Leviticus 17:7
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The ancient Hebrew word for "devils" here literally means "shaggy goats," pointing to the specific Egyptian idolatry involving goat-like deities. This detail highlights that their "spiritual adultery" wasn't just abstract; it was tied to worship practices that were literally and figuratively "goat-like."
So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prohibition comes as God is establishing strict rules for how animals are to be sacrificed and eaten. He's directing the Israelites to bring all their animals for slaughter to the entrance of the Tabernacle, to be properly offered to Him by the priests. This verse explicitly forbids them from continuing their previous pagan practices of sacrificing animals to "goat demons" or idols, which were often associated with debauchery and spiritual infidelity.
The Bible doesn't shy away from graphic descriptions of sin. This verse points to a specific form of ancient idolatry that was both bizarre and deeply offensive to God. What were these 'goat demons,' and why were they so dangerous?
The term translated as 'devils' literally means 'hairy ones' or 'goats' in Hebrew. This points to a real, historical form of idolatry where ancient peoples worshipped goat-like deities, possibly influenced by Egyptian practices.
Idolatry as Spiritual Adultery
This practice is called 'going a whoring' after these deities. This isn't just about physical acts; it's a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness. God had entered into a covenant relationship with Israel, like a marriage. Turning to other gods was a betrayal of that sacred commitment.
Beyond the Literal Goat
While the worship might have involved literal goats or goat-like figures, the 'devils' represent any power or entity that rivals God's sovereignty. The New Testament echoes this, reminding us that any worship not directed to God is ultimately serving forces opposed to Him. This deepens the understanding that idolatry isn't just about statues; it's about where our ultimate loyalty and devotion lie.
Why does God insist that sacrifices be brought to a specific place? This command isn't just about religious routine; it's foundational to Israel's identity and relationship with Him.
This verse is part of a larger instruction in Leviticus 17, emphasizing that all animal sacrifices were to be brought to the door of the Tabernacle and offered by the priests.
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A Unified Center of Worship
Before this, sacrifices might have been offered anywhere, but God was establishing a central sanctuary. This prevented the kind of scattered, superstitious worship that led to idolatry. It meant that when an Israelite approached God, they were doing so in God's appointed way, at God's appointed place.
The Priest as Mediator
The command also highlights the role of the priest. They were God's appointed mediators, handling the sacrifices on behalf of the people. This points forward to the ultimate Mediator, Jesus Christ, through whom all our worship and service become acceptable to God.
Understand the original words
se'irim · Hebrew Noun
Spiritual entities or idols associated with pagan worship; the term implies detestable beings or satyr-like figures that represent rebellion against the true God.
zanah · Hebrew Verb
A term frequently used in the prophets to describe idolatry, emphasizing that worshiping other gods is a breach of the covenant relationship with God, akin to marital unfaithfulness.
huqqah · Hebrew Noun
A permanent ordinance or decree established by God, indicating that the command is binding upon the community throughout their history.
This verse calls sacrifices to 'demons' the same as sacrificing to the true God, aligning with Leviticus' command to stop sacrificing to 'devils' or goat-like deities.
2 Chronicles 11:15This passage explicitly mentions Jeroboam appointing priests for his goat idols, directly illustrating the kind of idolatrous practice being prohibited in Leviticus.
Deuteronomy 32:17This verse speaks of Israel sacrificing to 'demons' that were not God, providing a broader context for the specific prohibition against goat demon worship found in Leviticus.
Psalm 106:37This psalm recounts the Israelites sacrificing their sons and daughters to the demons of the land, highlighting the horrifying nature of the pagan practices being forbidden.
Revelation 9:20This apocalyptic vision describes people worshipping demons and idols, showing the enduring reality of demon worship as a pervasive spiritual danger that God's people must reject.
gillLeviticus 17:7: "And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations."
And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils,.... As it seems they had done, which was monstrously shocking, and especially by a people that had the knowledge of the true God. Such shocking idolatry has been committed, and still is among the Indians, both East and West: when Columbus discovered His…
calvinLeviticus 17:1-9: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:
Et ad ostium tabernaculi conventionis non adduxerit eum, ut offerat oblationem Jehovae coram tabernaculo Jehovae: sanguis imputabitur viro illi: ipse sanguinem fudit, excideturque…
The ancient Hebrew word for "devils" here literally means "shaggy goats," pointing to the specific Egyptian idolatry involving goat-like deities. This detail highlights that their "spiritual adultery" wasn't just abstract; it was tied to worship practices that were literally and figuratively "goat-like."
This prohibition comes as God is establishing strict rules for how animals are to be sacrificed and eaten. He's directing the Israelites to bring all their animals for slaughter to the entrance of the Tabernacle, to be properly offered to Him by the priests. This verse explicitly forbids them from continuing their previous pagan practices of sacrificing animals to "goat demons" or idols, which were often associated with debauchery and spiritual infidelity.
This prohibition comes as God is establishing strict rules for how animals are to be sacrificed and eaten. He's directing the Israelites to bring all their animals for slaughter to the entrance of the Tabernacle, to be properly offered to Him by the priests. This verse explicitly forbids them from continuing their previous pagan practices of sacrificing animals to "goat demons" or idols, which were often associated with debauchery and spiritual infidelity.
"So they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to goat demons, after whom they whore. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations." — The ancient Hebrew word for "devils" here literally means "shaggy goats," pointing to the specific Egyptian idolatry involving goat-like deities. This detail highlights that their "spiritual adultery…
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Last reviewed October 2026
