Leviticus 22 28

Leviticus 22:28 kjv

And whether it be cow, or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.

Leviticus 22:28 nkjv

Whether it is a cow or ewe, do not kill both her and her young on the same day.

Leviticus 22:28 niv

Do not slaughter a cow or a sheep and its young on the same day.

Leviticus 22:28 esv

But you shall not kill an ox or a sheep and her young in one day.

Leviticus 22:28 nlt

But you must not slaughter a mother animal and her offspring on the same day, whether from the herd or the flock.

Leviticus 22 verses

Leviticus 22 28 Meaning

Leviticus 22:28 establishes a divine ordinance prohibiting the slaughter of a mother animal (specifically a cow or a ewe) and its offspring on the same day. This law applies to animals designated for sacrifice or consumption, fostering a principle of reverence for the bond between parent and young and teaching a measure of compassion even within the context of necessary animal sacrifice. It reflects God's concern for His creation and distinguishes the practices of Israel from the indiscriminate or cruel actions observed in pagan societies.

Leviticus 22 28 Context

Leviticus chapter 22 focuses on the holiness required of priests and the offerings brought to the Lord. It details regulations for priests regarding who may eat from the holy offerings (vv. 1-16), and then provides a list of disqualifications for sacrificial animals due to various blemishes (vv. 17-25). Verses 26-33 then present specific instructions concerning acceptable offerings and their timing, including the verse in question (Leviticus 22:28).

Historically, these laws helped delineate Israel's distinct relationship with God and its unique ethical framework in contrast to surrounding pagan nations. While sacrificing animals was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, Israel's sacrificial system was deeply integrated with its moral and ethical code, emphasizing holiness, respect for life, and humanitarian treatment even of animals within the constraints of sacrifice and consumption. This law particularly served to distinguish Israel from cultic practices that might involve wanton slaughter or disrespect for the natural cycle of life.

Leviticus 22 28 Word analysis

• And whether it be cow (שׁוֹר - shor): Refers to a bull or ox, but often used generically for bovine cattle, irrespective of gender. The broader context of "her young" makes it clear that the female aspect is certainly implied if not explicitly denoted by shor here, suggesting a mature breeding female. This implies a significant, valuable animal central to a pastoral economy.
• or ewe (כֶּשֶׂב - kesev): Refers to a lamb or young ram, often used for sheep in general. Like shor, the addition of "her young" indicates a female sheep (ewe) in a maternal role. Both shor and kesev represent primary livestock essential for food, wool, and sacrifice in ancient Israel.
• ye shall not kill (תִּשְׁחֲטוּ - tishchatu, from שָׁחַט - shachat): This verb specifically means "to slaughter," particularly in the context of butchering for food or sacrifice. It is not a general word for killing (like harag). The emphasis is on a controlled, deliberate act of taking life, rather than violence. The prohibition is against performing this specific act with both parent and offspring simultaneously.
• it (אֹתוֹ - otho): "It" referring to the mother animal, maintaining consistency with the previous mention of "cow or ewe."
• and her young (וְאֶת בְּנוֹ - v'et beno): Literally "and its son," but idiomatically referring to its offspring, whether male or female, born of the mother. This phrase explicitly highlights the biological and emotional connection between the parent and the offspring, underscoring the purpose of the law—to protect this relational bond from immediate double destruction.
• both in one day (בְּיוֹם אֶחָד - b'yom echad): This specific temporal limitation is crucial. It does not forbid the slaughter of the parent and offspring entirely, but rather prohibits doing so on the same day. This limitation introduces an ethical pause or a practical measure to prevent the immediate annihilation of a family unit, fostering a sense of deliberate and mindful action rather than indiscriminate taking of life. It provides a distinct separation in time for these actions.

Words-Group by words-Group analysis

• "cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young": This grouping emphasizes the specific対象 and the nature of the prohibition. It specifies two economically significant animals that form parent-offspring units. The phrase "it and her young" directly draws attention to the mother-offspring bond, signaling that the law is rooted in a sensitivity to the sanctity of natural familial relationships within the animal kingdom. The command prohibits the active "slaughter" of this pair, suggesting a conscious decision by the humans involved.
• "both in one day": This phrase sets the precise boundary of the prohibition. It indicates that the taking of both lives is permissible if separated by a day or more. The "one day" limit could symbolize a respectful pause, acknowledging the gravity of taking two lives intimately connected. It promotes mindful engagement rather than unchecked exploitation, or it may be a practical measure related to the agricultural cycle or the immediate witness of such an act. The very limitation also implies the broader allowance, making the prohibition highly specific to the concurrent act.

Leviticus 22 28 Bonus section

This commandment aligns with a broader pattern in biblical law promoting humane treatment of animals and demonstrating God's care for all His creatures (e.g., the Sabbath rest for animals, not muzzling an ox while it treads grain, caring for fallen animals). It can be seen as an early ethical safeguard against cruelty, fostering sensitivity and respect for the processes of life and reproduction. Some interpretations suggest a practical dimension, perhaps aiding sustainable animal husbandry by not immediately wiping out entire breeding lines. The prohibition, in part, challenges humanity to wield its God-given dominion over creation with wisdom and benevolence, rather than unbridled power or immediate gratification. It implicitly teaches a sense of moderation and responsible harvesting.

Leviticus 22 28 Commentary

Leviticus 22:28 encapsulates a divine lesson in compassion and stewardship within the ritualistic context of sacrifice and food preparation. While sacrifice involved taking life, God's laws ensured that even these necessary acts were conducted with a deep reverence for creation. The prohibition against slaughtering a mother and its young on the same day underscores a principle of respecting life's natural bonds and cycles. This law is not merely about animal welfare; it subtly teaches Israel about the character of their God, who extends mercy and order even to His animal creation. It prevents what might be seen as excessive exploitation or callous disregard for life, even within permitted actions. The "one day" limitation suggests a desire to prevent overwhelming the emotional sensibility of the human agent, or to provide a period that disrupts any perception of wanton destruction. This small yet significant law contributes to the overall purity and holiness demanded of Israel, separating them from cultures that practiced less humane or more barbaric animal sacrifice, illustrating that divine holiness permeates even the most seemingly mundane aspects of life, including the way animals are treated.