Leviticus 7:17 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 7:17 mean?

Leviticus 7:17 says that if any meat from a sacrifice remains uneaten until the third day, it must be completely burned up with fire. This rule is part of the instructions for handling sacrificial offerings, making sure nothing is left beyond a set time.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses detailed laws for the Israelites about how to offer sacrifices, specifically peace offerings. The instruction about burning leftover meat on the third day stresses the importance of following God’s guidelines exactly and keeping the sacrifices pure, rather than letting them become spoiled or misused.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 7:17

• "remainder" (יָתַר, yathar): This word refers to what is left over from the sacrifice. The law is concerned with even the leftovers, showing thoroughness in the ritual.
• "flesh" (בָּשָׂר, basar): This is the meat of the animal that was offered. The focus on the flesh highlights the physical, perishable part of the sacrifice.
• "burnt" (שָׂרַף, saraph): This means to completely consume with fire. The burning is not just disposal, but a way to treat the leftover meat as something set apart, not for ordinary use.
• "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh): Fire is used here as a purifying and consuming force, making sure the remains are not eaten or used for any other purpose.

Why Leviticus 7:17 matters

• Leviticus 7:17 clarifies that sacrificial meat was not to be treated casually or kept indefinitely, which helped prevent ritual impurity and possible health risks from spoiled meat.
• This verse emphasizes the seriousness of following God’s instructions in detail, not just in the main act of sacrifice but in how every part of the offering is handled.
• The rule connects to the broader theme in Leviticus of holiness and separation, showing that even leftovers from a holy act must be treated with respect and care.