And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.

LEVITICUS 7:15KJV
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Leviticus 7:15 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 7:15 mean?

Leviticus 7:15 says that the meat from a peace offering given as a thanksgiving must be eaten on the same day it is offered, and none of it should be left until the next morning. This rule sets a clear time limit for consuming the sacrifice, emphasizing that it should not be kept overnight.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about how to handle the "peace offerings for thanksgiving." The setting is the giving of the ceremonial laws for worship at the tabernacle. The verse highlights the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, especially regarding offerings meant to express gratitude, and it shows that these offerings were meant to be enjoyed promptly, not stored or reused.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 7:15

  • "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar): This word refers to the actual meat of the animal offered. The focus on "flesh" shows the tangible, physical part of the sacrifice that was to be eaten.
  • "sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach): This is a general word for a slaughtered offering, emphasizing that this was a formal act of worship, not just a meal.
  • "offerings" (שֶׁלֶם, shelem): This word is often translated "peace offerings" and carries the idea of wholeness or well-being, pointing to the purpose of the sacrifice as a celebration of restored relationship.
  • "thanksgiving" (תוֹדָה, todah): This word means "thanks" or "praise," making it clear that this particular peace offering was given out of gratitude.
  • "eaten" (אָכַל, akhal): The instruction to eat the sacrifice is a reminder that these offerings were shared meals, not just burnt up.
  • "leave" (נוּתַר, notar): This word means to "leave behind" or "let remain," stressing that none of the meat should be saved for later.
  • "morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer): The mention of "morning" sets a strict deadline, showing that the offering was a one-day event.

Why Leviticus 7:15 matters

  • Leviticus 7:15 clears up that not all sacrifices were treated the same way—some could be eaten over two days, but thanksgiving peace offerings had to be finished the same day, showing a special urgency or focus for this type of gratitude.
  • The verse emphasizes that offerings of thanks were meant to be fresh and immediate, not something to be stretched out or treated casually, which highlights the seriousness of expressing gratitude to God.
  • This instruction connects to the larger section on sacrifices by showing how each type had its own rules, helping the Israelites understand the distinct meaning and purpose behind each offering.

Where else these words appear

“thanksgiving” Hebrew H8426 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Nehemiah 12:38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
  • Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“leave” Hebrew H3240 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
  • Judges 6:18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

“offered” 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.

“offerings” 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.