◄ Leviticus 7 ►
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The Guilt Offering (Leviticus 5:14–19; Leviticus 6:1–7) 1“Now this is the law of the guilt offering, which is most holy: 2The guilt offering must be slaughtered in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, and the priest shall splatter its blood on all sides of the altar. 3And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails, 4both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which is to be removed with the kidneys. 5The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering to the LORD; it is a guilt offering. 6Every male among the priests may eat of it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy. 7The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it. 8As for the priest who presents a burnt offering for anyone, the hide of that offering belongs to him. 9Likewise, every grain offering that is baked in an oven or cooked in a pana or on a griddleb belongs to the priest who presents it, 10and every grain offering, whether dry or mixed with oil, belongs equally to all the sons of Aaron. The Peace Offering (Leviticus 3:1–17) 11Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD: 12If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. 13Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. 14From the cakes he must present one portion of each offering as a contribution to the LORD. It belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering. 15The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning. 16If, however, the sacrifice he offers is a vow or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day he presents his sacrifice, but the remainder may be eaten on the next day. 17But any meat of the sacrifice remaining until the third day must be burned up. 18If any of the meat from his peace offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted. It will not be credited to the one who presented it; it shall be an abomination, and the one who eats of it shall bear his iniquity. 19Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten; it is to be burned up. As for any other meat, anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it. 20But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people. 21If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.” Fat and Blood Forbidden 22Then the LORD said to Moses, 23“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat. 24The fat of an animal found dead or mauled by wild beasts may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it. 25If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which a food offering may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people. 26You must not eat the blood of any bird or animal in any of your dwellings. 27If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.’” The Priests’ Portion 28Then the LORD said to Moses, 29“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Anyone who presents a peace offering to the LORD must bring it as his sacrifice to the LORD. 30With his own hands he is to bring the food offerings to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD. 31The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. 32And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. 33The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. 34I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’” 35This is the portion of the food offerings to the LORD for Aaron and his sons since the day they were presented to serve the LORD as priests. 36On the day they were anointed, the LORD commanded that this be given them by the sons of Israel. It is a permanent portion for the generations to come. 37This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering, and the peace offering, 38which the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai on the day He commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. Footnotes: 9 a That is, a deep pan or stew pan 9 b That is, a shallow pan for baking or frying Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Leviticus 7 Summary The Priests' Portion Verses 1–10 – Guilt Offering Ritual The guilt offering is “most holy” and must be slaughtered “in the place where the burnt offering is slain” (v. 2). Its blood is dashed against the altar, the fat is burned, and the hide goes to the priest who officiates. Grain offerings cooked in pans or ovens become the officiating priest’s food, while uncooked grain offerings are shared among all Aaron’s sons. Every detail underscores payment for wrongdoing and restoration between the worshiper, God, and any injured party. Verses 11–21 – Fellowship Offering and Thanksgiving Meal Three kinds of fellowship (or peace) offerings appear: thanksgiving, vow, and freewill. Each is accompanied by various breads—unleavened cakes with oil, wafers spread with oil, and leavened loaves. The worshiper presents these with his sacrifice; one cake becomes the priest’s share. Meat must be eaten quickly—on the day of sacrifice for thank offerings, within two days for vow or freewill offerings. Any remainder on the third day is to be burned, and anyone who eats it becomes “guilty” (v. 18). Contact with uncleanness disqualifies a person from eating the meat and results in being “cut off” from the people. Verses 22–27 – Prohibition of Fat and Blood Israel must never eat the fat of cattle, sheep, or goats, nor any blood at all: “whoever eats any blood, that person shall be cut off from his people” (v. 27). Fat reserved for the altar belongs only to God; blood represents life itself (cf. Leviticus 17:11). Verses 28–34 – Portions for Aaron and His Sons God assigns specific parts of the fellowship offering to the priests: the breast (a “wave offering”) and the right thigh (a “heave offering”). The worshiper personally places these in the priest’s hands, lifting and presenting them before the LORD. This creates a vivid picture of shared table fellowship between God, priest, and layperson. Verses 35–38 – Summary of the Sacrificial System The chapter concludes by linking these instructions to the ordination of Aaron and his sons and by stating that Moses received them “on Mount Sinai on the day He commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the LORD” (v. 38). The sacrifices listed—burnt, grain, sin, guilt, and fellowship—form one complete system. This chapter outlines the detailed instructions given by the Lord to Moses, for the people of Israel, regarding various offerings: the guilt offering, sin offering, peace offering, and the guidelines pertaining to cleanliness and uncleanliness. It serves as a crucial guide for Israelites in their path of obedience, atonement, and thanksgiving. The Guilt Offering in Everyday Life • Purpose: It dealt with sins that demanded restitution—misuse of holy things or fraud against a neighbor (Leviticus 5:14–6:7). Restitution (plus 20 percent) was required, showing God’s concern for justice. • Holiness: Described five times as “most holy,” meaning it was set apart uniquely for God (cf. Leviticus 6:25). • Location of slaughter: The same northern side of the altar used for the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:11), a reminder that all sin demands a cost in blood. The Fellowship Offering Meal • Thanksgiving, vow, freewill: Each celebrates the worshiper’s peace with God. Psalm 107 models this by calling the redeemed to “offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.” • Shared table: The offering’s meat created a community picnic in God’s courtyard. Acts 2:46 echoes the same joy as the early believers “broke bread from house to house.” • Time limit: Quick consumption protected holiness and public health, and it taught urgency in gratitude—give thanks now, don’t delay. Holy versus Common: The Ban on Fat and Blood • Fat on the altar: “All the fat is the LORD’s” (Leviticus 3:16). Burning the richest portions declared God worthy of the best. • Blood as life: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). Later, the apostles upheld the blood prohibition for Gentile believers (Acts 15:20). • Health and identity: Modern science notes high parasite risk from undercooked blood; the ban also marked Israel as distinct from neighboring nations that consumed blood in pagan rites. Priestly Portions and Support • Wave and heave: Lifting the breast and thigh toward heaven symbolized giving them to God, then God “returns” them to the priest. • Provision: Priests owned no land (Numbers 18:20); these portions functioned as divine payroll, ensuring people cared for those who served at the altar (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:13–14). Archaeological Snapshots • Burnt offering installations found at Tel Arad and Beersheba mirror the altar dimensions in Exodus 27. • Hittite and Mesopotamian texts describe restitution offerings for temple violations, paralleling Leviticus’ guilt offering but without its emphasis on personal relationship with a holy God. • Lipid analysis of ancient ash heaps in the Negev reveals high concentrations of animal fat, supporting the practice of placing fat on the fire. Forward Glances to the New Testament • Christ our guilt offering: Isaiah 53:10, “You make His soul an offering for guilt,” fulfilled in Jesus, who restores what Adam lost. • Peace with God: Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God,” mirroring the fellowship offering’s theme. • Shared meal: The Lord’s Supper continues the pattern—God invites His people to eat in His presence, celebrating reconciliation accomplished by the ultimate sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:16–18). Practical Takeaways • Sin costs, but God provides a way back through substitution. • Gratitude must be immediate and wholehearted. • Holiness touches diet, time management, and community relationships. • God sees to the needs of those who serve Him, and He uses His people to meet those needs. Connections to Additional Scriptures Repentance and Restitution Matthew 5:23-24 emphasizes reconciliation with others before offering gifts to God. Gratitude and Fellowship Hebrews 13:15-16 encourages offering sacrifices of praise and doing good to others. Holiness in Worship 1 Peter 1:15-16 calls believers to be holy in all conduct, reflecting God's holiness. Supporting Ministry 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 discusses the right of those who preach the gospel to receive their living from it. Obedience to God's Commands Acts 15:28-29 reiterates the importance of abstaining from blood and things strangled. Teaching Points Guilt Offering Leviticus 7:1-10 describes the guilt offering, emphasizing restitution and atonement for unintentional sins. It highlights the need for repentance and making amends. Peace Offering Verses 11-21 discuss the peace offering, which symbolizes fellowship and thanksgiving. It underscores the communal aspect of worship and sharing blessings with others. Sacredness of Offerings The chapter repeatedly stresses the holiness of offerings, as seen in verses 19-21, where the consumption of offerings is restricted to those who are clean. Portions for Priests Verses 28-36 outline the portions of offerings designated for the priests, illustrating God's provision for those who serve Him. Prohibition of Blood and Fat Verses 22-27 prohibit the consumption of blood and fat, signifying respect for life and the sanctity of God's commands. Practical Applications Repentance and Restitution Just as the guilt offering required restitution, we should seek to make amends and seek forgiveness when we wrong others. Gratitude and Fellowship The peace offering encourages us to express gratitude and foster community, reminding us to share our blessings with others. Holiness in Worship We are called to approach God with reverence and purity, ensuring our worship is sincere and respectful. Supporting Ministry Recognize the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry, as seen in the provision for priests. Obedience to God's Commands The prohibition of blood and fat consumption teaches us to respect God's instructions and the sanctity of life. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The divine lawgiver who provides the instructions and commandments regarding the offerings. The Hebrew name used is יְהוָה (YHWH), which is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Moses The prophet and leader of the Israelites who receives the laws and instructions from the LORD to convey to the people. Moses acts as the intermediary between God and the Israelites. 3. Aaron The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He and his descendants are given specific portions of the offerings as part of their priestly duties. 4. Aaron's sons The descendants of Aaron who serve as priests. They are responsible for performing the rituals and are entitled to certain portions of the offerings. 5. The Offerer The individual who brings the offering to the LORD. This person is responsible for presenting the sacrifice according to the prescribed laws. Places 1. The Tabernacle The central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites, where the priests performed the offerings. The tabernacle is the focal point for the rituals described in Leviticus 7. The Hebrew term "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan) refers to this dwelling place of God among His people. 2. The Altar Located within the tabernacle courtyard, the altar is where the sacrifices were made. The Hebrew word "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach) is used for the altar, which is a critical element in the sacrificial system. 3. The Camp of Israel While not explicitly mentioned in Leviticus 7, the camp is the broader setting where the Israelites lived and where the tabernacle was centrally located. The Hebrew term "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh) refers to the encampment of the Israelites. Events 1. Regulations for the Guilt Offering Leviticus 7:1-6 outlines the regulations for the guilt offering, which is considered most holy. The offering is to be slaughtered in the same place as the burnt offering, and the blood is to be sprinkled around the altar. The Hebrew term for guilt offering, "אָשָׁם" (asham), signifies a reparation or compensation for wrongdoing. 2. Portions for the Priests In verses 7-10, the text specifies that the priest who offers the guilt offering is entitled to its meat. Similarly, the priest who presents a burnt offering is to receive the hide. The grain offering, whether baked or prepared in a pan, belongs to the priest who offers it, emphasizing the provision for the priests through these offerings. 3. Regulations for the Fellowship Offering Verses 11-21 describe the regulations for the fellowship offering, also known as the peace offering. This offering can be given as an expression of thanksgiving or as a vow. The Hebrew word "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem) indicates a sense of peace or wholeness, reflecting the communal and reconciliatory nature of this offering. 4. Prohibition of Eating Fat and Blood In verses 22-27, the Israelites are commanded not to eat any fat or blood. The prohibition of fat, "חֵלֶב" (chelev), and blood, "דָּם" (dam), underscores the sanctity of life and the importance of offering the best portions to God. 5. Portions for the Priests from the Fellowship Offerings Verses 28-36 detail the portions of the fellowship offerings that are to be given to the priests. The breast and the right thigh are specified as the priestly portions, symbolizing the sharing of the offering between the offerer, the priest, and God. 6. Conclusion of the Offerings Regulations The chapter concludes in verses 37-38 by summarizing the laws of the burnt offering, grain offering, sin offering, guilt offering, ordination offering, and fellowship offering. These regulations were given by the LORD to Moses on Mount Sinai, emphasizing their divine origin and authority. Lessons from Leviticus 7 1. The Importance of Obedience Leviticus 7 reminds us of the significance of following God's commands with precision and reverence. The chapter outlines specific instructions for offerings, emphasizing that obedience is not just about actions but about the heart's posture. As it is written, "You must keep My commandments and do them; I am the LORD" (Leviticus 22:31). This teaches us that our daily walk with God should be marked by a desire to honor Him through our actions. 2. The Role of Sacrifice Sacrifice is a central theme in Leviticus 7, pointing us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The peace offerings and sin offerings described here foreshadow the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who "offered Himself unblemished to God" (Hebrews 9:14). This lesson encourages us to live lives of gratitude, recognizing the immense love and grace we have received through His sacrifice. 3. Community and Fellowship The peace offerings in Leviticus 7 were not just about the individual but involved the community. Sharing the meal from the offering was a way to foster fellowship and unity among God's people. This reminds us of the importance of community in our faith journey, as we are called to "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). 4. The Holiness of God The detailed instructions for offerings highlight God's holiness and the reverence He deserves. Leviticus 7 teaches us that approaching God requires a heart of humility and respect, as He is "holy, holy, holy" (Isaiah 6:3). This understanding should shape our worship and daily interactions with Him. 5. Gratitude and Thanksgiving The thank offerings in Leviticus 7 serve as a reminder to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Offering thanks to God is not just a ritual but a lifestyle. As we are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus". Gratitude transforms our perspective and aligns our hearts with God's will. 6. The Consequences of Disobedience Leviticus 7 also warns of the consequences of not following God's commands. The chapter underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. This serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and we are called to "repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19). 7. The Provision of God God's instructions for the priests' portions in Leviticus 7 demonstrate His provision for those who serve Him. This reassures us that God is our provider, meeting our needs as we seek His kingdom first. As Jesus taught, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). 8. The Call to Purity The emphasis on purity in the offerings reflects God's call for us to live pure and holy lives. Leviticus 7 challenges us to examine our hearts and actions, striving to be "pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). Purity is not just about external actions but the condition of our hearts before God. 9. The Joy of Worship The offerings in Leviticus 7 were acts of worship, filled with joy and reverence. This reminds us that worship is a joyful response to God's goodness and grace. As Psalm 100:2 encourages, "Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs". Worship is a celebration of who God is and what He has done. 10. The Eternal Significance of Christ's Sacrifice Ultimately, Leviticus 7 points us to the eternal significance of Christ's sacrifice. The offerings were a shadow of the reality found in Jesus, who "by one sacrifice has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Hebrews 10:14). This lesson calls us to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. Topics 1. Regulations for the Guilt Offering (Leviticus 7:1-10) This section outlines the laws concerning the guilt offering, which is considered "most holy" (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, qodesh qadashim). It details how the offering is to be slaughtered and how the priests are to handle the blood and fat. The priests are also given specific portions of the offering as their share. 2. Portions for the Priests (Leviticus 7:11-18) This passage describes the portions of the peace offerings that are allocated to the priests. It includes instructions on how the meat is to be eaten and the time frame within which it must be consumed. The Hebrew term for peace offering is שֶׁלֶם (shelem), which signifies a sacrifice of fellowship or thanksgiving. 3. Prohibition Against Eating Fat and Blood (Leviticus 7:19-27) Here, the text prohibits the consumption of fat and blood, emphasizing that these are reserved for the Lord. The Hebrew word for fat is חֵלֶב (chelev), and blood is דָּם (dam). The passage underscores the sanctity of life and the importance of adhering to God's commands. 4. The Priests' Share of the Offerings (Leviticus 7:28-36) This section reiterates the portions of the offerings that are designated for the priests, including the breast and the right thigh. It emphasizes that these portions are a perpetual statute for the priests and their descendants. 5. Summary of the Offerings (Leviticus 7:37-38) The chapter concludes with a summary of the various offerings: burnt offerings, grain offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings, ordination offerings, and peace offerings. This serves as a reminder of the comprehensive system of sacrifices established by God for the Israelites. Themes 1. Regulations for Guilt Offerings Leviticus 7:1-10 outlines the laws concerning the guilt offering, emphasizing the holiness and specific procedures for offering sacrifices. The Hebrew term for guilt offering, "אָשָׁם" (asham), signifies restitution and atonement for unintentional sins requiring compensation. 2. Portions for the Priests Verses 7-10 describe the portions of the offerings that are allocated to the priests. This underscores the provision for those serving in the priestly role, as they receive a share of the offerings, such as the hide of the burnt offering and specific parts of the grain offering. 3. Fellowship Offerings Leviticus 7:11-21 details the regulations for fellowship or peace offerings, known in Hebrew as "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem). These offerings symbolize communion and thanksgiving, allowing the offerer to share a meal with the priests and, symbolically, with God. 4. Prohibition of Eating Fat and Blood Verses 22-27 strictly prohibit the consumption of fat and blood, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew word for blood, "דָּם" (dam), is often associated with life itself, reinforcing the sacredness of life. 5. Distribution of Offerings Leviticus 7:28-36 discusses the distribution of offerings, particularly the wave and heave offerings, which are given to the priests. This theme highlights the community's support for the priesthood and the acknowledgment of God's provision through these offerings. 6. Conclusion of the Sacrificial Laws The chapter concludes in verses 37-38 with a summary of the laws concerning burnt offerings, grain offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings, ordination offerings, and fellowship offerings. This serves as a comprehensive reminder of the sacrificial system established by God for Israel's worship and atonement practices. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of repentance and the courage to make restitution where needed. Ask God to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and a desire for genuine fellowship with others. Seek God's guidance in approaching Him with reverence and purity in worship. Pray for the provision and support of those in ministry, that they may continue to serve faithfully. Request strength and wisdom to obey God's commands and live a life that honors Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. Leviticus 7:1–2: Why does this passage emphasize the place and method of slaughter for the guilt offering, and is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting these specific practices? 2. Leviticus 7:15–18: Why is there a strict time limit for eating the peace offering, and how do we reconcile this directive with other cultures’ preservation or consumption methods? 3. Leviticus 7:19–21: Is the concept of ritual contamination in these verses inherently superstitious, or is there any scientific or cultural basis that might have justified these purity rules? 4. Leviticus 7:22–27: Does the prohibition on eating fat and blood align with known health concerns or conflict with current dietary research? 5. Leviticus 7:28–34: How do we reconcile the mandated portions for priests with modern ethical standards on religious offerings and resource distribution? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How do you see the theme of sacrifice and atonement play out in these verses? 2. How does the meticulous nature of these laws reflect on the nature of God? 3. How do the laws of cleanliness resonate with you in terms of spiritual purity? 4. How can the laws of the offerings be related to how we present our offerings to God today? 5. What does the concept of a "permanent portion" mean to you? 6. How does the preparation of different offerings symbolize different forms of worship and why? 7. How do these laws embody the principle of obedience in your opinion? 8. In what ways can we observe the principle of giving the "first and best" in these verses? 9. How might the ritual of priests eating a portion of the offerings relate to spiritual responsibilities today? 10. How does the concept of "uncleanness" affect our relationship with God and with others? 11. How does the prohibition of eating blood or fat relate to respecting life? 12. How can we apply the principle of not letting our "sacrifices" become "an abomination" in our present-day living? 13. If one is unclean in the context of today's world, what steps can be taken to become clean again? 14. How does the fact that the guilt offering and sin offering are similar resonate with your understanding of guilt and sin? 15. In the context of these laws, how do you perceive God's requirement for order in worship? 16. How does the principle of offerings made by fire reflect in your personal sacrifices? 17. How can these detailed instructions inform our attitude towards our religious observances? 18. What can we learn from the principle of not leaving anything until morning in today's context? 19. How can the specific allocation of parts of the offerings inform our understanding of God's fairness? 20. What might be the spiritual implications of the rules around eating the offerings in a "holy place"? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions