Leviticus 7:23

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

Original Language Analysis

דַּבֵּ֛ר Speak H1696
דַּבֵּ֛ר Speak
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 1 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 2 of 12
near, with or among; often in general, to
בְּנֵ֥י unto the children H1121
בְּנֵ֥י unto the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 3 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 4 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֵאמֹ֑ר saying H559
לֵאמֹ֑ר saying
Strong's: H559
Word #: 5 of 12
to say (used with great latitude)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֵ֜לֶב no manner of fat H2459
חֵ֜לֶב no manner of fat
Strong's: H2459
Word #: 7 of 12
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
שׁ֥וֹר of ox H7794
שׁ֥וֹר of ox
Strong's: H7794
Word #: 8 of 12
a bullock (as a traveller)
וְכֶ֛שֶׂב or of sheep H3775
וְכֶ֛שֶׂב or of sheep
Strong's: H3775
Word #: 9 of 12
a young sheep
וָעֵ֖ז or of goat H5795
וָעֵ֖ז or of goat
Strong's: H5795
Word #: 10 of 12
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 11 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֹאכֵֽלוּ׃ Ye shall eat H398
תֹאכֵֽלוּ׃ Ye shall eat
Strong's: H398
Word #: 12 of 12
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

This verse falls within the section on Further Offering Regulations. Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things.


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

Historical Context

Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources