If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the LORD.

LEVITICUS 3:7KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 3:7 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 3:7 mean?

Leviticus 3:7 explains that if someone chooses to bring a lamb as their offering, they must present it before the LORD. This instruction is part of the guidelines for peace offerings, showing that different animals could be brought, but each had to be offered in a specific way.

In this verse, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the Israelites about how to properly bring a peace offering. The focus is on bringing a lamb, which was a common animal for sacrifice, and making sure it is presented directly before God. This reflects the careful and respectful approach expected in worship and sacrifice at the time.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 3:7

  • "offer" (קָרַב, qarav): This word means to bring near or present, emphasizing that the person must personally bring the lamb close to God’s presence, not just send it or delegate the task.
  • "lamb" (כֶּשֶׂב, kesev): This refers specifically to a young sheep, highlighting that the offering could be a gentle, everyday animal, not just cattle or goats.
  • "before" (פָּנִים, panim): This word means "in the presence of" or "before the face of," underlining that the offering is made directly in front of God, not just anywhere in the camp.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, reminding the reader that the offering is to the specific God of Israel, not just any deity.

Why Leviticus 3:7 matters

  • Leviticus 3:7 clarifies that peace offerings were flexible—people could bring a lamb, not just cattle or goats, making this form of worship accessible to more Israelites.
  • The verse emphasizes the personal nature of the act: the worshiper must bring the lamb "before the LORD," showing respect and intentionality in approaching God.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section about peace offerings, helping the reader see the careful order and reverence expected in Israel’s worship practices.

Where else these words appear

“lamb” Hebrew H3775 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 30:32 I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire.
  • Leviticus 1:10 And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.
  • Leviticus 22:19 Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

“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.