King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:15 Mean?

Leviticus 7:15 in the King James Version says “And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; h...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.”

Leviticus 7:15 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

15

And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.

16

But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:

17

But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

Read Leviticus 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.

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.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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. 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 · 12 words
וּבְשַׂ֗ר1 of 12

“And the flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

זֶ֚בַח2 of 12

“of the sacrifice”

H2077

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

תּוֹדַ֣ת3 of 12

“for thanksgiving”

H8426

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

שְׁלָמָ֔יו4 of 12

“of his peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

בְּי֥וֹם5 of 12

“the same 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

קָרְבָּנ֖וֹ6 of 12

“that it is offered”

H7133

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

יֵֽאָכֵ֑ל7 of 12

“shall be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֹֽא8 of 12
H3808

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

יַנִּ֥יחַ9 of 12

“he shall not leave”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ10 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

עַד11 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּֽקֶר׃12 of 12

“any of it until the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 22:29-30

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