Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.

LEVITICUS 1:2KJV
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Leviticus 1:2 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 1:2 mean?

Leviticus 1:2 gives instructions from God to Moses for the Israelites about how to bring offerings to the LORD. The verse says that if anyone among the Israelites wants to bring an offering, it should come from their cattle, specifically from the herd or the flock.

God is speaking to Moses, who is to relay these instructions to the people of Israel. The context is the beginning of Leviticus, where God lays out detailed guidelines for worship and sacrifices. This verse sets the stage for the sacrificial system by specifying what kinds of animals are acceptable for offerings, focusing on domesticated animals that people would have had access to.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 1:2

  • "Offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban): This word means something brought near or presented, often understood as a gift or sacrifice to God. It highlights the idea of drawing near to God through the act of giving.
  • "Cattle" (בְּהֵמָה, behemah): This term refers broadly to domesticated animals, but the verse narrows it to "herd" (בָּקָר, baqar) and "flock" (צֹאן, tson), meaning cows, sheep, or goats. This shows the offerings were to come from animals that were valuable and familiar to the people.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that these offerings are directed to Israel’s specific covenant God.

Why Leviticus 1:2 matters

  • Leviticus 1:2 clarifies that offerings were voluntary and personal, not just official or communal, since it addresses "any man" among the Israelites.
  • The verse sets boundaries for what could be offered, ruling out wild animals or other possessions, and focusing on animals that represented real cost and commitment.
  • This instruction introduces the detailed sacrificial system that follows, establishing the foundation for Israel’s worship practices and their relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“offering” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:3 If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.
  • Leviticus 7:29 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.
  • Numbers 7:41 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.