King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:27 Mean?

Leviticus 22:27 in the King James Version says “When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Leviticus 22:27 · KJV


Context

25

Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for you.

26

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

27

When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

28

And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day. ewe: or, she goat

29

And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Acceptable Sacrifices. Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
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

Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality. 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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
שׁ֣וֹר1 of 19

When a bullock

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

אוֹ2 of 19
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

כֶ֤שֶׂב3 of 19

or a sheep

H3775

a young sheep

אוֹ4 of 19
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

עֵז֙5 of 19

or a goat

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

כִּ֣י6 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִוָּלֵ֔ד7 of 19

is brought forth

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וְהָיָ֛ה8 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שִׁבְעַ֥ת9 of 19

then it shall be seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

וּמִיּ֤וֹם10 of 19

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

תַּ֣חַת11 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אִמּ֑וֹ12 of 19

under the dam

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וּמִיּ֤וֹם13 of 19

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

הַשְּׁמִינִי֙14 of 19

and from the eighth

H8066

eight

וָהָ֔לְאָה15 of 19

and thenceforth

H1973

to the distance, i.e., far away; also (of time) thus far

יֵֽרָצֶ֕ה16 of 19

it shall be accepted

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

לְקָרְבַּ֥ן17 of 19

for an offering

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

אִשֶּׁ֖ה18 of 19

made by fire

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

לַֽיהוָֽה׃19 of 19

unto the LORD

H3068

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


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 22:27 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 22:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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