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Numbers 15:5 - Wine offering for lamb sacrifice?

Numbers 15:5 - במדבר 15:5

Hebrew Text

וְיַיִן לַנֶּסֶךְ רְבִיעִית הַהִין תַּעֲשֶׂה עַל־הָעֹלָה אוֹ לַזָּבַח לַכֶּבֶשׂ הָאֶחָד׃

English Translation

And the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.

Transliteration

Veyayin lanesech revi'it hahin ta'aseh al-ha'olah o lazavach lakeves ha'echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיַ֤יִן לַנֶּ֙סֶךְ֙ רְבִיעִ֣ית הַהִ֔ין תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה עַל־הָעֹלָ֖ה א֣וֹ לַזָּ֑בַח לַכֶּ֖בֶשׂ הָאֶחָֽד׃
וְיַ֤יִן לַנֶּ֙סֶךְ֙ רְבִיעִ֣ית הַהִ֔ין תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה עַל־הָעֹלָ֖ה א֣וֹ לַזָּ֑בַח לַכֶּ֖בֶשׂ הָאֶחָֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 15:5) discusses the requirement of a nesech hayayin (wine libation) to accompany certain korbanot (sacrifices). Specifically, it mandates a quarter-hin of wine for each lamb offered as an olah (burnt offering) or zevach (peace offering). This teaches us about the integral role of wine in the avodah (Temple service).

Measurement of the Wine Libation

Rashi (on Bamidbar 15:4) explains that a hin is a liquid measure equal to 12 logim, making a quarter-hin equivalent to 3 logim. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 2:3) further clarifies that this measurement was standard for a single lamb, with larger animals requiring more wine according to the Torah's specifications.

Purpose of the Wine Libation

  • Symbol of Joy: The Talmud (Yoma 76a) teaches that wine represents simcha (joy), and its inclusion in korbanot signifies serving Hashem with happiness.
  • Completion of the Offering: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7) states that the wine libation "completes" the korban, as it is poured on the altar after the blood and fats are offered.
  • Elevation of Mundane Acts: The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 15:5) notes that wine, a physical pleasure, is sanctified when used in avodah, teaching us to elevate worldly matters for spiritual purposes.

Halachic Details

The Mishnah (Menachos 8:7) discusses the proper way to pour the wine libation, specifying that it was poured into one of two silver funnel-like vessels on the southwest corner of the altar. The Gemara (Sukkah 49a) emphasizes that the wine libation was inseparable from the korban itself—omitting it invalidated the offering.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 15:5 mean?
A: Numbers 15:5 instructs that when bringing a burnt offering (olah) or sacrifice (zevach), one must also offer a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering (nesech) for each lamb. This teaches that offerings in the Temple involved not just animal sacrifices but also wine libations, showing completeness in serving Hashem.
Q: Why is the drink offering important?
A: The drink offering (nesech hayayin) symbolizes joy and gratitude to Hashem, as wine represents simcha (joy) in Jewish tradition (see Tehillim 104:15). The Rambam explains that these details highlight the importance of serving Hashem with both physical actions (sacrifices) and spiritual devotion (symbolized by wine).
Q: How much is a 'quarter hin' of wine?
A: A hin is a biblical liquid measure. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Menachot 89a), a quarter hin equals approximately 1.5 modern liters (though exact measurements vary among commentators). This precise measurement teaches the importance of following Torah commandments carefully.
Q: Does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring physical offerings without the Temple, the Talmud (Berachot 55a) teaches that Torah study and prayer now substitute for sacrifices. The principle remains—serving Hashem requires both action (like prayer) and heartfelt joy (like the wine offering). The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos) also discusses how these laws will be reinstated in the future Temple.
Q: Why is wine specifically chosen for the drink offering?
A: Wine represents elevation (as it intoxicates) and simcha (joy), symbolizing how serving Hashem should elevate us spiritually and be done with happiness (Devarim 28:47). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7) also connects wine to the future redemption, showing the deeper meaning behind Temple rituals.