Leviticus 17:3

Authorized King James Version

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What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

Original Language Analysis

אִישׁ֙ What H376
אִישׁ֙ What
Strong's: H376
Word #: 1 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אִישׁ֙ What H376
אִישׁ֙ What
Strong's: H376
Word #: 2 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִבֵּ֣ית soever there be of the house H1004
מִבֵּ֣ית soever there be of the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 3 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 4 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשְׁחַ֔ט or that killeth H7819
יִשְׁחַ֔ט or that killeth
Strong's: H7819
Word #: 6 of 17
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
שׁ֥וֹר an ox H7794
שׁ֥וֹר an ox
Strong's: H7794
Word #: 7 of 17
a bullock (as a traveller)
אוֹ H176
אוֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 8 of 17
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
כֶ֛שֶׂב or lamb H3775
כֶ֛שֶׂב or lamb
Strong's: H3775
Word #: 9 of 17
a young sheep
אוֹ H176
אוֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 10 of 17
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
עֵ֖ז or goat H5795
עֵ֖ז or goat
Strong's: H5795
Word #: 11 of 17
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃ in the camp H4264
לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃ in the camp
Strong's: H4264
Word #: 12 of 17
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
א֚וֹ H176
א֚וֹ
Strong's: H176
Word #: 13 of 17
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשְׁחַ֔ט or that killeth H7819
יִשְׁחַ֔ט or that killeth
Strong's: H7819
Word #: 15 of 17
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
מִח֖וּץ it out H2351
מִח֖וּץ it out
Strong's: H2351
Word #: 16 of 17
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃ in the camp H4264
לַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃ in the camp
Strong's: H4264
Word #: 17 of 17
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

Analysis & Commentary

What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

This verse falls within the section on Sanctity of Blood. Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement.


The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

Historical Context

Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Questions for Reflection

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