Leviticus 17 3

Leviticus 17:3 kjv

What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

Leviticus 17:3 nkjv

"Whatever man of the house of Israel who kills an ox or lamb or goat in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp,

Leviticus 17:3 niv

Any Israelite who sacrifices an ox, a lamb or a goat in the camp or outside of it

Leviticus 17:3 esv

If any one of the house of Israel kills an ox or a lamb or a goat in the camp, or kills it outside the camp,

Leviticus 17:3 nlt

"If any native Israelite sacrifices a bull or a lamb or a goat anywhere inside or outside the camp

Leviticus 17 verses

Leviticus 17 3 Meaning

Leviticus 17:3 declares that if any Israelite or stranger residing among them slaughters an ox, lamb, or goat, whether within the camp or outside of it, and does not bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to present it as an offering to YHWH, they are considered guilty of shedding blood. This verse establishes a foundational rule for centralized worship and the proper handling of animal life and blood, preventing unauthorized sacrifices and pagan practices.

Leviticus 17 3 Context

Leviticus 17 begins a section known as the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), emphasizing separation from common or profane practices to maintain YHWH's holy character among His people. Immediately preceding chapter 17 are regulations concerning offerings and the clean/unclean distinctions. Chapter 17, in particular, focuses on the sanctity of blood and the necessity of centralizing all slaughter of clean animals for consumption or sacrifice at the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle). This prevents Israelites from engaging in practices common in the surrounding Canaanite cultures, such as sacrificing to "goat-demons" (Lev 17:7) or engaging in other forms of illicit worship "in the open field." It underscores that all life (represented by blood) belongs to YHWH and must be returned to Him appropriately through the divinely ordained priestly system. The historical context is the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where a centralized worship structure ensured doctrinal purity and communal unity around YHWH's dwelling place.

Leviticus 17 3 Word analysis

• If any man: This refers to any adult male, indicating the responsibility falls on the individual who performs the action.
• of the house of Israel: (mi'beit Yisrael). This specifies the native-born Israelites, those descended from Jacob and part of the covenant community.
• or of the strangers that sojourn among them: (o min hagger haggar be'tokham).
  • strangers (ger): Refers to resident aliens, foreigners who had taken up residence in Israel. These were not simply transient visitors but those who lived permanently among the Israelites, perhaps converting to Judaism (proselytes) or at least accepting the laws of the land, especially regarding YHWH's supremacy.
  • sojourn (gar): Emphasizes their temporary dwelling yet stable presence within the Israelite community. This highlights the universal application of YHWH's law, transcending ethnic lines for those within the covenant community's jurisdiction.
• who kills: (asher yishchat).
  • kills (shachat): This is a crucial Hebrew verb, referring specifically to ritual slaughter, a precise cutting of the throat to bleed an animal. It implies an intentional act of preparing the animal, usually for food or sacrifice, rather than a mere accidental killing or hunting. This specific term prevents loopholes for butchery that might otherwise circumvent the rule.
• an ox, or lamb, or goat: (shor o kesev o ez). These are the standard clean animals permitted for both sacrifice and consumption, often referred to as "herd" and "flock" animals. They are also common sacrificial animals in many ancient Near Eastern religions, making the regulation critical for distinguishing Israelite worship.
• in the camp, or outside the camp: (bammachaneh o michutz lammachaneh).
  • in the camp: Within the boundaries of the Israelite encampment surrounding the Tabernacle during the wilderness period.
  • outside the camp: Even if someone ventured beyond the main camp for hunting or other purposes, this rule still applied. This shows the pervasiveness and uncompromising nature of the command; no spatial excuse nullifies the obligation.

Leviticus 17 3 Bonus section

The seemingly stringent nature of Leviticus 17:3 and its broader chapter demonstrates a crucial point of covenantal identity. In a world replete with diverse deities and sacrificial customs, YHWH established an exclusive pathway for communion and atonement. This law essentially eliminated "private religion" regarding the life and death of sacrificial-quality animals. Every animal death of this type became a public, religiously-sanctioned act, visible to the community and accountable to God's ordained system. This rigorous centralization and regulation during the wilderness journey served to deeply instill the principle that YHWH is the singular sovereign over all life and true worship, distinguishing Israel sharply from polytheistic nations and safeguarding them from syncretism. It was a divine pedagogy, teaching a dispersed people unity and absolute dependence on their God and His established order for purification and blessing.

Leviticus 17 3 Commentary

Leviticus 17:3 is a critical verse establishing YHWH's sole claim over all sacrifice and the life (blood) contained within His creatures. During the wilderness wanderings, all slaughter of clean animals, whether intended as a sacrifice or merely for a common meal, was required to be brought to the Tabernacle's entrance. This central directive had several profound implications. First, it powerfully counteracted idolatry by eliminating independent altars and local cultic sites, forcing all expressions of reverence involving animal life to be channeled through YHWH's authorized priesthood and sanctuary. This directly combatted the lure of surrounding pagan practices, particularly the worship of "goat-demons" and other local deities. Second, it reinforced the sanctity of blood as the container of life, declaring that blood belongs exclusively to God and serves as a means of atonement, never to be consumed. Pouring out the blood at the altar and offering a portion symbolized God's ownership of all life. Third, it provided an essential measure of sanitary control for the people living in a concentrated encampment. The priestly oversight of animal slaughter ensured that animals were healthy and blood was handled appropriately. Fourth, by including "strangers" (resident aliens), the law emphasized the universality of YHWH's ethical and cultic demands for all living under His covenant umbrella, underscoring that their protection came with responsibilities to obey the divine laws. This law fostered a distinct national identity centered around true worship. This centralizing principle served as a type for Christ, whose single, perfect sacrifice ended the need for repeated animal sacrifices, consolidating all atonement and worship in Himself (Heb 9-10).