If his offering is a burnt offering from the herdThe burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, signifies an offering that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God. This type of offering was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but in Israel, it held a unique covenantal significance. The offering from the herd indicates a domesticated animal, typically cattle, which were valuable assets, reflecting the offerer's willingness to give something of great worth to God. This act of sacrifice is a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself wholly for humanity's redemption.
he is to present an unblemished male
The requirement for an unblemished male animal underscores the importance of purity and perfection in offerings to God. This reflects God's holiness and the need for the worshiper to approach Him with integrity and sincerity. The male animal, often seen as the stronger and more valuable, symbolizes strength and leadership. This foreshadows Christ, the sinless and perfect Lamb of God, who was offered without blemish for the sins of the world (1 Peter 1:19).
He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, or Tabernacle, was the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Bringing the offering to the entrance signifies the worshiper's approach to God, acknowledging His presence and seeking communion with Him. This act of bringing the offering to a specific location highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. The Tabernacle itself is a type of Christ, as it was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people (John 1:14).
for its acceptance before the LORD
The acceptance of the offering by the LORD indicates divine approval and favor. This acceptance was contingent upon the offerer's obedience to God's instructions and the condition of the offering itself. It reflects the principle that God desires sincere worship and a heart aligned with His will. This acceptance is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, whose sacrifice was fully accepted by God, providing eternal redemption for believers (Ephesians 5:2).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The OffererThe individual bringing the sacrifice, representing the people of Israel who seek to maintain a right relationship with God through offerings.
2.
Burnt OfferingA type of sacrifice in which the entire animal is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement for sin.
3.
Unblemished MaleThe requirement for the offering to be without defect, symbolizing purity and perfection, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
4.
Tent of MeetingThe sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites, representing God's presence among His people.
5.
The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who establishes the terms of worship and acceptance.
Teaching Points
The Call for PurityJust as the offering had to be unblemished, believers are called to pursue holiness and purity in their lives, reflecting the character of Christ.
Total DedicationThe burnt offering symbolizes complete surrender to God. Christians are encouraged to live lives fully dedicated to God's service and glory.
Approaching GodThe requirement to present the offering at the Tent of Meeting highlights the importance of approaching God on His terms, through the means He has provided, ultimately through Jesus Christ.
Acceptance by GodThe offering was a means of being accepted by the LORD. In Christ, believers are accepted and can approach God with confidence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 1:3?
2.How does Leviticus 1:3 emphasize the importance of offering a "male without blemish"?
3.What does "voluntary will" in Leviticus 1:3 teach about our worship attitude?
4.How does Leviticus 1:3 connect to Christ's sacrifice as the perfect offering?
5.In what ways can we present ourselves as "without blemish" in daily life?
6.How can we ensure our offerings to God are given with a "voluntary will"?
7.What is the significance of offering a male without blemish in Leviticus 1:3?
8.How does Leviticus 1:3 foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
9.Why is the voluntary nature of the offering important in Leviticus 1:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 1?
11.Are there historical or archaeological records that corroborate detailed sacrificial rituals like those mandated in Leviticus 1?
12.What does "Without Spot or Wrinkle" mean?
13.What is the significance of a burnt offering?
14.What offerings are pleasing to God?What Does Leviticus 1:3 Mean
If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd– The burnt offering (“whole” offering) was completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total surrender to God. Noah’s first act after the flood was exactly this kind of sacrifice (Genesis 8:20), and every morning and evening Israel repeated it (Exodus 29:38-42).
– Voluntary yet foundational, it expressed gratitude, worship, and devotion. Paul echoes its heart when he urges believers to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1).
– Bringing an animal “from the herd” made the cost personal; the worshiper surrendered something valuable, demonstrating that God deserves our best.
he is to present an unblemished male– “Unblemished” pointed to moral perfection. Anything defective was forbidden; Malachi later rebukes priests for offering the blind and lame (Malachi 1:8).
– The Passover lamb had to meet the same standard (Exodus 12:5), foreshadowing “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19).
– Choosing a male underscored strength and vigor, anticipating Christ, the last Adam, who offered Himself in the prime of life.
– The church, too, is destined to be “without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish” (Ephesians 5:27), because the perfect sacrifice cleanses her.
He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting– Worship had a designated place. Sacrifice anywhere else brought guilt (Leviticus 17:4). God, not the worshiper, chose the meeting point (Deuteronomy 12:5).
– The public setting emphasized accountability and community; faith is personal but never private.
– Today, Christ is the true and living way to God (John 14:6). Because His body has opened the curtain, we have “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-20).
for its acceptance before the LORD– The goal was divine acceptance, not self-expression. Laying a hand on the animal (next verse) identified the worshiper with the substitute so “it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement” (Leviticus 1:4).
– Acceptance looked forward to the day God would “freely give us [grace] in the Beloved One” (Ephesians 1:6).
– Because Jesus was spotless, God now declares believers righteous: “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us… that we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
summaryLeviticus 1:3 calls every worshiper to bring the very best, place it where God meets His people, and seek acceptance through a flawless substitute. The shadows of cattle and altars reach their fulfillment in Christ, the perfect, unblemished Son, whose once-for-all sacrifice secures our welcome before the Lord and invites us to live wholly devoted lives in response.
(3)
If his offering be a burnt sacrifice.--Having stated what is meant by animals, the directions now treat upon the different kinds of the offerings them-selves. First in order comes the burnt offering, which is divided into burnt offering from the beeves (
Leviticus 1:3-9), and burnt offering from the flock (
Leviticus 1:10-13). The ox takes precedence because it is the more costly and more important sacrifice. It had to be without disease or blemish of any kind. To offer a defective sacrifice was an insult and a deception. Hence the exclamation of the prophet, "cursed be the deceiver which hath in his flock a male and voweth and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing" (
i.e.,an animal with a blemish),
Malachi 1:14. The offerer is to bring the animal to
the entrance of the tent of meeting,as it should be rendered, that is, to the front of the Tabernacle where the brazen altar stood (
Exodus 40:6).
Of his own voluntary will.--The whole passage is better rendered,at the entrance of the tent of meeting shall he offer it, that he may be accepted before the Lord.(Comp.Exodus 28:38;Leviticus 19:5;Leviticus 22:19-20;Leviticus 22:29;Leviticus 23:11.) This meaning is unmistakably set forth inLeviticus 22:19-21, where it is explicitly declared, "ye shall offer for your acceptance a male without blemish of the beeves, of the sheep or of the goats, but whatsoever hath a blemish that ye shall not offer, foritshall not be acceptable for you." It is to be remarked that the phrase "for your acceptance," or "acceptable for you," is only used in connection with burnt offerings and peace offerings, but never with sin offerings. . . .
Verse 3. -
If his offering be a burnt sacrifice. The Hebrew term for "burnt sacrifice" is
olah, meaning "that which ascends;" sometimes
kaleel "whole offering," is found (
Deuteronomy 33:10); the LXX. use the word
ὁλοκαύτωμα, "whole burnt offering." The conditions to be fulfilled by an Israelite who offered a burnt sacrifice were the following: -
1. He must offer either
(1) a young bull without blemish, or
(2) a young ram, or . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Ifאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not[one’s] offeringקָרְבָּנוֹ֙(qā·rə·bā·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7133:Something brought near the altar, a sacrificial presentis a burnt offeringעֹלָ֤ה(‘ō·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5930:Whole burnt offeringfromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe herd,הַבָּקָ֔ר(hab·bā·qār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241:Beef cattle, ox, a herdhe is to offerיַקְרִיבֶ֑נּוּ(yaq·rî·ḇen·nū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachan unblemishedתָּמִ֖ים(tā·mîm)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8549:Entire, integrity, truthmale.זָכָ֥ר(zā·ḵār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2145:Remembered, a maleHe must bringיַקְרִ֣יב(yaq·rîḇ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachit toאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe entranceפֶּ֝תַח(pe·ṯaḥ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607:An opening, door, entrance wayof the Tentאֹ֤הֶל(’ō·hel)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 168:A tentof Meetingמוֹעֵד֙(mō·w·‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meetingfor its acceptanceלִרְצֹנ֖וֹ(lir·ṣō·nōw)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7522:Goodwill, favor, acceptance, willbeforeלִפְנֵ֥י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe LORD.יְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 1:3 If his offering is a burnt offering (Le Lv Lev.) 
