King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:28 Mean?

Leviticus 22:28 in the King James Version says “And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day. ewe: or, she goat” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 22:28 · KJV

Context

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.

30

On the same day it shall be eaten up; ye shall leave none of it until the morrow: I am the LORD.

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.

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


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְשׁ֖וֹר1 of 10

“And whether it be cow”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

אוֹ2 of 10
H176

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

שֶׂ֑ה3 of 10

“or ewe”

H7716

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

אֹת֣וֹ4 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶת5 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנ֔וֹ6 of 10

“it and her young”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לֹ֥א7 of 10
H3808

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

תִשְׁחֲט֖וּ8 of 10

“ye shall not kill”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

בְּי֥וֹם9 of 10

“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

אֶחָֽד׃10 of 10

“both in one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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 22:28 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 22:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 22:6-7Deuteronomy 14:21Exodus 23:19Exodus 34:26

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