King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:18 Mean?

Exodus 23:18 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until t...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning. sacrifice: or, feast”

Exodus 23:18 · KJV

Context

16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

17

Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.

18

Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning. sacrifice: or, feast

19

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

20

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning.

This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹֽא1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִזְבַּ֥ח2 of 12

“Thou shalt not offer”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

עַל3 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חָמֵ֖ץ4 of 12

“with leavened bread”

H2557

ferment, (figuratively) extortion

דַּם5 of 12

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

זִבְחִ֑י6 of 12

“of my sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

וְלֹֽא7 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָלִ֥ין8 of 12

“remain”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

חֵֽלֶב9 of 12

“neither shall the fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

חַגִּ֖י10 of 12

“of my sacrifice”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

עַד11 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּֽקֶר׃12 of 12

“until the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 23:18 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 Exodus 23:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:11Exodus 34:25Deuteronomy 16:4Exodus 12:10Exodus 12:8Leviticus 7:15

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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