Leviticus 7:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 7:11 mean?

Leviticus 7:11 sets out the rule for the "peace offerings" that someone brings to the LORD, introducing a section that explains how these offerings should be handled. This verse marks the start of instructions about a specific kind of sacrifice, making clear that there are particular guidelines for these offerings.

In the book of Leviticus, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the Israelites about worship and sacrifices. Here, God is speaking to Moses, who is to relay these laws to the people. The "peace offerings" are a type of sacrifice meant to express thanks, fulfill a vow, or mark a special occasion, and this verse signals the beginning of the rules about how they are to be offered.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 7:11

• "law" (תּוֹרָה, torah): This word means instruction or teaching, not just a legal rule. Here, it signals that what follows is a divinely given guideline for worship, not just a ritual detail.
• "sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach): This is a general word for an animal offering. In this context, it refers to the specific act of bringing an animal as a gift to God.
• "offerings" (שֶׁלֶם, shelem): This word is often translated "peace offering" or "fellowship offering." It carries the idea of wholeness, well-being, or restored relationship, which is the focus of this type of sacrifice.
• "offer" (קָרַב, qarav): This verb means to bring near or present. It highlights the act of approaching God with a gift, emphasizing the relational aspect of the offering.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, used here to make clear that the offering is directed to Israel’s covenant God.

Why Leviticus 7:11 matters

• Leviticus 7:11 clarifies that the peace offering is not just a general sacrifice but has its own set of instructions, showing that different offerings had distinct purposes and procedures.
• The use of the word "torah" (instruction) signals that these are not arbitrary rituals but meaningful practices meant to guide the people’s relationship with God.
• This verse connects to the larger section in Leviticus that explains the different types of sacrifices, helping the reader see how worship in ancient Israel was organized and intentional.