And if his offering be a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.

LEVITICUS 3:12KJV
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Leviticus 3:12 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 3:12 mean?

Leviticus 3:12 says that if someone’s offering for a peace sacrifice is a goat, they are to bring that goat and present it before the LORD. This instruction is part of the guidelines for making offerings in the tabernacle, showing that a goat is an acceptable animal for this type of sacrifice.

In this verse, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the Israelites about how to offer a peace offering. The verse is addressed to anyone among the Israelites who wishes to bring a goat as their offering. The focus is on the act of bringing the animal before the LORD, which means presenting it at the entrance of the tabernacle as part of the worship and sacrificial system.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 3:12

  • "Offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban) refers to something brought near or presented, highlighting that the act is about drawing close to God through the sacrifice.
  • "Goat" (עֵז, ez) specifies the animal, showing that not only cattle or sheep but also goats are suitable for this peace offering.
  • "Offer" (קָרַב, qarav) means to bring near or present, emphasizing the personal involvement of the worshipper in bringing the animal forward.
  • "Before" (פָּנִים, panim) often means “in the presence of,” making it clear that the act is done openly before God, not in secret.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name of God, reminding the reader that the offering is directed to Israel’s covenant God.

Why Leviticus 3:12 matters

  • Leviticus 3:12 clarifies that goats are just as acceptable as other animals for peace offerings, showing inclusiveness in the types of sacrifices allowed.
  • The verse highlights the importance of presenting the offering directly before God, underlining the personal and communal relationship between the worshipper and the LORD.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section that carefully details the correct way to approach God, helping the reader see the seriousness and orderliness of Israel’s worship practices.

Where else these words appear

“goat” Hebrew H5795 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 16:5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
  • Numbers 29:5 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:

“offering” 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.