King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:18 Mean?

Leviticus 7:18 in the King James Version says “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 accept... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 7:18 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof.

20

But the soul that eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that pertain unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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

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 practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאִ֣ם1 of 22
H518

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

הֵֽאָכֹ֣ל2 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽאֹכֶ֥לֶת3 of 22

at all

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִבְּשַׂר4 of 22

And if any of the flesh

H1320

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

זֶ֨בַח5 of 22

of the sacrifice

H2077

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

שְׁלָמָ֜יו6 of 22

of his peace offerings

H8002

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

בַּיּ֣וֹם7 of 22

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

הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֮8 of 22

on the third

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

לֹ֣א9 of 22
H3808

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

יֵֽרָצֶה֒10 of 22

it shall not be accepted

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

הַמַּקְרִ֣יב11 of 22

unto him that offereth

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֹת֗וֹ12 of 22
H853

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

לֹ֧א13 of 22
H3808

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

יֵֽחָשֵׁ֛ב14 of 22

neither shall it be imputed

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

ל֖וֹ15 of 22
H0
פִּגּ֣וּל16 of 22

it it shall be an abomination

H6292

properly, fetid, i.e., (figuratively) unclean (ceremonially)

יִֽהְיֶ֑ה17 of 22
H1961

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

וְהַנֶּ֛פֶשׁ18 of 22

and the soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הָֽאֹכֶ֥לֶת19 of 22

at all

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ20 of 22
H4480

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

עֲוֹנָ֥הּ21 of 22

his iniquity

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

תִּשָּֽׂא׃22 of 22

of it shall bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative


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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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