Leviticus 3 12

Leviticus 3:12 kjv

And if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.

Leviticus 3:12 nkjv

'And if his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.

Leviticus 3:12 niv

"?'If your offering is a goat, you are to present it before the LORD,

Leviticus 3:12 esv

"If his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD

Leviticus 3:12 nlt

"If you present a goat as your offering, bring it to the LORD,

Leviticus 3 verses

Leviticus 3 12 Meaning

Leviticus 3:12 states a specific provision for the peace offering: if an individual brings a goat as their sacrifice, they must present it before the LORD. This verse is part of a broader set of instructions detailing the various types of animals permissible for the peace offering, emphasizing that each sacrifice, regardless of the animal, must be consecrated and presented reverently to God according to the prescribed rituals. It highlights the divine accessibility for worship through this voluntary offering of fellowship.

Leviticus 3 12 Context

Leviticus Chapter 3 details the regulations for the "peace offering" (zevach shelamim), also known as the fellowship offering. Unlike the burnt offering (chapter 1) which was wholly consumed by fire as atonement and total dedication, or the grain offering (chapter 2) as a sign of dedication and provision, the peace offering was unique. A portion was offered to the LORD on the altar (specifically the fat), a portion went to the priests, and the remainder was returned to the offerer to be eaten in a communal meal of fellowship, signifying peace and communion between God and the worshiper.

Verses 1-5 describe offerings from cattle. Verses 6-11 describe offerings from sheep. Verses 12-16, including this verse, describe offerings from goats. All three types of animals (cattle, sheep, goats) could be used, indicating God's provision for varying levels of wealth among the Israelites. The core purpose remained: a voluntary expression of gratitude, a vow, or simply an act of fellowship with God. The immediate verses outline the specific fat parts that must be removed and burned to the LORD, consistent across all animal types. The overarching context of Leviticus emphasizes holiness, separation, proper worship, and atonement, preparing Israel for fellowship with a holy God.

Historically, in the ancient Near East, sacrifices were common, often involving elaborate rituals. Israelite sacrifice, however, was distinct due to its monotheistic focus, moral demands accompanying ritual, and strict adherence to God's revealed commands, setting it apart from pagan practices that might involve idols or even human sacrifice. The communal meal aspect of the peace offering also countered self-centered or purely performative ritual, emphasizing relationship.

Leviticus 3 12 Word analysis

• If (Hebrew: וְאִם - ve'im): This conjunctive particle, meaning "and if" or "but if," introduces a conditional clause. It sets up an alternative or a specific case within the broader rules of the peace offering, indicating flexibility in choice for the worshiper based on available livestock.
• his offering (Hebrew: קָרְבָּנוֹ - qorbanō): From the root qarab, "to draw near." This term consistently refers to a "sacrifice" or "offering" brought near to God. The suffix "-ō" indicates "his," showing the individual's personal participation in presenting the offering. It signifies something consecrated or dedicated by a person to God, emphasizing that this is a personal act of devotion.
• is a goat (Hebrew: עֵז - ez): This refers specifically to a "goat." Goats were common livestock in ancient Israel, accessible to various economic strata. Unlike some sin offerings which specified a male goat, the peace offering allowed either male or female goats without blemish, showcasing inclusivity and the voluntariness of the offering. This highlights the adaptability of the sacrifice requirements to the practical realities of the people, allowing them to participate in communion with God even with humbler means compared to cattle.
• then (implied): The Hebrew structure naturally leads into the consequence without an explicit "then," similar to English conditional phrasing.
• he shall offer it (Hebrew: יַקְרִיבֶנּוּ - yaqrivenū): This is a Hiphil imperfect form of qarab, meaning "he shall cause it to draw near" or "he shall present it." It emphasizes the act of the worshiper bringing the offering to the presence of the LORD, highlighting the worshiper's active role in presenting the sacrifice to the priest who then performs the ritual on their behalf.
• before the LORD (Hebrew: לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - lifne Adonai): Literally "to the face of YHVH" or "in the presence of YHVH." This crucial phrase indicates the solemn and sacred nature of the act. It means the offering must be brought to the entrance of the tabernacle or temple, where God's presence was symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant or the divine Shekinah glory. This phrase stresses the reverence required for engaging in divine worship, signifying that the act is not merely a secular transaction but a holy interaction with the sovereign God of Israel. It emphasizes that all true worship, including that mediated through sacrifice, must be directed towards God alone, not idols or lesser deities.

Words-group analysis:

• "If his offering is a goat": This phrase establishes the specific animal option within the regulations for the peace offering. It confirms that goats, like cattle and sheep, are acceptable, signifying that God provides for diverse resources among His people, making the opportunity for fellowship widespread.
• "then he shall offer it before the LORD": This full phrase defines the core action required: the presentation of the specified sacrifice directly to God's presence. It reinforces the theological truth that all true worship is God-centered. The "offering" (qorban) isn't merely slaughtered; it's brought near (yaqrivenu) to Him, emphasizing the intentionality and directness of the act of worship and the drawing near of the worshiper to God.

Leviticus 3 12 Bonus section

The Hebrew word עֵז (ez) for "goat" highlights the agrarian and pastoral society of ancient Israel. Goats were resilient animals, providing milk, meat, hides, and wool, making them essential for daily life. Their commonality meant that almost any Israelite, regardless of wealth, could likely obtain a goat, emphasizing the accessibility of the peace offering. This stands in contrast to specific offerings that required more expensive animals like a bull, demonstrating God's provision for all His people to draw near to Him in fellowship, not just the wealthy.

The concept of a "peace offering" (zevach shelamim) goes beyond mere "peace." The root shalem relates to completeness, wholeness, prosperity, and covenant fulfillment. Thus, the shelamim offering celebrated the shalom (peace, well-being) that existed or was sought in the covenant relationship with God. It often followed atonement (achieved by other sacrifices), allowing for joyful communion. This specific mention of the goat reminds us that this wholeness and fellowship was for all, not just those who could afford the more significant offerings. The instruction that the animal must be "without blemish" (Lev 3:1) applied universally, including the goat, stressing the purity and worthiness of any sacrifice offered to God.

Leviticus 3 12 Commentary

Leviticus 3:12, though seemingly simple, reinforces critical principles within the sacrificial system. It confirms that a goat, a common and often more accessible animal, was perfectly acceptable for a peace offering, alongside larger and more valuable animals like cattle and sheep. This illustrates God's inclusivity and provision, enabling worship and fellowship across socio-economic strata within Israel. The essence was not the monetary value of the animal, but the heart of the worshiper and the adherence to the divine command.

The crucial phrase "before the LORD" underscores that the peace offering was fundamentally an act directed toward God, occurring within the sanctity of His presence at the tabernacle. This was not a private family meal initially, but a sacred covenant meal with the Almighty as the host, followed by the partaking by the worshipers and priests. The burning of the fat portion (verses 16-17) represented God's chosen portion and the life-force of the animal, a "food of the offering made by fire" (Lev 3:11, 16) as a sweet aroma to the LORD, signifying acceptance and fellowship.

While specific animal sacrifices have been superseded by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Heb 9-10), the underlying spiritual principles remain relevant. Our offerings today are spiritual: praise (Heb 13:15), good works and sharing (Heb 13:16), prayer (Ps 141:2), and living lives of devotion (Rom 12:1). Like the peace offering, these are to be presented "before the Lord"—with reverence, sincere devotion, and in accordance with His will, enabling us to experience peace and communion with Him. The humble goat points to a God who meets us where we are, yet demands sacred reverence in our approach to Him.