Leviticus 23:19 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 23:19 mean?

Leviticus 23:19 describes how, during a special festival, the Israelites were to offer specific animals: one young goat as a sin offering and two year-old lambs as a peace offering. These sacrifices were part of the instructions God gave to Moses for the people’s worship.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, who is then to instruct the Israelites about the rituals for the Feast of Weeks (also called Pentecost). The verse highlights the need for both a sin offering and peace offerings, showing that the festival involved both atonement and celebration of fellowship with God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 23:19

• חַטָּאָה (chatta'ah, H2403): This word means "sin offering." It emphasizes that part of the ritual was about seeking forgiveness and cleansing from sin, not just celebration.
• שְׁנַיִם (shenayim, H8147): This is the word for "two," making clear that exactly two lambs were required, showing the care for specific instructions in worship.
• שְׁלָמִים (shelamim, H8002): This word means "peace offerings." It refers to offerings meant to express thanks, fellowship, and wholeness, not just dealing with sin.

Why Leviticus 23:19 matters

• Leviticus 23:19 clarifies that the Feast of Weeks was not only a time of thanksgiving but also involved seeking forgiveness, combining joy and humility in worship.
• The verse shows the careful structure of Israel’s worship, where different offerings had different meanings and purposes, each with its own role in the community’s relationship with God.
• Understanding these details helps readers see how the Old Testament festivals were both spiritual and practical, shaping the rhythm of Israel’s communal and religious life.