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.