Rebbi Akiva includes in the list of the four types of Shevu'ah that are subject to a Korban the case of someone who swears that he will not eat even any amount (a "Kolshehu," less than a k'Zayis), and who subsequently contravenes his Shevu'ah.

The Chachamim question this, since where else in the Torah is a person ever Chayav (whichever punishment is applicable) for eating a "Kolshehu"?

Rebbi Akiva counters, "Where else in the Torah do we find that one brings a Korban merely for violating words? We must therefore say that the sin of transgressing a Shevu'ah is unique, in which case it is also unique in that one must bring a Korban even for less than a k'Zayis." Rashi adds, "Because when he made the Shevu'ah, he had in mind that he would not eat even less than a k'Zayis."

B'Virchas Kol Tuv,

Eliezer Chrysler