King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:12 Mean?

Leviticus 7:12 in the King James Version says “If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with ... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.

Leviticus 7:12 · KJV


Context

10

And every meat offering, mingled with oil, and dry, shall all the sons of Aaron have, one as much as another.

11

And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.

12

If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.

13

Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.

14

And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation for an heave offering unto the LORD, and it shall be the priest's that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.

This verse falls within the section on Further Offering Regulations. Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אִ֣ם1 of 21
H518

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

עַל2 of 21
H5921

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

הַתּוֹדָ֗ה3 of 21

it for a thanksgiving

H8426

properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers

וְהִקְרִ֣יב׀4 of 21

If he offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

וְהִקְרִ֣יב׀5 of 21

If he offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

עַל6 of 21
H5921

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

זֶ֣בַח7 of 21

with the sacrifice

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

הַתּוֹדָ֗ה8 of 21

it for a thanksgiving

H8426

properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers

חַלֹּ֖ת9 of 21

and cakes

H2471

a cake (as usually punctured)

מַצּ֖וֹת10 of 21

and unleavened

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

בְּלוּלֹ֥ת11 of 21

mingled

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃12 of 21

with oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וּרְקִיקֵ֥י13 of 21

wafers

H7550

a thin cake

מַצּ֖וֹת14 of 21

and unleavened

H4682

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

מְשֻׁחִ֣ים15 of 21

anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃16 of 21

with oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְסֹ֣לֶת17 of 21

of fine flour

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

מֻרְבֶּ֔כֶת18 of 21

fried

H7246

to soak (bread in oil)

חַלֹּ֖ת19 of 21

and cakes

H2471

a cake (as usually punctured)

בְּלוּלֹ֥ת20 of 21

mingled

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃21 of 21

with oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness


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 7:12 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 7:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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