Leviticus 7 11

Leviticus 7:11 kjv

And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.

Leviticus 7:11 nkjv

'This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall offer to the LORD:

Leviticus 7:11 niv

"?'These are the regulations for the fellowship offering anyone may present to the LORD:

Leviticus 7:11 esv

"And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings that one may offer to the LORD.

Leviticus 7:11 nlt

"These are the instructions regarding the different kinds of peace offerings that may be presented to the LORD.

Leviticus 7 verses

Leviticus 7 11 Meaning

Leviticus 7:11 introduces the divine directives concerning the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering. This verse initiates a detailed exposition of the various types of peace offerings, setting the framework for their performance and purpose. It underscores that these are not merely human rituals but "the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings," emphasizing their origin as God's command for His people to offer. The core significance of the peace offering lies in its symbolic representation of shalom—peace, wholeness, and harmonious communion between God and the offeror. Unlike the burnt offering (holocaust) which was entirely consumed by fire, or the sin and guilt offerings which addressed specific transgressions, a significant portion of the peace offering was returned to the worshiper and priest to be eaten, signifying a shared meal with God, thereby expressing thanksgiving, fellowship, or the fulfillment of a vow.

Leviticus 7 11 Context

Leviticus, particularly chapters 1-7, lays out the intricate laws and procedures for the five main types of offerings that the Israelites were to bring to the LORD at the tabernacle. Chapter 6 provided additional regulations for the burnt, grain, sin, and guilt offerings, primarily focusing on the portions designated for the priests and specific procedural details. Leviticus 7 continues this pattern, providing supplementary instructions regarding the sin and guilt offerings (Lev 7:1-10) before pivoting to the peace offering in verse 11. This verse, therefore, acts as an introduction to a deeper dive into the peace offering, which, unlike other sacrifices, involves a communal meal. The overarching historical context is that of Israel, recently delivered from Egypt, being instructed by God on how to approach Him, maintain covenant fellowship, and live as a holy nation in preparation for dwelling among them in the Tabernacle. This body of laws emphasizes the necessity of purity, reconciliation, and thanksgiving in their relationship with God.

Leviticus 7 11 Word analysis

• And this is (וְזֹאת, v'zot): The conjunctive "And" links this instruction to the preceding laws, indicating continuity in the divine discourse. "This is" acts as a legal formula, introducing a new section of law or specifying a particular regulation. It points directly to what follows as a definitive rule.
• the law (תּוֹרַת, torat): Derived from Torah, which signifies "instruction" or "teaching" rather than merely "law" in a modern sense. It conveys divine guidance and revelation for right living, emphasizing its authoritative and foundational nature from God Himself.
• of the sacrifice (הַזֶּבַח, ha-zevach): Zevach is a general term for an animal offering. Here, it is specified by the following phrase to refer specifically to the peace offering. It highlights the act of slaughtering and dedicating an animal to God.
• of peace offerings (הַשְּׁלָמִים, ha-sh'lamim): The plural form of shelem (שֶׁלֶם), derived from the root shalom (שָׁלוֹם). Shalom means peace, completeness, welfare, wholeness, prosperity, or well-being. Thus, sh'lamim can be translated as "offerings of peace," "fellowship offerings," or "offerings of completeness/well-being." This name inherently expresses the core purpose of the sacrifice: to signify or re-establish a state of wholeness and harmonious relationship with God and, implicitly, within the community. It's often associated with thankfulness and vows.
• which he shall offer (אֲשֶׁר יַקְרִיב, asher yaqriv): Yaqriv comes from the verb qarab (קָרַב), meaning "to draw near," "to bring close," or "to present." This verb consistently describes the act of bringing an offering to God. It implies the intentional approach of the worshiper towards the Divine presence.
• unto the LORD (לַיהוָה, la-YHWH): This specifies the ultimate recipient of the offering – YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes divine ownership and the exclusive devotion owed to Him, differentiating Israelite worship from pagan practices where offerings might be made to various deities.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And this is the law of the sacrifice": This opening phrase asserts divine authority and specificity. It's not a suggestion but a mandatory divine instruction (Torah) concerning a specific category of sacrifices. This phrasing underlines that all aspects of Israelite worship are meticulously prescribed by God.
• "of peace offerings": The specific naming of this sacrifice (from shalom) is critical. Unlike other offerings that address sin or acknowledge divine sovereignty, the shalom offering speaks to relationship—reconciled, maintained, or deepened communion with God. It emphasizes an atmosphere of welfare, not solely of guilt or petition.
• "which he shall offer unto the LORD": This highlights the worshipper's action in presenting the offering and the exclusive divine recipient. It signifies personal participation in an act of worship directed solely to the one true God, setting it apart from common ancient Near Eastern practices that involved offerings to numerous, often capricious, gods. This act of bringing near symbolizes devotion and covenant faithfulness.

Leviticus 7 11 Bonus section

The Hebrew term shelem (שלם), often translated as peace offering, also conveys a sense of "payment" or "repayment," suggesting completeness or reconciliation. While this offering was not primarily for sin (as guilt offerings were), its nature as a 'peace' offering indicated a state of resolved relations and fellowship. It implied that any underlying issues preventing harmonious communion with God had either been addressed or were not present. In this sense, it was a "completion" offering—completing or fulfilling a vow, or completing a period of thanksgiving. The concept of God "eating" with His people, although metaphorically expressed, was a profound ancient Near Eastern symbol of covenant bond and intimate relationship. However, in the Israelite context, God did not need to eat, but permitted humans to share in a meal that had been consecrated to Him, thus elevating the human participant to the status of a guest at the Divine table. This unique aspect profoundly distinguished the Yahwistic faith from the transactional deities of surrounding cultures.

Leviticus 7 11 Commentary

Leviticus 7:11 serves as the rubric for the peace offering, highlighting its foundational "law" from God Himself. The peace offering (shelem) uniquely captures the relational aspect of covenant theology. While all offerings were divinely ordained, the peace offering was distinctive in that portions were consumed by the priests, the offeror, and his family or community, symbolizing a shared meal with God. This shared meal underscored communion, fellowship, and completeness (shalom). It was a sacrifice of choice, not always obligation, often presented out of thanksgiving for blessings, in fulfillment of a vow, or as a freewill expression of devotion. In an ancient world filled with polytheistic worship involving often transactional sacrifices, Israel's peace offering stood apart. It taught them that God desired relationship and gratitude, not just appeasement. It prefigures the ultimate peace made through Jesus Christ, who became our perfect peace offering (Eph 2:14), reconciling humanity to God. Through Him, believers can now "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Heb 10:22) and share in a spiritual "communion table" that signifies restored and ongoing fellowship.

Examples for practical usage today:

• A "sacrifice of thanksgiving" can manifest as offering praise to God for His provision or healing (Ps 107:22).
• Fulfilling a "vow" can be seen in dedication to ministry after promising God if He would act in a specific way.
• A "freewill offering" could be spontaneously giving to a church or ministry out of sheer gratitude and joy in the Lord's goodness.
• Participating in Holy Communion, which symbolizes shared peace and fellowship with Christ.