Not to eat from sacrifices offered with improper intentions

Pigul refers to a case when the kohen performing a korban has improper intent, such as intending to eat or offer parts of it outside the proper time. Even if the ritual was outwardly correct, the thought alone invalidates the offering. Rambam (Hilchot Ma’aseh HaKorbanot 14:1) explains that eating pigul incurs karet (spiritual excision).

The Talmud (Zevachim 28a) derives pigul from verses in Leviticus, stressing that improper thought is sufficient to disqualify the korban. Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 455) explains this command refines Israel’s inner service: offerings are not mere actions, but must be aligned with proper kavannah. Rashi (Lev. 7:18) defines pigul as “rejected,” emphasizing that Hashem rejects offerings tainted by flawed intention. Ramban highlights that this mitzvah teaches that the Divine service sanctifies not only deeds but also thoughts.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Ma’aseh HaKorbanot 14:1): Pigul incurs karet when eaten, even if the ritual was externally flawless.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 455): Teaches pigul elevates kavannah to an essential component of avodah.
• Talmud (Zevachim 28a–29a): Derives the principle of pigul from Leviticus 7:18 and applies it to all korbanot.
• Rashi (Lev. 7:18): Defines pigul as “rejected” — its holiness is annulled through wrong intent.
• Ramban (Lev. 7:18): Explains this mitzvah shows Hashem requires both purity of act and of thought.

Contrast with General Prohibition of Eating Invalid Sacrifices (Mitzvah 392):

• Mitzvah 392 prohibits eating sacrifices that became invalid by external causes (blemish, impurity, etc.; Rambam Ma’aseh HaKorbanot 18:1). Pigul is invalidation by improper thought alone (Talmud Zevachim 28a).
• Sefer HaChinuch (454 vs. 455) distinguishes: eating unfit offerings profanes holiness, but eating pigul corrupts intention, which is even more severe.
• Ramban notes that pigul demonstrates Hashem’s scrutiny of kavannah, while other invalidations focus on physical flaws.

Parallel to Yom Kippur Service (Mitzvah 400):

• Just as the Kohen Gadol’s intent was critical in the Yom Kippur Avodah (Talmud Yoma 43b), pigul shows kavannah determines validity in all korbanot.
• Rambam (Avodat Yom HaKippurim 2:2) stresses that even the holiest service could be nullified by wrong thought, parallel to pigul’s universal principle.
• Midrash Sifra (Tzav 12) explains pigul teaches Israel to sanctify both thought and deed, mirroring the precision of Yom Kippur avodah.