And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted.
LEVITICUS 19:7KJVWhat 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.