King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:23 Mean?

Leviticus 7:23 in the King James Version says “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

Leviticus 7:23 · KJV


Context

21

Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

22

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

23

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

24

And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it. beast: Heb. carcase

25

For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, even the soul that eateth it shall be cut off from his people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

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.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
דַּבֵּ֛ר1 of 12

Speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל2 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֥י3 of 12

unto the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל4 of 12

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 12

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּל6 of 12
H3605

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

חֵ֜לֶב7 of 12

no manner of fat

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

שׁ֥וֹר8 of 12

of ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וְכֶ֛שֶׂב9 of 12

or of sheep

H3775

a young sheep

וָעֵ֖ז10 of 12

or of goat

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

לֹ֥א11 of 12
H3808

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

תֹאכֵֽלוּ׃12 of 12

Ye shall eat

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 7:23 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 7:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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