׇל־מְלָאכָ֑ה וְאָכֹ֖ל לֹ֥א תֹאכְלֻֽהוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Eating Non-Sacrificial Animal Fat

The verse (Vayikra 7:24) prohibits consuming the fat (chelev) of an animal that died naturally (neveilah) or was torn by beasts (tereifah). While such fat may be used for other purposes (e.g., fuel, soap, or tanning), it is forbidden as food. This builds upon the broader Torah prohibition against eating certain fats, even from kosher animals.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that this verse extends the prohibition of chelev (forbidden fats) beyond the context of sacrificial animals (as discussed in earlier verses) to include non-sacrificial animals. Even though these animals were not slaughtered properly (and thus their meat is already forbidden), their fat remains prohibited independently.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 7:5), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that the fat of a neveilah or tereifah is forbidden like the fat of a properly slaughtered animal. The severity stems from the Torah's general prohibition against consuming chelev, which applies regardless of the animal's status.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this prohibition to the idea of holiness and separation. Just as certain fats were designated for altar offerings, the Torah forbids consuming other fats to instill discipline and reverence for sacred boundaries in dietary laws.

Practical Implications

  • The fat may be used for non-food purposes, such as manufacturing candles or lubricants (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 87:1).
  • This law reinforces the principle that kosher slaughter (shechitah) is essential for permitting an animal's meat and its fats.
  • The prohibition applies equally to Jews and non-Jews under the Noahide laws (Sanhedrin 56b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 117a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the prohibition of eating the fat of an animal that died naturally or was torn by beasts, emphasizing its use for other purposes but not for consumption.
📖 Pesachim 22b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the general prohibition of consuming certain fats, linking it to broader dietary laws and restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 7:24 mean?
A: Leviticus 7:24 prohibits eating the fat (chelev) of an animal that died naturally (neveilah) or was killed by another animal (tereifah). However, this fat may be used for other purposes, such as making soap or candles. This law is part of the Torah's dietary restrictions.
Q: Why is the fat of a neveilah or tereifah forbidden to eat?
A: The Torah forbids eating the fat of a neveilah or tereifah because these animals were not properly slaughtered (shechitah) in accordance with Jewish law. Rashi explains that consuming such fat would be spiritually harmful, as it comes from an impure source.
Q: Can the fat from a neveilah or tereifah be used for anything else?
A: Yes, the verse states that this fat may be used for 'any other use' (lechol melachah), such as non-food purposes like making candles, soap, or other household items. The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'achalos Asuros 7:5) confirms this practical application.
Q: How does this law apply today?
A: Today, Orthodox Jews still follow these laws by ensuring that all meat comes from properly slaughtered animals (shechitah) and avoiding the forbidden fats. Even if an animal is kosher but dies without proper slaughter, its fat remains prohibited for consumption.
Q: What is the difference between neveilah and tereifah?
A: Neveilah refers to an animal that died naturally or was not slaughtered according to Jewish law. Tereifah refers to an animal that was mortally wounded or torn by another animal (and thus also not properly slaughtered). Both are forbidden for consumption, as explained in the Talmud (Chullin 42a).