Leviticus 7:11-14

What does Leviticus 7:11-14 mean?

This isn't just about rules; the phrase "which he shall offer" points to the act of offering, highlighting that peace offerings were especially about the worshipper's direct engagement with God for fellowship and thanksgiving. This contrasts with other sacrifices where the focus might be more on atonement, making peace offerings deeply personal expressions of joy and relationship.

“And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings that one may offer to the LORD. If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice unleavened loaves mixed with oil, unleavened wafers smeared with oil, and loaves of fine flour well mixed with oil. With the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving he shall bring his offering with loaves of leavened bread. And from it he shall offer one loaf from each offering, as a gift to the LORD. It shall belong to the priest who throws the blood of the peace offerings.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Leviticus 7:11-14 means

This verse introduces the specific regulations for peace offerings, building upon earlier descriptions of their basic nature. The text distinguishes between different types of peace offerings – those of thanksgiving for past mercies, those made to fulfill a vow, and those offered voluntarily. These distinctions are important because they affect how the sacrificial meal is consumed, with thank offerings needing to be eaten the same day, while vow and voluntary offerings allowed for leftovers to be eaten the next day, but no longer.

More Than Just an Animal

When you think of sacrifice, what comes to mind? Often, it's just the animal being offered. But this verse introduces us to something richer.

Leviticus 7:11 tells us this is the law of the 'sacrifice of peace offerings.' While the animal was central, the 'peace offering' (which could also be translated as 'fellowship offering') wasn't just about the animal's death.

A Shared Meal

This offering included a meal for the worshipper, priests, and sometimes the poor. It was a sacred banquet, signifying restored relationship and communion with God and with others. It was a tangible way to experience God's favor and blessing.

Accompanying Gifts

This meal was often accompanied by specific types of bread, including leavened cakes and wafers (Leviticus 7:12-13). This distinction from other offerings highlights the unique nature of the peace offering as a celebration and thanksgiving.

The 'Why' Behind the Offering

Not all sacrifices were the same. This particular offering had specific reasons for being presented, making it a unique expression of devotion.

Leviticus 7:11 introduces the 'peace offering,' but the following verses (and commentary insights) reveal its different categories. These weren't just random acts of worship; they were intentional responses to God's goodness or commitments made.

Types of Peace Offerings

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What Leviticus 7:11-14 means

The original words in Leviticus 7:11-14

lawתּוֹרָה

torah · Hebrew Noun

A formal instruction or rule given by God, often referring to the Pentateuch or God's revealed will for His people's conduct and worship. It signifies the covenantal obligations of the Israelites.

peace offeringsשֶׁלֶם

shelem · Hebrew Noun

An offering made to God to acknowledge His favor, presence, or to ratify a covenant, distinct from offerings for sin. It often involves communal eating, symbolizing fellowship and peace between God and the worshiper.

LORDיהוה

YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun

The personal name of the God of Israel, YHWH, the covenant-keeping God who revealed Himself to Moses and delivered His people from Egypt.

thanksgivingתּוֹדָה

todah · Hebrew Noun

A specific type of peace offering presented to God in response to His goodness, deliverance, or acts of grace toward the individual. It is an expression of gratitude and praise.

unleavenedמַצָּה

matstsah · Hebrew Noun

Bread made without yeast; symbolically associated with purity, haste (as in the Passover), and the absence of corruption or sin in the context of sacrificial offerings.

oilשֶׁמֶן

shemen · Hebrew Noun

A symbolic substance in Scripture often representing the Holy Spirit, divine favor, or set-apartness (sanctification). It was used for anointing priests, kings, and objects dedicated to the LORD.

leavened breadחָמֵץ

chamets · Hebrew Noun

Bread containing yeast, which causes the dough to rise. In the context of the sanctuary, leaven is frequently associated with fermentation and corruption, though it is specifically commanded here for the thanksgiving offering.

giftתְּרוּמָה

terumah · Hebrew Noun

A term generally denoting something lifted up or set apart as a special contribution or heave-offering to the LORD, often designated for the maintenance of the priesthood.

priestכֹּהֵן

kohen · Hebrew Noun

The mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the rituals of the tabernacle/temple, offering sacrifices, and presenting the blood to make atonement.

bloodדָּם

dam · Hebrew Noun

The life force of an animal; in the sacrificial system, blood is the essential element required for atonement and cleansing, representing the life given in place of the sinner.