New International Version“’If your offering is a fellowship offering, and you offer an animal from the herd, whether male or female, you are to present before the LORD an animal without defect.
New Living Translation“If you present an animal from the herd as a peace offering to the LORD, it may be a male or a female, but it must have no defects.
English Standard Version“If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offers an animal from the herd, male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible“If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD.
King James BibleAnd if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.
New King James Version‘When his offering is a sacrifice of a peace offering, if he offers it of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.
New American Standard Bible‘Now if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he is going to offer from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before the LORD.
NASB 1995‘Now if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he is going to offer out of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before the LORD.
NASB 1977‘Now if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he is going to offer out of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before the LORD.
Legacy Standard Bible‘Now if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he is going to bring near one from the herd, whether male or female, he shall bring it near without blemish before Yahweh.
Amplified Bible‘If a man’s offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.
Christian Standard Bible“If his offering is a fellowship sacrifice, and he is presenting an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he is to present one without blemish before the LORD.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIf his offering is a fellowship sacrifice, and he is presenting an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present one without blemish before the LORD.
American Standard VersionAnd if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace-offerings; if he offer of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before Jehovah.
Contemporary English VersionWhen you offer sacrifices to ask my blessing, you may offer either a bull or a cow, but there must be nothing wrong with the animal.
English Revised VersionAnd if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings; if he offer of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.
GOD'S WORD® Translation[The LORD continued,] "If your sacrifice is a fellowship offering of cattle in the LORD's presence, it must be a male or female animal that has no defects.
Good News TranslationWhen any of you offer one of your cattle as a fellowship offering, it is to be a bull or a cow without any defects.
International Standard Version"If someone's offering is a peace offering from the cattle, the presenter is to offer it without defect, whether the animal is male or female. They are to be brought to the LORD.
NET Bible"'Now if his offering is a peace offering sacrifice, if he presents an offering from the herd, he must present before the LORD a flawless male or a female.
New Heart English Bible"'If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings; if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd if his oblation shall be a sacrifice of peace-offering, if he shall offer it of the herd, whether a male or female; he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD.
World English Bible“‘If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before Yahweh. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“And if his offering [is] a sacrifice of peace-offerings, if he is bringing near out of the herd, whether male or female, he brings a perfect one near before YHWH,
Young's Literal Translation And if his offering is a sacrifice of peace-offerings, if out of the herd he is bringing near, whether male or female, a perfect one he doth bring near before Jehovah,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd if his offering a sacrifice of peace, if from the oxen he is bringing near, if a male, if a female, blameless shall he bring it near before Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he will offer of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer them without blemish before the Lord.
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut if his oblation will be a sacrifice of peace offerings, and he wishes to offer it from the oxen, whether male or female, he shall offer what is immaculate, in the sight of the Lord.
New American BibleIf a person’s offering is a communion sacrifice, if it is brought from the herd, be it a male or a female animal, it must be presented without blemish before the LORD.
New Revised Standard VersionIf the offering is a sacrifice of well-being, if you offer an animal of the herd, whether male or female, you shall offer one without blemish before the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIF his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd, whether it be a male or a female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated"And if he is offering his offering as a peace sacrifice, if from oxen, male or female, he shall offer it before LORD JEHOVAH without blemish. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And if his offering be a sacrifice of peace-offerings: if he offer of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd if his gift to the Lord be a peace-offering, if he should bring it of the oxen, whether it be male or whether it be female, he shall bring it unblemished before the Lord.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Laws for Peace Offerings1“Ifone’s offeringis a peace offeringand heoffersan animal fromthe herd,whethermaleorfemale,he must presentit without blemishbeforethe LORD.2He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on all sides of the altar.…
Cross References Exodus 29:19-20Take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. / Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Splatter the remaining blood on all sides of the altar.
Leviticus 7:11-15Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD: / If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. / Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. ...
Leviticus 17:5-6For this reason the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they have been offering in the open fields. They are to bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and offer them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the LORD. / The priest will then splatter the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Numbers 6:14and he is to present an offering to the LORD of an unblemished year-old male lamb as a burnt offering, an unblemished year-old female lamb as a sin offering, and an unblemished ram as a peace offering—
Numbers 15:8When you prepare a young bull as a burnt offering or sacrifice to fulfill a vow or as a peace offering to the LORD,
Deuteronomy 12:5-7Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go. / To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. / There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
1 Samuel 1:24-25Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. Though the boy was still young, she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. / And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli.
1 Kings 8:63And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 7:5And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.
Psalm 50:14Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
Isaiah 56:7I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”
Ezekiel 45:15And one sheep shall be given from each flock of two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel. These are for the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, to make atonement for the people, declares the Lord GOD.
Romans 12:1Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
1 Corinthians 10:18Consider the people of Israel: Are not those who eat the sacrifices fellow partakers in the altar?
Ephesians 5:2and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
Treasury of Scripture And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. a sacrifice Leviticus 7:11-21,29-34 And thisis the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD… Leviticus 22:19-21Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats… 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. without Leviticus 1:3 If his offeringbe a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. Numbers 6:14 And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings, Malachi 1:8,14 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice,is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick,is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts… Jump to Previous AnimalBlemishDefectFellowshipFemaleGivesHerdMaleOblationOfferOfferingOfferingsOffersPeacePeace-OfferingPeace-OfferingsPerfectPresentSacrificeSomeone'sWhetherJump to Next AnimalBlemishDefectFellowshipFemaleGivesHerdMaleOblationOfferOfferingOfferingsOffersPeacePeace-OfferingPeace-OfferingsPerfectPresentSacrificeSomeone'sWhetherLeviticus 3 1.The peace offering of the herd6.whether a sheep7.whether a lamb12.or a goat17.A prohibition to eat fat or bloodIf one’s offering is a peace offeringThe peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, was a voluntary sacrifice made by the Israelites to express gratitude, fulfill a vow, or seek communion with God. It symbolized reconciliation and fellowship between the offerer and God. This offering is distinct from sin and guilt offerings, which were mandatory for atonement. The peace offering reflects the believer's desire for a harmonious relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of peace and thanksgiving in worship. and he offers an animal from the herd
The offering could be a bull or cow, indicating the value and significance of the sacrifice. Herd animals were considered valuable assets, representing a significant offering to God. This requirement underscores the principle of giving God the best from one's resources. The use of herd animals also highlights the agrarian context of ancient Israel, where livestock was a primary measure of wealth and sustenance. whether male or female
Unlike some other offerings that required a specific gender, the peace offering allowed for either male or female animals. This inclusivity suggests the broad accessibility of this offering to the Israelites, allowing them to participate in worship regardless of the specific gender of their livestock. It also reflects the comprehensive nature of peace and fellowship with God, open to all who seek it. he must present it without blemish
The requirement for an unblemished animal signifies the need for purity and perfection in offerings to God. This stipulation points to the holiness of God and the necessity for offerings to reflect His perfect nature. In a broader theological context, this foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Lamb without blemish or defect, fulfilling the requirement for a perfect offering for sin. before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates that the offering was to be made in the presence of God, typically at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting or later at the Temple. This location signifies the sacredness of the act and the direct relationship between the worshiper and God. It emphasizes the importance of approaching God with reverence and the understanding that He is the ultimate recipient of all offerings. Persons / Places / Events 1. The OffererThe individual bringing the peace offering, representing the Israelites who sought to maintain or restore fellowship with God. 2. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, to whom the offering is presented. 3. The HerdRefers to domesticated animals, specifically cattle, from which the offering is selected. 4. The Peace OfferingA type of sacrifice in the Levitical system symbolizing fellowship and reconciliation with God. 5. The TabernacleThe place where offerings were presented before the LORD, serving as the central place of worship for the Israelites. Teaching Points The Importance of Offering Without BlemishThe requirement for an unblemished animal signifies the need for purity and sincerity in our worship and relationship with God. Symbolism of the Peace OfferingRepresents reconciliation and fellowship with God, reminding us of the peace we have through Christ. Voluntary Nature of the OfferingUnlike sin offerings, peace offerings were voluntary, highlighting the importance of willingly seeking communion with God. Community and SharingPortions of the peace offering were shared with the priests and the offerer, symbolizing community and shared blessings in the body of Christ. Christ as Our Peace OfferingJesus fulfills the peace offering, providing eternal peace and reconciliation with God through His sacrifice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 3:1?
2.What is the significance of offering a "fellowship offering" in Leviticus 3:1?
3.How does Leviticus 3:1 illustrate God's desire for relationship with His people?
4.In what ways does Leviticus 3:1 foreshadow Christ's sacrificial role?
5.How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 3:1 in our worship today?
6.What does Leviticus 3:1 teach about the importance of offering our best to God?
7.What is the significance of the peace offering in Leviticus 3:1 for modern believers?
8.How does Leviticus 3:1 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Israel?
9.Why does Leviticus 3:1 specify an offering from the herd or flock?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 3?
11.What is the purpose of a peace offering?
12.What does 'Without Spot or Wrinkle' mean?
13.What does "shalom" mean?
14.Given 1 Kings 8:63, where 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep are sacrificed, how is it feasible to perform such a massive ritual in a single location without logistical contradictions?What Does Leviticus 3:1 Mean If one’s offering is a peace offering“ ‘If one’s offering is a peace offering…’ ” (Leviticus 3:1) • A “peace offering” (sometimes translated fellowship or wellbeing offering) celebrated restored relationship with God and harmony within the covenant community. SeeLeviticus 7:11-15, where the worshiper actually eats part of the sacrifice in God’s presence—sharing a covenant meal that prefigures the table fellowship Jesus enjoys with believers (Luke 22:19-20;Revelation 19:9). •Romans 5:1 reminds us, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Old Testament peace offering foreshadowed that settled peace purchased by Christ.
and he offers an animal from the herd• “From the herd” points to cattle—valuable, substantial animals. God invites worshipers to bring something costly, not leftovers (2 Samuel 24:24). •Leviticus 1:2 already taught that herd or flock animals were suitable for offerings, showing consistency in God’s instructions. • When we give, we emulate the generosity of the Father, who “did not spare His own Son” (Romans 8:32).
whether male or female• Unlike the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3, which required a male), either sex was acceptable here. The emphasis is on participation and gratitude, not a narrow symbolic point. • This inclusiveness hints that, in Christ, “there is neither male nor female” regarding access to grace (Galatians 3:28). Everyone is invited to celebrate peace with God.
he must present it without blemish• Physical perfection mattered because the sacrifice pointed to the sinless perfection of the coming Messiah. CompareExodus 12:5 on the Passover lamb and1 Peter 1:18-19: “but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” • Any flaw would distort the picture of Jesus, “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26). • Practically, the command protected the integrity of worship by preventing half-hearted, second-rate giving (Malachi 1:6-8).
before the LORD• Offerings were brought to the sanctuary, “before the LORD,” where His glory dwelt (Exodus 25:22). Worship centers on God’s presence, not on the worshiper’s performance. •Hebrews 10:19-22 now declares that through Christ’s blood “we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place,” fulfilling the symbolism of drawing near. •Psalm 16:11 reminds us that “in Your presence is fullness of joy.” The peace offering invited Israel to experience that joy firsthand.
summaryLeviticus 3:1 outlines a voluntary act of worship celebrating reconciled fellowship. The costly, flawless animal from either sex pictures the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ, the true source of our peace. God invites every believer to draw near, enjoy His presence, and share in the blessings of restored relationship that the peace offering foreshadowed and Jesus fulfilled. III. (1)A sacrifice of peace offering.--The peace offering of which this chapter treats, consisted of two kinds, the peace offering from the herd (Leviticus 3:1-5), and the peace offering from the flock (Leviticus 3:6-15). As in the case of the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3), the ox is mentioned first, because it is most costly and more important. Whether it be a male.--Whilst in the case of the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3;Leviticus 1:10) the male only was legal, there is no distinction of sex here, nor is there any limitation of age. All that was required was that it should be without any organic defect. . . . Verse 1. - Peace offering, Zebach shelamim, "sacrifice of peace offerings." The singular, shelem, occurs once ( Amos 5:22). The conditions to be fulfilled by a Jew who offered a peace offering were the following: - 1. He must bring either (1) a young bull or cow, or (2) a young sheep of either sex, or . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Ifוְאִם־(wə·’im-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notone’s offeringקָרְבָּנ֑וֹ(qā·rə·bā·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7133:Something brought near the altar, a sacrificial present[is] a peace offeringשְׁלָמִ֖ים(šə·lā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8002:A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offeringand heה֣וּא(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areoffersמַקְרִ֔יב(maq·rîḇ)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachan animal fromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe herd,הַבָּקָר֙(hab·bā·qār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241:Beef cattle, ox, a herdwhetherאִ֤ם(’im)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notmaleזָכָר֙(zā·ḵār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2145:Remembered, a maleorאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notfemale,נְקֵבָ֔ה(nə·qê·ḇāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5347:A femalehe must presentיַקְרִיבֶ֖נּוּ(yaq·rî·ḇen·nū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachit without blemishתָּמִ֥ים(tā·mîm)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8549:Entire, integrity, truthbeforeלִפְנֵ֥י(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
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OT Law: Leviticus 3:1 If his offering is a sacrifice (Le Lv Lev.) |
