King James Version

What Does Leviticus 23:18 Mean?

Leviticus 23:18 in the King James Version says “And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: th... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:18 · KJV


Context

16

Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.

17

Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.

18

And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

19

Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.

20

And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Appointed Feasts. God's sacred calendar including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, marking redemption and agricultural blessings.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's sacred calendar including Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, marking redemption and agricultural blessings. 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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֣ם1 of 23

And ye shall offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עַל2 of 23
H5921

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

הַלֶּ֗חֶם3 of 23

with the bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

שִׁבְעַ֨ת4 of 23

seven

H7651

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

כְּבָשִׂ֤ים5 of 23

lambs

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

תְּמִימִם֙6 of 23

without blemish

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

בֶּן7 of 23

of the first

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

שָׁנָ֔ה8 of 23

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וּפַ֧ר9 of 23

bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

בֶּן10 of 23

of the first

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

בָּקָ֛ר11 of 23

young

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

אֶחָ֖ד12 of 23

and one

H259

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

וְאֵילִ֣ם13 of 23

rams

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

שְׁנָ֑יִם14 of 23

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

יִֽהְי֤וּ15 of 23
H1961

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

עֹלָה֙16 of 23

they shall be for a burnt offering

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

לַֽיהוָֽה׃17 of 23

unto the LORD

H3068

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

וּמִנְחָתָם֙18 of 23

with their meat offering

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֔ם19 of 23

and their drink offerings

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

אִשֵּׁ֥ה20 of 23

even an offering made by fire

H801

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

רֵֽיחַ21 of 23

savour

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ22 of 23

of sweet

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

לַֽיהוָֽה׃23 of 23

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 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 Leviticus 23:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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