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Leviticus 7:33 - Priestly portion from peace offering

Leviticus 7:33 - ויקרא 7:33

Hebrew Text

הַמַּקְרִיב אֶת־דַּם הַשְּׁלָמִים וְאֶת־הַחֵלֶב מִבְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן לוֹ תִהְיֶה שׁוֹק הַיָּמִין לְמָנָה׃

English Translation

He among the sons of Aharon, that offers the blood of the peace offering, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for his part.

Transliteration

Hamakriv et-dam hashelamim ve'et-hachelev mibnei Aharon lo tihiyeh shok hayamin lemanah.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַמַּקְרִ֞יב אֶת־דַּ֧ם הַשְּׁלָמִ֛ים וְאֶת־הַחֵ֖לֶב מִבְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן ל֧וֹ תִהְיֶ֛ה שׁ֥וֹק הַיָּמִ֖ין לְמָנָֽה׃
הַמַּקְרִ֞יב אֶת־דַּ֧ם הַשְּׁלָמִ֛ים וְאֶת־הַחֵ֖לֶב מִבְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן ל֧וֹ תִהְיֶ֛ה שׁ֥וֹק הַיָּמִ֖ין לְמָנָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context (Vayikra 7:33)

This verse appears in Parshat Tzav (Vayikra 7:33) and discusses the distribution of portions from the zevach shelamim (peace offering). The Torah specifies that the shok hayamin (right thigh) is given as a terumah (portion) to the kohen (priest) who performs the sacrificial service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Vayikra 7:33) clarifies that the shok hayamin is designated specifically for the kohen who sprinkles the blood of the shelamim and burns its fat portions on the altar. This is a reward for his service, as the verse states: "lo tihyeh shok hayamin lemanah"—"the right thigh shall be his portion."

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 9:13) rules that the shok hayamin is one of the matnot kehunah (priestly gifts) given to the kohanim. Unlike other portions that may be shared among all kohanim, this part is reserved exclusively for the officiating kohen who performed the sacrificial rites.

Midrashic Insight

The Torat Kohanim (Sifra, Tzav 7:33) connects this verse to the broader theme of honoring those who serve in the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash. The right thigh, a choice portion, symbolizes strength and honor (as the right side is often associated with greater significance in Jewish tradition).

Symbolism of the Right Thigh

  • Strength: The thigh represents physical strength, and giving it to the kohen acknowledges his spiritual strength in divine service.
  • Honor: The right side is traditionally associated with higher status (e.g., seating at the right hand of a host). Thus, the kohen is honored for his labor.
  • Exclusivity: Unlike other priestly gifts, this portion is not shared—reinforcing the principle that one who performs sacred work merits a unique reward.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 61:1) codifies that this law applies even today in theoretical discussions of korbanot, though it is not practiced in the absence of the Beit HaMikdash. The kohanim retain their sanctity, and the laws of priestly gifts remain part of Torah study in anticipation of the future restoration of the Temple service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 96b
The verse is discussed in the context of the distribution of sacrificial portions to the priests, specifically regarding the right shoulder as a portion for the officiating priest.
📖 Chullin 132b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws pertaining to the priestly portions of sacrifices, emphasizing the right shoulder's allocation to the sons of Aharon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 7:33 mean?
A: Leviticus 7:33 discusses the portion of the peace offering (שְׁלָמִים) that is given to the Kohanim (priests from the sons of Aharon). Specifically, the priest who performs the service of sprinkling the blood and burning the fat receives the right thigh (שׁוֹק הַיָּמִין) as his portion. This is part of the Torah's detailed laws about sacrifices and the priestly duties.
Q: Why is the right thigh given to the Kohen in this verse?
A: The right thigh is considered a choice portion, symbolizing honor and respect for the Kohen's service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or later in the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that this portion is designated specifically for the Kohen who actively performs the sacrificial service, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and compensating those who serve in sacred roles.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 7:33 today?
A: Although we no longer bring sacrifices today, this verse teaches the importance of honoring those who dedicate themselves to spiritual leadership and communal service. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei Hamikdash) emphasizes that supporting Torah scholars and teachers follows a similar principle—recognizing their contributions to the community.
Q: How does this verse relate to other parts of the Torah?
A: This verse is part of a larger section in Vayikra (Leviticus) detailing the laws of sacrifices. It connects to other verses (e.g., Leviticus 10:14-15) that outline the portions given to the Kohanim. The Talmud (Chullin 132b) discusses the practical application of these laws, showing how they were implemented in Temple times.
Q: What is the significance of the peace offering (שְׁלָמִים) mentioned here?
A: The peace offering (שְׁלָמִים) was a voluntary sacrifice expressing gratitude, fulfillment of a vow, or general devotion to Hashem. Unlike other sacrifices, parts of it were eaten by the person bringing it, the Kohanim, and in some cases, others. The sharing of the meat symbolized unity and peace (שָׁלוֹם), as taught in Midrash Torat Kohanim.