King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:7 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God.”

Deuteronomy 27:7 · KJV

Peace

Context

5

And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.

6

Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God:

7

And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God.

8

And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

9

And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God. Peace offerings (fellowship offerings) followed burnt offerings, demonstrating the pattern of worship - first atonement and consecration, then communion and celebration. Access to joyful fellowship requires prior sacrificial atonement.

The permission to eat there distinguishes peace offerings from burnt offerings. While burnt offerings were entirely consumed on the altar, peace offerings included communal meal where worshipers ate portions, symbolizing fellowship with God and each other.

The command rejoice before the LORD makes joy a religious duty, not mere emotional preference. Worship includes celebration of God's goodness, expressing gratitude for His provision and covenant relationship. Joy is appropriate response to divine blessing.

This pattern foreshadows gospel order - Christ's complete sacrifice (burnt offering) enables believers' fellowship with God and each other (peace offering), producing joy in His presence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peace offerings provided most of Israel's meat consumption, as daily diet consisted primarily of grains, vegetables, and dairy. These sacrificial meals became occasions for family and community celebration.

Eating in God's presence symbolized covenant fellowship - the shared meal represented mutual commitment between God and His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the order (burnt offerings then peace offerings) teach about worship progression?
  2. How do peace offerings symbolize fellowship with God and community?
  3. Why is rejoicing commanded as religious duty rather than optional emotion?
  4. How does Christ's sacrifice enable both atonement and fellowship?
  5. What role should celebration and joy have in Christian worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְזָֽבַחְתָּ֥1 of 8

“And thou shalt offer”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

שְׁלָמִ֖ים2 of 8

“peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

וְאָכַ֣לְתָּ3 of 8

“and shalt eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

שָּׁ֑ם4 of 8
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְשָׂ֣מַחְתָּ֔5 of 8

“there and rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

לִפְנֵ֖י6 of 8

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֥ה7 of 8

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃8 of 8

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 27:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 27:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 10:36Psalms 100:1-2Leviticus 3:1-17Isaiah 12:3Habakkuk 3:18Hebrews 13:20-21

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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