King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:18 Mean?

“Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering;”

Context

Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them. suffer: or, lade themselves with the iniquity of trespass in their eating

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering;

Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **And unto all the children of Israel.**—As the following laws presented the condition of the animals which the Israelites are to offer, they are addressed to the laity as well as to the priests. **Whatsoever he be.**—Better, *what man soever there be, *as it is translated in the Authorised version Leviticus 17:3 (and see Note on Leviticus 17:8). **Offer his oblation.**—Better, *offer his offering, *as the Authorised version translates it in Leviticus 3:7; Leviticus 3:14; Leviticus 7:12; Leviticus 17:4, *&c. *It is difficult to divine why the translators gave here a different rendering of a fixed sacrificial formula which it is important to reproduce uniformly in a translation. **For all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings.**—Better, *for any manner of vow, or for any manner of freewill offering. *That is, if an Israelite by race, or one who was originally a stranger but has joined the Jewish community, brings a sacrifice, be it in consequence of a vow which he has made, or be it a freewill offering. Both these kinds of sacrifices were entirely voluntary, and the difference between them is described in Leviticus 7:16.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 22:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.