Exodus 23:18

KJV

Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not offer {H2076} the blood {H1818} of my sacrifice {H2077} with leavened bread {H2557}; neither shall the fat {H2459} of my sacrifice {H2282} remain {H3885} until the morning {H1242}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are not to offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread, nor is the fat of my festival to remain all night until morning.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not offer the blood of My sacrifices with anything leavened, nor may the fat of My feast remain until morning.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my feast remain all night until the morning.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:18 delivers two distinct yet interconnected prohibitions concerning the proper offering of sacrifices to Yahweh, emphasizing the sanctity and purity demanded in divine worship. Firstly, it strictly forbids presenting the blood of a sacrifice alongside leavened bread, underscoring the necessity of unblemished purity and the rejection of anything symbolic of corruption, particularly in the context of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Secondly, it mandates that the fat, considered the choicest portion belonging exclusively to God, must not remain unconsumed until the morning, thereby stressing the sacredness of the offering and the imperative for prompt, reverent handling of consecrated elements. These commands collectively reinforce Israel's unique covenant relationship with God, distinguishing their worship from pagan practices and establishing foundational principles for approaching a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:18 is embedded within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a pivotal collection of divine statutes and ordinances revealed to Moses immediately following the foundational Ten Commandments. This section meticulously details the legal framework governing Israel's civil, social, and religious life, thereby establishing the practical parameters of their covenant with Yahweh. Specifically, verse 18 forms part of a series of regulations concerning the three annual pilgrim festivals: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles. These laws, which commence around [Exodus 23:14](/exodus/23-14 "Exodus 23:14 - The Three Annual Feasts"), are designed to ensure the proper conduct of worship, maintain ritual purity, and underscore the distinctiveness of Israel's practices from those of surrounding nations, laying the theological groundwork for a holy nation set apart for God's purposes. The immediate verses preceding and following continue to detail these festival requirements, reinforcing the importance of precise adherence to divine instruction in all matters of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, various cultures incorporated elements into their sacrificial rites that contrasted sharply with the purity and promptness demanded by Yahweh. For instance, fermented products were often used in pagan rituals, and portions of offerings might be left exposed for extended periods, sometimes even to invite divination or communion with deities. In stark contrast, God's commands to Israel consistently emphasized purity, immediacy, and a clear differentiation from such idolatrous practices. The prohibition against leaven (Hebrew: *châmêts*) is deeply rooted in the historical event of the Exodus itself, where the Israelites departed Egypt in such haste that their bread had no time to rise, leading to the institution of the [Feast of Unleavened Bread](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - The Feast of Unleavened Bread"). This historical memory profoundly underscored themes of liberation, purity, and a new, uncorrupted beginning. Similarly, the command regarding the fat of the sacrifice reflects the understanding that the "fat" (Hebrew: *cheleb*) was considered the most vital, choicest, and richest part of the animal, uniquely belonging to God as His exclusive portion, a principle later elaborated in Levitical laws (e.g., [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat Belongs to the Lord")). This ensured that the most valuable part was consecrated to the Lord immediately, preventing any disrespect, potential defilement, or appropriation by humans.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 23:18 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of the Covenant and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that a holy God demands a holy approach, free from corruption or defilement. The exclusion of leaven and the prompt handling of the fat underscore this divine attribute and the corresponding human responsibility. Another key theme is **Exclusive Worship and Distinction**, as these regulations clearly differentiate Israelite practices from the idolatrous and often impure rituals of surrounding nations, reinforcing Yahweh's sole claim to Israel's worship. The verse also speaks to **Covenant Obedience**, highlighting that Israel's relationship with God is predicated on their faithful adherence to His detailed commands. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement**, establishing foundational principles for how offerings, particularly those involving blood and vital parts, are to be presented to facilitate communion and expiation, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** From the root *dâmam*, this term refers to the vital fluid of life, whether of humans or animals. In the context of sacrifice, "blood" is intrinsically linked to life itself, serving as the means of atonement and purification (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). Its shedding represents the surrender of life, making it a sacred element for expiation and covenant ratification. The prohibition here ensures that this life-giving, atoning element is not rendered impure by association.
* **Leavened Bread (Hebrew, _châmêts'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to ferment" or "to be sour," *châmêts* specifically denotes bread that has undergone fermentation and risen. Throughout biblical law, leaven frequently symbolizes corruption, impurity, or sin (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Leaven as a Symbol of Sin")). Its explicit exclusion from certain offerings, particularly those associated with the Passover, underscored the divine demand for absolute purity, the urgency of the Exodus, and the complete removal of any element that could corrupt or defile the sacred offering.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be fat," *cheleb* refers to the richest, choicest, or best part of an animal, specifically the visceral fat and the fat covering the entrails and kidneys. This portion was explicitly designated as belonging to the Lord, often described as "food of the offering made by fire, for a pleasing aroma to the Lord" (e.g., [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat is the Lord's Food")). Its designation symbolized giving God the very best, the most vital and valuable portion, without reservation or withholding.
* **Remain (Hebrew, _lûwn'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to stop (usually over night)" or "to stay permanently." In this context, it signifies "to tarry" or "to be left" until the morning. The command that the fat should not *lûwn* until the morning emphasizes the necessity of immediate and complete consumption by fire, preventing any delay that could lead to spoilage, disrespect, or the appropriation of God's portion for human use. It conveys a sense of urgency and reverence in handling consecrated items.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread":** This clause establishes a stringent prohibition against combining the sacred, atoning element of the sacrifice—the blood, which represents life itself—with anything that symbolizes corruption or impurity, specifically leavened bread. This command is particularly poignant in the context of the Passover sacrifice, where unleavened bread was explicitly commanded to be eaten (cf. [Exodus 12:8](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Eating Unleavened Bread with the Passover Lamb")). The purity of the offering was paramount, serving as a reflection of God's unblemished holiness and the profound seriousness required when approaching Him in worship. This injunction underscores the absolute demand for moral and ritual purity in the presence of Yahweh.
* **"neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning.":** This second prohibition underscores the sacredness and the required immediacy in handling the portion of the sacrifice specifically designated for God. The fat, recognized as the choicest and most vital part of the animal, was to be promptly burned on the altar. This act demonstrated profound reverence and prevented any possibility of defilement, decay, or disrespectful delay in rendering God His due. Furthermore, this command served to clearly distinguish Israelite worship from the practices of surrounding pagan cultures, where offerings might be left exposed overnight or consumed in a leisurely, less reverent manner, thereby reinforcing Israel's unique covenant relationship and the solemnity of their worship.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological and practical instructions. **Symbolism** is preeminent, with "leavened bread" serving as a potent symbol of impurity, corruption, or sin, starkly contrasting with the unblemished purity demanded in God's presence. Conversely, the "blood" symbolizes life and atonement, while the "fat" symbolizes the choicest, most vital part, consecrated wholly and exclusively to God. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** by implicitly setting Israel's pure, immediate, and reverent sacrificial practices against the potentially defiling, irreverent, or idolatrous rituals of surrounding pagan nations. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "blood" and "fat" stand in for the entire sacrificial offering, highlighting the most critical and sacred components that demand specific, meticulous handling. The concise, declarative, and imperative phrasing ("Thou shalt not...") functions as a powerful **Legal Command**, emphasizing the non-negotiable and absolute nature of these divine stipulations for proper worship and covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:18, while rooted in ancient ceremonial law, powerfully articulates enduring theological principles that transcend its immediate context: the absolute necessity of purity in approaching a holy God, the demand for offering our very best to Him, and the importance of prompt and reverent obedience. The prohibition against leaven underscores that God desires worship free from the "leaven" of hypocrisy, sin, or corruption, reflecting His unblemished holiness and His demand for moral integrity in His people. The command regarding the fat highlights that the choicest parts of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and deepest affections—are to be consecrated to Him without delay, acknowledging His supreme worth and sovereignty. These principles extend beyond mere ritual, calling believers across all dispensations to a life of unadulterated devotion and wholehearted surrender, recognizing that true worship involves both internal disposition and external action.

* [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - No Leaven in Grain Offerings")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - Christ Our Passover Lamb, Remove Leaven")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:18 serves as a profound challenge, urging us to deeply examine the quality and sincerity of our worship and obedience in contemporary life. Are we truly offering God our "blood"—the very essence of our lives, our vital energy, and our deepest commitments—free from the "leaven" of compromise, hidden sin, or worldly impurities that can subtly corrupt our devotion? Authentic worship is never merely an external ritual; it is fundamentally an inward disposition of a pure and consecrated heart. Furthermore, are we genuinely giving God the "fat"—the choicest, most vibrant, and most valuable portions of our time, our unique talents, our financial resources, and our unreserved affections? Or are we, perhaps, holding back, offering Him only the convenient leftovers, the remnants of our busy lives? The command not to let the fat remain until morning speaks volumes about the urgency of obedience and the sacredness of what belongs to God; it implies that our devotion should be immediate, not procrastinated, and certainly not treated with casual disregard. This verse calls us to a radical commitment, where our entire lives become a pure, prompt, and pleasing offering to the Lord, reflecting His supreme holiness and our profound reverence for His divine majesty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "leaven" (e.g., sin, hypocrisy, worldly compromise, or half-heartedness) might be subtly present in my worship or daily life that I need to diligently identify and remove?**
* **Am I truly offering God my "fat"—my very best, my most vital resources, my prime time and energy—or am I holding back or offering Him only what is convenient or leftover?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I delaying obedience to God's commands or treating His divine directives with less urgency and solemnity than they inherently deserve?**
* **How does the profound sacredness and strictness of the Old Testament sacrificial system inform and deepen my understanding of the reverence and awe due to God in my personal and corporate worship today?**

### FAQ
**Why was leavened bread forbidden with certain sacrifices, especially the Passover?**

Answer: The prohibition against leavened bread (Hebrew: *châmêts*) with specific sacrifices, particularly the Passover and its associated offerings, carried profound symbolic and historical significance within Israel's covenant relationship with God. Historically, its exclusion commemorated the haste of the Exodus from Egypt, where the Israelites departed so quickly that their dough had no time to rise (cf. [Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Exodus 12:39 - Israelites Departed with Unleavened Dough")). This historical memory underscored themes of liberation and a new beginning. Symbolically, leaven consistently represented corruption, impurity, or sin in biblical thought (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:6](/1_corinthians/5-6 "1 Corinthians 5:6 - A Little Leaven Leavens the Whole Lump")). Therefore, its strict exclusion from offerings underscored the divine demand for absolute purity, holiness, and the complete removal of anything corrupting when approaching a holy God. It emphasized a clean break from the old, defiled life and a fresh, unadulterated devotion to Yahweh.

**Why was the fat of the sacrifice not allowed to remain until the morning?**

Answer: The command not to let the fat (Hebrew: *cheleb*) of the sacrifice remain until the morning highlighted the profound sacredness of the offering and the immediate reverence due to God. The fat was considered the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal, explicitly designated as belonging exclusively to the Lord (cf. [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat is the Lord's Food")). By requiring it to be burned on the altar promptly, God ensured that His portion was honored immediately, preventing any potential for decay, defilement, or disrespectful delay in rendering what was due to Him. This also served as a critical distinction between Israelite worship and the practices of pagan cultures, where offerings might be left exposed, consumed at leisure, or even used for divination. This command reinforced Israel's unique covenant relationship and the solemnity and urgency required in their acts of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:18, with its stringent demands for purity and promptness in sacrifice, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prohibition against offering the blood of the sacrifice with leavened bread powerfully foreshadows the unblemished purity of Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood was shed as the perfect, once-for-all atonement for the sins of humanity (cf. [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Entered Once for All")). Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, which could be corrupted by "leaven" (symbolizing sin, malice, or impurity), Christ was utterly without sin, offering Himself as a spotless, holy, and blameless sacrifice (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")). Furthermore, the command not to let the fat remain until morning points profoundly to the completeness, finality, and immediate efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. He gave His "fat"—His very best, His entire being, His perfect life—on the cross, a perfect and immediate offering that fully satisfied God's righteous demands for justice and holiness. There was no delay, no remainder, and absolutely no need for repetition, for His single offering perfected for all time those who are being sanctified (cf. [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - We Have Been Sanctified Through the Offering of the Body of Jesus Christ Once for All")). Through Christ's perfect work, believers are now called to respond by offering themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, free from the leaven of malice and wickedness, in grateful response to His complete and sufficient work (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 34:25

Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning.

Leviticus 2:11

¶ No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire.

Deuteronomy 16:4

And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there [any thing] of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.

Exodus 12:10

And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

Exodus 12:8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it.

Leviticus 7:15

And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.

Exodus 12:15

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.