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Numbers 5:9 - Priest's sacred portion

Numbers 5:9 - במדבר 5:9

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־תְּרוּמָה לְכָל־קָדְשֵׁי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִיבוּ לַכֹּהֵן לוֹ יִהְיֶה׃

English Translation

And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Yisra᾽el, which they bring to the priest, shall be his.

Transliteration

Vechol-trumat lechol-kodshei venei-yisrael asher-yakrivu lakohen lo yihyeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־תְּרוּמָ֞ה לְכׇל־קׇדְשֵׁ֧י בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִ֥יבוּ לַכֹּהֵ֖ן ל֥וֹ יִהְיֶֽה׃
וְכׇל־תְּרוּמָ֞ה לְכׇל־קׇדְשֵׁ֧י בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־יַקְרִ֥יבוּ לַכֹּהֵ֖ן ל֥וֹ יִהְיֶֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 5:9) discusses the distribution of terumah (offerings) and other holy gifts brought by Bnei Yisrael to the kohen (priest). It establishes that such offerings rightfully belong to the kohen, reinforcing the priestly role in receiving and managing sacred contributions.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that this verse refers to terumat hama'aser (the tithe of the tithe) given to the kohen from the produce of the Levites. He emphasizes that the kohen has an inherent right to these offerings, as they are designated for his sustenance in exchange for his sacred service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Terumot (Laws of Offerings), Rambam elaborates that this verse underscores the obligation to give terumah and other priestly gifts exclusively to a kohen. He notes that even if the donor is a kohen himself, he must still separate these gifts and give them to another kohen, ensuring the proper fulfillment of the mitzvah.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Gemara (Chullin 131b): The Talmud derives from this verse that a non-kohen who consumes terumah violates a prohibition, as these sanctified items are reserved solely for kohanim.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 8): The Midrash connects this verse to the broader theme of priestly privileges, teaching that just as the kohanim are set apart for divine service, their portions must also be treated with sanctity and not diverted for secular use.

Practical Halachic Implications

Based on this verse and its interpretations, poskim (halachic decisors) rule that:

  • Terumah and other priestly gifts must be given to a kohen who is ritually pure and of verified lineage.
  • Even in the absence of the Beit HaMikdash, certain obligations (like terumat ma'aser) remain in force when produce is grown in Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 39a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the rights of priests to certain offerings and the proper distribution of holy things.
📖 Menachot 73b
Cited in the context of discussing the laws of meal offerings and the portions that belong to the priests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 5:9 mean?
A: Numbers 5:9 teaches that any sacred offering brought by the Israelites to the Kohen (priest) becomes the property of the Kohen. This includes various types of donations and sacrifices mentioned in the Torah. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the Kohen's right to receive these offerings as part of his service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Temple.
Q: Why is this verse about priestly offerings important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the Kohen's rightful portion in the service of Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:1) discusses how this forms the basis for the Kohanim's sustenance, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties without worldly concerns. It also teaches the value of supporting those who dedicate their lives to divine service.
Q: How does this apply to Jews today without a Temple?
A: While we don't have the Temple service today, the principle still applies in certain ways. The Talmud (Chullin 132b) derives from this verse that Terumah (priestly gifts from agricultural produce) and other Kohen gifts remain obligatory even after the Temple's destruction. Many observant Jews still separate Terumah and Ma'aser (tithes) in Israel today, though we don't actually give them to Kohanim currently due to purity laws.