King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:16 Mean?

Leviticus 7:16 in the King James Version says “But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Leviticus 7:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.

Read Leviticus 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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. 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 practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאִם1 of 15
H518

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

נֶ֣דֶר׀2 of 15

“be a vow”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

א֣וֹ3 of 15
H176

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

נְדָבָ֗ה4 of 15

“or a voluntary offering”

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

זִבְח֖וֹ5 of 15

“But if the sacrifice”

H2077

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

קָרְבָּנ֔וֹ6 of 15

“of his offering”

H7133

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

בְּי֛וֹם7 of 15

“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

הַקְרִיב֥וֹ8 of 15

“that he offereth”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת9 of 15
H853

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

זִבְח֖וֹ10 of 15

“But if the sacrifice”

H2077

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

יֵֽאָכֵֽל׃11 of 15

“it shall be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּמִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת12 of 15

“and on the morrow”

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

וְהַנּוֹתָ֥ר13 of 15

“also the remainder”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ14 of 15
H4480

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

יֵֽאָכֵֽל׃15 of 15

“it shall be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:6Leviticus 19:5-8Deuteronomy 12:17Deuteronomy 12:26Leviticus 22:29Nahum 1:15

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