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Leviticus 7:30 - Hands bring sacred offerings before God

Leviticus 7:30 - ויקרא 7:30

Hebrew Text

יָדָיו תְּבִיאֶינָה אֵת אִשֵּׁי יְהוָה אֶת־הַחֵלֶב עַל־הֶחָזֶה יְבִיאֶנּוּ אֵת הֶחָזֶה לְהָנִיף אֹתוֹ תְּנוּפָה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

His own hands shall bring the offerings of the Lord made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the Lord.

Transliteration

Yadav tevi'ena et ishei Adonai et-hahelev al-hechazeh yevienu et hechazeh lehanif oto tenufah lifnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

יָדָ֣יו תְּבִיאֶ֔ינָה אֵ֖ת אִשֵּׁ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה אֶת־הַחֵ֤לֶב עַל־הֶֽחָזֶה֙ יְבִיאֶ֔נּוּ אֵ֣ת הֶחָזֶ֗ה לְהָנִ֥יף אֹת֛וֹ תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
יָדָ֣יו תְּבִיאֶ֔ינָה אֵ֖ת אִשֵּׁ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה אֶת־הַחֵ֤לֶב עַל־הֶֽחָזֶה֙ יְבִיאֶ֔נּוּ אֵ֣ת הֶחָזֶ֗ה לְהָנִ֥יף אֹת֛וֹ תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 7:30) describes the procedure for bringing certain korbanot (offerings), specifically the tenufah (wave offering) of the breast and the chelev (fat) before Hashem. This is part of the broader laws of zevach shelamim (peace offerings), which involve both the altar and the kohanim.

Key Components of the Verse

  • "His own hands shall bring" – Rashi explains that this emphasizes the personal involvement of the owner of the korban, who must physically bring the offering to the kohen. This teaches that one should not delegate the mitzvah to a messenger when possible, demonstrating personal commitment to the service of Hashem.
  • "The offerings of the Lord made by fire" – Rambam (Hilchot Ma’aseh HaKorbanot) clarifies that certain fats and organs were burned on the altar as a "fire offering" to Hashem, symbolizing complete devotion.
  • "The breast… that it may be waved" – The tenufah (waving) was a unique ritual where the kohen would move the breast forward and backward, up and down, acknowledging Hashem’s dominion over all directions (Talmud Menachot 61b). The Midrash (Sifra) adds that this act represents gratitude and submission to the Divine will.

Symbolism of the Tenufah

The waving of the breast (chazeh) and the thigh (shok, mentioned in adjacent verses) signifies that all aspects of a person’s life—both material (symbolized by the thigh, representing strength and movement) and spiritual (symbolized by the breast, near the heart)—must be dedicated to Hashem. The Kli Yakar explains that this teaches balance in avodat Hashem, ensuring that physical actions are elevated through spiritual intent.

Halachic Implications

According to the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah), the laws of tenufah apply specifically to certain korbanot, reinforcing the idea that offerings are not merely ritualistic but require proper kavanah (intention). The Mishneh LaMelech (commentary on Rambam) notes that the waving must be performed by a kohen, emphasizing the role of the priesthood in facilitating the connection between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 61b
The verse is discussed in the context of the waving of the breast offering (tenufah) and its significance in the sacrificial service.
📖 Zevachim 97a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper procedures for bringing offerings and the role of the priests in the sacrificial service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'wave offering' mean in Leviticus 7:30?
A: The 'wave offering' (tenufah) refers to a special ritual where the kohen (priest) would move the breast of the sacrifice in a waving motion—forward, backward, up, and down—before offering it to Hashem. Rashi explains this symbolizes acknowledging that everything belongs to G-d in all directions.
Q: Why is the breast specifically mentioned for the wave offering?
A: The breast (chazeh) represents emotions and the heart in Jewish thought. The Midrash teaches that waving it symbolizes dedicating one's deepest feelings and desires to serving Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 9:6) also notes this was a special portion given to the kohanim.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today, the Talmud (Berachos 6b) teaches that prayer replaces sacrifices. The wave offering reminds us to serve Hashem with our whole heart—through tefillah (prayer), Torah study, and acts of kindness—just as the kohen would dedicate the offering with full intention.