It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire.

LEVITICUS 19:6KJV
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Leviticus 19:6 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:6 mean?

Leviticus 19:6 instructs that a sacrificial offering must be eaten on the day it is offered or the next day, but anything left over until the third day must be burned in the fire. This rule sets a strict time limit for consuming the sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of following God’s instructions exactly.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving detailed laws about how to handle certain sacrifices. The focus is on maintaining the holiness and purity of the offerings, preventing them from becoming spoiled or treated carelessly. This command is part of a broader section where God lays out practical ways for Israel to live as a distinct and holy people.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:6

  • The word for "eaten" (אָכַל, akhal) means to consume or devour. Here, it highlights that the sacrifice is meant to be shared and enjoyed promptly, not stored for later.
  • "Burnt" (שָׂרַף, saraph) means to completely destroy by fire. This stresses that leftovers are not to be used for any other purpose but must be disposed of in a way that shows respect for the offering.
  • "Remain" (יָתַר, yathar) means to be left over or to remain behind. This word makes it clear that even small leftovers are included in this rule, not just large portions.

Why Leviticus 19:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that sacrificial offerings were not to be treated like ordinary food, but with special care and respect, reinforcing the seriousness of worship.
  • The time limit for eating the sacrifice helps prevent the offering from becoming spoiled, which would be disrespectful and could make people ritually unclean.
  • Leviticus 19:6 connects to the wider passage by showing how God’s laws cover both spiritual and everyday details, teaching Israel to honor God in all aspects of life.

Where else these words appear

“morrow” Hebrew H4283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 19:34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
  • Numbers 16:41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 11:11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.

“third” Hebrew H7992 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
  • 1 Samuel 3:8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:10 The third to Zaccur, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:

“remain” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 21:5 And the rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

“burnt” Hebrew H8313 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 11:3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.
  • Joshua 7:25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.
  • Psalms 46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.