King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:7 Mean?

Leviticus 19:7 in the King James Version says “And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted.

Leviticus 19:7 · KJV


Context

5

And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will.

6

It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire.

7

And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted.

8

Therefore every one that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

9

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְאִ֛ם1 of 9
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הֵֽאָכֹ֥ל2 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יֵֽאָכֵ֖ל3 of 9

And if it be eaten

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בַּיּ֣וֹם4 of 9

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י5 of 9

on the third

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

פִּגּ֥וּל6 of 9

it is abominable

H6292

properly, fetid, i.e., (figuratively) unclean (ceremonially)

ה֖וּא7 of 9
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹ֥א8 of 9
H3808

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

יֵֽרָצֶֽה׃9 of 9

it shall not be accepted

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 19:7 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 Leviticus 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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