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Numbers 19:5 - Purification through complete sacrifice.

Numbers 19:5 - במדבר 19:5

Hebrew Text

וְשָׂרַף אֶת־הַפָּרָה לְעֵינָיו אֶת־עֹרָהּ וְאֶת־בְּשָׂרָהּ וְאֶת־דָּמָהּ עַל־פִּרְשָׁהּ יִשְׂרֹף׃

English Translation

and the heifer shall be burnt in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall be burnt:

Transliteration

Vesaraf et-haparah le'enav et-ora ve'et-bsarah ve'et-dama al-pirsha yisrof.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׂרַ֥ף אֶת־הַפָּרָ֖ה לְעֵינָ֑יו אֶת־עֹרָ֤הּ וְאֶת־בְּשָׂרָהּ֙ וְאֶת־דָּמָ֔הּ עַל־פִּרְשָׁ֖הּ יִשְׂרֹֽף׃
וְשָׂרַ֥ף אֶת־הַפָּרָ֖ה לְעֵינָ֑יו אֶת־עֹרָ֤הּ וְאֶת־בְּשָׂרָהּ֙ וְאֶת־דָּמָ֔הּ עַל־פִּרְשָׁ֖הּ יִשְׂרֹֽף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Burning of the Parah Adumah (Red Heifer)

The verse describes the process of burning the Parah Adumah (Red Heifer), a unique mitzvah in the Torah that purifies those who have become ritually impure through contact with the dead. The detailed instructions emphasize the complete consumption of the heifer by fire, including its skin, flesh, blood, and dung.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 19:5) notes that the phrase "in his sight" refers to the Kohen performing the ritual, ensuring he witnesses the entire burning process. This underscores the importance of the Kohen's direct involvement and supervision, as the mitzvah requires precision and intent.

Symbolism of Complete Burning

The Talmud (Yoma 42b) and Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:8) discuss why every part of the heifer must be burned:

  • Skin, Flesh, and Blood: Represent the totality of the animal, symbolizing that impurity must be entirely eradicated.
  • Dung: Even the least honorable part is included, teaching that purification requires confronting all aspects of impurity, even the most base.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Parah Adumah (Laws of the Red Heifer 1:1-2), the Rambam explains that the burning must be thorough to ensure no remnants remain. This reflects the idea that tum'ah (impurity) is only removed through a complete and unsparing process, mirroring the severity of death's spiritual defilement.

Paradox of the Parah Adumah

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:3) highlights the paradox of the Parah Adumah: while it purifies the impure, it renders the pure (the Kohen who prepares it) impure. This teaches that spiritual matters often transcend human logic, requiring faith in divine commandments (chukim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 46a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of the red heifer (parah adumah) and its burning process.
📖 Yoma 42b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the purification rituals involving the red heifer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the red heifer (parah adumah) mentioned in Numbers 19:5?
A: The red heifer (parah adumah) is a completely red cow without blemish, used in a special purification ritual described in Numbers 19. Its ashes were mixed with water to purify those who came into contact with death (tumat met). This mitzvah is considered a chok—a Torah law whose reason is not fully revealed to us (Rashi on Numbers 19:2).
Q: Why was the red heifer burned completely, including its skin, flesh, blood, and dung?
A: The Torah commands that the red heifer must be burned entirely—unlike other sacrifices—to emphasize its unique role in purification. The Rambam (Hilchot Parah Adumah 1:1) explains that this complete burning symbolizes the total removal of impurity. Even parts normally discarded (like dung) were included to show that every aspect of the heifer contributed to this special purification process.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the red heifer ritual today?
A: The red heifer teaches us about the profound concept of purity and the seriousness of spiritual contamination. Though we cannot perform this mitzvah today without the Temple, the Talmud (Yoma 14a) discusses its enduring lessons about repentance and spiritual renewal. The paradox—that the heifer purifies the impure but makes the pure impure—reminds us that some Divine laws transcend human logic.
Q: Why was the red heifer burned 'before his eyes' (Numbers 19:5)?
A: Rashi explains that 'before his eyes' refers to the Kohen (priest) overseeing the burning to ensure it was done precisely according to Torah law. The Mishnah (Parah 3:1) adds that the entire process had to be visible to avoid any mistakes, highlighting the importance of meticulousness in fulfilling mitzvot—especially those involving the Temple service.