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Numbers 18:32 - Priests' sacred duty: purity matters

Numbers 18:32 - במדבר 18:32

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־תִשְׂאוּ עָלָיו חֵטְא בַּהֲרִימְכֶם אֶת־חֶלְבּוֹ מִמֶּנּוּ וְאֶת־קָדְשֵׁי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא תְחַלְּלוּ וְלֹא תָמוּתוּ׃

English Translation

And you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have set aside from it the best of it: nor shall you pollute the holy things of the children of Yisra᾽el, lest you die.

Transliteration

Ve-lo tis'u alav chet baharimchem et-chelbo mimeno ve-et-kadshei bnei-Yisrael lo techalelu ve-lo tamutu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־תִשְׂא֤וּ עָלָיו֙ חֵ֔טְא בַּהֲרִֽימְכֶ֥ם אֶת־חֶלְבּ֖וֹ מִמֶּ֑נּוּ וְאֶת־קׇדְשֵׁ֧י בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל לֹ֥א תְחַלְּל֖וּ וְלֹ֥א תָמֽוּתוּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְלֹֽא־תִשְׂא֤וּ עָלָיו֙ חֵ֔טְא בַּהֲרִֽימְכֶ֥ם אֶת־חֶלְבּ֖וֹ מִמֶּ֑נּוּ וְאֶת־קׇדְשֵׁ֧י בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל לֹ֥א תְחַלְּל֖וּ וְלֹ֥א תָמֽוּתוּ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 22:15, within the broader discussion of the sanctity of terumah (heave offerings) and kodashim (holy sacrifices). The Torah here warns the Kohanim (priests) about properly separating the choicest portions of offerings and not desecrating sacred items.

Explanation of the Prohibition

The phrase "וְלֹא־תִשְׂאוּ עָלָיו חֵטְא" ("And you shall bear no sin by reason of it") refers to the proper separation of the cheilev (fat portions) and other designated parts of sacrifices. Rashi explains that if the Kohanim fail to properly remove these portions before consuming the remainder, they incur guilt (Toras Kohanim). The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 10:12) elaborates that this applies specifically to terumah and kodashim kalim (lesser holy offerings).

Desecration of Sacred Items

The warning "וְאֶת־קָדְשֵׁי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא תְחַלְּלוּ" ("nor shall you pollute the holy things of the children of Israel") is interpreted by the Sifra as prohibiting any misuse or improper benefit from sanctified items. The Kli Yakar adds that this includes even unintentional disrespect, such as delaying the consumption of terumah beyond its permitted time.

Severity of the Transgression

The concluding phrase "וְלֹא תָמוּתוּ" ("lest you die") underscores the gravity of these laws. The Gemara (Zevachim 97b) states that improper handling of sacrifices can lead to kareis (spiritual excision). The Or HaChaim explains that this serves as a reminder that the Kohanim must maintain the highest level of sanctity in their service.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 305) rules that terumah must be separated carefully to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
  • The Mishnah Berurah (Biur Halacha 242) cites this verse as a source for the principle that one must be scrupulous in matters of sanctity.
  • The Chofetz Chaim in Ahavas Chesed applies this concept to all mitzvos, emphasizing that negligence in spiritual matters carries severe consequences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 27b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding the proper separation of terumah (heave offering) and the consequences of improper handling of sacred offerings.
📖 Zevachim 97b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity of sacrifices and the prohibition against desecrating holy items, emphasizing the severe consequences of such actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 18:32 mean?
A: Numbers 18:32 instructs the Kohanim (priests) to properly separate the best portions (the 'chelev' or fat) from offerings and not misuse the holy things of Bnei Yisrael (the children of Israel). If they fail to do so, they would bear sin and face severe consequences. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the importance of handling sacred items with proper respect and care.
Q: Why is it important not to misuse holy things according to this verse?
A: The verse warns that misusing or profaning holy things (such as sacrifices or priestly gifts) is a serious offense that could lead to death. The Rambam (Hilchot Me'ilah) elaborates that holiness requires proper treatment, and violating this principle undermines the sanctity of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) service and the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 18:32 today?
A: Even though the Temple is not standing today, this verse teaches us the importance of treating sacred objects (such as Torah scrolls, tefillin, or synagogue items) with reverence. The Talmud (Megillah 26b) extends this principle to all holy items, emphasizing that disrespect toward them is a spiritual failing.
Q: Who was this commandment directed to in the Torah?
A: This commandment was specifically directed to the Kohanim (priests), who were responsible for handling sacrifices and offerings in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar) explains that they had to be extra careful in separating the proper portions to avoid sin.
Q: What does 'not bearing sin' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase means that if the Kohanim properly separated the required portions (like the 'chelev' or fat) from the offerings, they would avoid committing a sin. Rashi clarifies that negligence in this duty would make them liable, highlighting the precision required in divine service.