And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

LEVITICUS 3:1KJV
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Leviticus 3:1 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 3:1 mean?

Leviticus 3:1 describes the instructions for bringing a "peace offering" to God, allowing either a male or female animal from the herd, but requiring that the animal be without any defect. The offering is to be presented before the LORD as an act of worship.

In this verse, God is giving Moses specific directions for the Israelites about how to approach Him with a certain kind of sacrifice. The "peace offering" was a voluntary act, often expressing thanks, fellowship, or fulfillment of a vow. The requirement for the animal to be "without blemish" shows the importance of giving God the best, not something damaged or inferior.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 3:1

  • "Oblation" (קָרְבָּן, qorban) means something brought near or offered up, highlighting that this is a personal gift or tribute brought close to God.
  • "Sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach) refers specifically to an animal slaughtered as part of a ritual, emphasizing the seriousness and sacredness of the act.
  • "Peace offering" (שֶׁלֶם, shelem) is often understood as a sacrifice meant to express harmony, well-being, or restored relationship, not just the absence of conflict.
  • "Without blemish" (תָּמִים, tamim) means perfect or whole, stressing that only the best and most complete offerings are acceptable in this context.

Why Leviticus 3:1 matters

  • Leviticus 3:1 clarifies that both male and female animals could be used for this offering, unlike some other sacrifices that required only males, showing a broader inclusivity.
  • The emphasis on the animal being "without blemish" underlines the value placed on sincerity and wholeheartedness in worship, not just outward ritual.
  • This verse introduces the "peace offering," which plays a key role in the book of Leviticus as a way for the Israelites to express gratitude, seek fellowship with God, or celebrate restored relationships.

Where else these words appear

“female” Hebrew H5347 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 4:28 Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned.
  • Leviticus 27:5 And if it be from five years old even unto twenty years old, then thy estimation shall be of the male twenty shekels, and for the female ten shekels.

“oblation” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
  • Leviticus 7:29 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.
  • Numbers 7:41 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

“male” Hebrew H2145 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 12:7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
  • Deuteronomy 4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

“offering” Hebrew H8002 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
  • Leviticus 10:14 And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.
  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.