And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.

LEVITICUS 22:28KJV
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Leviticus 22:28 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:28 mean?

Leviticus 22:28 commands that no one should kill a cow or a ewe together with its young on the same day. This rule sets a limit on how animals are to be treated, specifically during sacrifices or slaughter.

In this verse, God is speaking through Moses to the Israelites, giving them instructions about acceptable practices for offering animals to God. The verse comes in a section about respecting what is holy and showing care in how animals are handled. The instruction highlights a concern for both the animal and its offspring, showing a degree of sensitivity even in ritual or practical matters.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:28

  • "Cow" (פָּרָה, parah; H7794) and "ewe" (שֶׂה, seh; H7716) are both general terms for female cattle and sheep, emphasizing that the rule applies to common sacrificial animals.
  • "Kill" (שָׁחַט, shachat; H7819) means to slaughter, especially in the context of ritual sacrifice, pointing to the religious setting of the command.
  • "Young" (בֵּן, ben; H1121) literally means "son" or "child," but here refers to the offspring of the animal, clarifying that the prohibition is about a mother and its direct young.
  • "One" (אֶחָד, echad; H259) and "day" (יוֹם, yom; H3117) together stress that the timing is important—both animals are not to be killed within the same 24-hour period.

Why Leviticus 22:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites were expected to show restraint and a measure of compassion even in the context of animal sacrifice, which was central to their worship.
  • The rule sets a boundary that prevents complete destruction of a family line of animals in a single day, which could help preserve herds and flocks.
  • Leviticus 22:28 fits into a broader pattern in the Torah of laws that encourage respect for life and careful stewardship of resources, connecting ritual practice with everyday ethics.

Where else these words appear

“ewe” Hebrew H7716 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
  • Exodus 34:20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

“cow” 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 17:3 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,
  • 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:

“kill” 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.