Leviticus 7 22

Leviticus 7:22 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 7:22 nkjv

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Leviticus 7:22 niv

The LORD said to Moses,

Leviticus 7:22 esv

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Leviticus 7:22 nlt

Then the LORD said to Moses,

Leviticus 7 verses

Leviticus 7 22 Meaning

Leviticus 7:22 is a foundational introductory statement preceding a significant divine instruction concerning the consumption of animal fat. It explicitly declares that the upcoming commandments originate directly from the LORD (YHWH) and are communicated through Moses, establishing their supreme authority and the mediator's role in conveying God's will to the Israelites. It signals a shift from regulations concerning the various offerings for the priests and the people (7:1-21) to general dietary laws.

Leviticus 7 22 Context

Leviticus chapter 7 concludes the detailed instructions concerning various offerings (burnt, grain, sin, trespass, and peace offerings) and their specific regulations, particularly for the priests' portions. Verses 1-21 discuss the peace offerings in depth. Following these ceremonial instructions, verses 22-27 introduce general dietary laws that apply to all Israelites, prohibiting the consumption of animal fat and blood. Leviticus 7:22 serves as the divinely authoritative introduction to this specific set of commandments. It signifies a transition from regulations pertaining to how sacrifices are to be made to what parts of sacrificial animals (and by extension, all clean animals) are permissible or forbidden for consumption by the general populace. The immediate context of these prohibitions (v.23-27) is vital to understanding the purpose of 7:22.

Leviticus 7 22 Word analysis

• Moreover / And (וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר - wayəḏabbêr): The initial Hebrew waw (וַ), meaning "and" or "then," combined with the imperfect verb form, indicates a sequential continuation of the divine communication. English translations like "Moreover" emphasize that this instruction builds upon or supplements the previous laws given to Moses. It signifies ongoing, consistent revelation.
• the LORD (יהוה - YHWH): This is the Tetragrammaton, the sacred, personal covenant name of God revealed to Moses (Ex 3:14-15). Its use here stresses the unique and personal identity of the Giver of the law. It underscores the authority, sovereignty, and faithfulness of the God of Israel. It emphasizes that these are not merely human regulations but divine decrees from the God who actively intervenes in human history.
• spake (דִּבֵּר - dibber): Derived from the Hebrew root d-b-r, this verb signifies more than just 'saying' (ʾāmar). It implies a direct, forceful, deliberate, and often authoritative communication, akin to a formal declaration or pronouncement. It suggests intentional and purposeful instruction, highlighting the importance and gravity of the message delivered. God "spoke" His will.
• unto Moses (אֶל-מֹשֶׁה - ʾel-Mōšeh): This phrase unequivocally identifies Moses as the sole direct recipient of this particular divine command. It highlights Moses' unique role as the covenant mediator, chosen by YHWH to receive and transmit the divine law to the Israelite people. This emphasizes the Mosaic authorship and divine origin of the Pentateuchal laws.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lēʾmōr): This infinitive construct serves as a technical term that directly introduces the quoted speech or message that follows. It indicates that the subsequent words (in vv. 23-27) are the precise, unadulterated divine utterance, setting apart the very words of God Himself for immediate transcription and implementation.

Words-Group analysis:

• "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying": This formulaic expression, recurring hundreds of times throughout the Pentateuch, is a hallmark of the Law's divine authorship and authority. It consistently underlines that the instructions, statutes, and judgments delivered to Israel are not human constructs but direct revelations from God Himself, communicated specifically through His chosen prophet, Moses. This repeated attestation bolsters the covenant community's reliance on and obedience to these sacred words.

Leviticus 7 22 Bonus section

The consistent use of the formula "And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying" across Leviticus and the rest of the Pentateuch (especially Exodus and Numbers) underscores a fundamental biblical principle: God is a speaking God. His relationship with humanity, particularly His covenant people, is characterized by verbal communication and direct revelation of His will. This introductory phrase in 7:22 reinforces that the laws are not products of human ingenuity or socio-cultural evolution, but a direct download of divine wisdom and command. It positions the divine voice as the ultimate source of moral, ethical, and ritual truth for the community of Israel, binding them to obedience not out of fear of human authority, but reverence for God's explicit word. This also serves as a polemic against pagan beliefs which often attributed their laws to human leaders or abstract cosmic forces, emphasizing YHWH's personal, active involvement in shaping His people's lives.

Leviticus 7 22 Commentary

Leviticus 7:22, though seemingly simple as an introductory verse, bears profound theological significance. It functions as a declarative stamp of divine authority upon the ensuing prohibitions regarding animal fat and blood. In a world where many cultures engaged in diverse cultic practices and consumed various animal parts, Israel's dietary laws set them apart, delineating their unique relationship with YHWH. The insistence on the LORD speaking directly to Moses, then Moses saying to the people, firmly grounds the Mosaïc covenant and its laws in direct revelation rather than human custom or wisdom. This verse underscores the premise that the entirety of the Mosaic Law is not merely ethical guidance but the precise instruction of a sovereign, covenant-keeping God. It sets the stage for God's holiness, conveyed through commanded separation, which would permeate every aspect of Israelite life, beginning with what they were permitted to eat.