And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted.

LEVITICUS 19:7KJV
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Leviticus 19:7 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:7 mean?

Leviticus 19:7 says that if a sacrifice is eaten on the third day after it is offered, it is considered disgusting and will not be accepted by God. This rule is about following the specific instructions for eating sacrificial offerings, which were meant to be consumed within a certain time frame.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving them detailed laws about how to handle offerings. The context is about maintaining holiness and respect for God’s commands, especially in matters of worship and sacrifice. The verse emphasizes that following God’s instructions exactly was essential for the offering to be accepted.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:7

  • "abominable" (פִּגּוּל, piggul): This word means something that is offensive, detestable, or rejected. In this context, it signals that eating the sacrifice on the third day makes it completely unacceptable for worship.
  • "accepted" (רָצָה, ratsah): This word means to be pleased with or to accept favorably. The verse stresses that God will not be pleased with or accept the offering if the rule is broken.

Why Leviticus 19:7 matters

  • Leviticus 19:7 clarifies that God’s instructions about sacrifices were not just suggestions, but strict commands with real consequences for disobedience.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of ritual purity and obedience in Israel’s worship practices, showing that even small details mattered.
  • This rule connects to the broader theme in Leviticus of separating what is holy from what is common, teaching the Israelites to treat God’s commands with respect and care.

Where else these words appear

“abominable” Hebrew H6292 · used in 4 verses

  • Leviticus 7:18 And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.
  • Isaiah 65:4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
  • Ezekiel 4:14 Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

“accepted” Hebrew H7521 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
  • Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

“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: