Leviticus 22:29 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 22:29 mean?

Leviticus 22:29 tells the Israelites that when they bring a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, they should offer it willingly and by their own choice. The verse emphasizes that this kind of offering is not forced but should come from a genuine desire to give thanks.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving instructions to Moses for the people of Israel about how to approach offerings, especially those meant to express gratitude. The focus here is on the attitude behind the sacrifice—thanksgiving offerings are meant to be voluntary, not out of obligation. This sets apart the "sacrifice of thanksgiving" as something personal and heartfelt, rather than a ritual done just to meet a requirement.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 22:29

• "Sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach) refers to an animal offering, often used in the context of fellowship or peace offerings, which were shared between God, the priests, and the offerer.
• "Thanksgiving" (תּוֹדָה, todah) means gratitude or praise, highlighting that this particular sacrifice is about expressing thanks to God.
• "Will" (רָצוֹן, ratzon) means favor, pleasure, or voluntary choice, stressing that the offering should be given freely and not under compulsion.

Why Leviticus 22:29 matters

• Leviticus 22:29 clarifies that thanksgiving offerings are not mandatory but are meant to reflect the giver's true gratitude, preventing them from becoming empty rituals.
• The verse highlights a key principle in Israel's worship: God values the intention and willingness behind an offering, not just the act itself.
• This instruction fits into a broader section teaching the Israelites about holiness and sincerity in their relationship with God, especially in how they approach worship and sacrifices.