What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

LEVITICUS 17:3KJV
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Leviticus 17:3 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 17:3 mean?

Leviticus 17:3 says that any person from the people of Israel who kills an ox, lamb, or goat—whether inside the camp or outside of it—is being addressed by this instruction. The verse is setting up a rule about animal sacrifice or slaughter, making it clear that location does not exempt anyone from what is about to be commanded.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, who is then to relay these instructions to the Israelites. The context is about regulating how and where animals can be killed, especially those used for food or sacrifice. This verse introduces a command that aims to prevent private or unauthorized sacrifices and to centralize worship practices among the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 17:3

  • "Man" (אִישׁ, ish): This word can mean any individual, not just males, emphasizing that the rule applies broadly to all members of the community.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): Used here as "house of Israel," it refers to the entire community or family of Israel, underlining that the instruction is for everyone, not just a select group.
  • "Killeth" (שָׁחַט, shachat): This verb specifically refers to the act of slaughtering, often in the context of ritual sacrifice, not just any killing. It highlights that the focus is on animals that could be used for offerings.
  • "Camp" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh): Refers to the communal living area of the Israelites in the wilderness, but the verse also mentions killing "out of the camp," making it clear that the rule applies everywhere, not just within the main settlement.

Why Leviticus 17:3 matters

  • Leviticus 17:3 clarifies that the coming instructions about animal slaughter are not limited by location; whether someone is inside or outside the camp, the same rule applies.
  • The verse sets the stage for the next verses, which require that animals be brought to the entrance of the Tabernacle for sacrifice, preventing private altars and unauthorized worship.
  • This instruction helps unify the Israelites’ worship practices and ensures that sacrifices are made in the way God commanded, which was a key concern in the wilderness period.

Where else these words appear

“lamb” Hebrew H3775 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 30:32 I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire.
  • Leviticus 1:10 And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.
  • Leviticus 22:19 Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

“ox” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 22:23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“killeth” Hebrew H7819 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
  • Leviticus 9:8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
  • 2 Kings 10:14 And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.

“goat” Hebrew H5795 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 9:3 And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;
  • Numbers 29:5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you: