Leviticus 1:3

¶ If his offering [be] 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.

If his offering {H7133} be a burnt sacrifice {H5930} of the herd {H1241}, let him offer {H7126} a male {H2145} without blemish {H8549}: he shall offer {H7126} it of his own voluntary will {H7522} at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he must offer a male without defect. He is to bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, so that it can be accepted by ADONAI.

If one’s offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD.

If his oblation be a burnt-offering of the herd, he shall offer it a male without blemish: he shall offer it at the door of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 1:3

Leviticus, the third book of Moses, details the laws and rituals given by God to the Israelites for worship and holy living. Chapter 1 introduces the system of burnt offerings, known in Hebrew as the 'olah, which was a central act of worship in ancient Israel. This particular verse, Leviticus 1:3, sets forth the foundational requirements for an individual bringing a burnt sacrifice from the herd, emphasizing the quality of the offering and the sincere attitude of the worshiper.

These sacrifices were performed at the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people during their wilderness wanderings. The burnt offering was unique because the entire animal (except the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, atonement for sin, and consecration to the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purity and Perfection: The requirement for a "male without blemish" underscores God's demand for holiness and perfection in worship. This foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without blemish and without spot, offering Himself once for all.
  • Voluntary and Willing Sacrifice: The phrase "of his own voluntary will" highlights that true worship must come from a willing heart, not out of compulsion or obligation. God desires sincere devotion, not mere ritualistic adherence. This principle resonates with the New Testament emphasis on cheerful giving and service.
  • Access to God: The specified location, "at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD," signifies that approaching God must be done according to His prescribed way. The Tabernacle door served as the appointed point of access to God's presence, a concept fulfilled in the New Covenant by Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be "the door" and "the way, the truth, and the life."
  • Atonement and Devotion: While the burnt offering covered general sin, its primary emphasis was on complete surrender and dedication to God, as the entire offering ascended in smoke. It was an act of communion and profound devotion.

Linguistic Insights

  • Burnt Sacrifice (Hebrew: 'olah): This term literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends," referring to the smoke rising from the consumed offering. It emphasizes the complete consumption of the sacrifice and its ascent to God as a pleasing aroma.
  • Without Blemish (Hebrew: tamim): This word denotes wholeness, completeness, integrity, and perfection. It implies that the animal must be physically sound and free from any defect, symbolizing the purity and faultlessness required in approaching a holy God.

Practical Application

While the literal animal sacrifices are no longer required due to Christ's perfect and finished work on the cross (Hebrews 10:10), the principles embedded in Leviticus 1:3 remain highly relevant for believers today:

  • Offer Our Best: God still desires our "without blemish" offerings—not animals, but our lives, talents, resources, and time. We are called to offer our best in service, worship, and devotion, striving for excellence in all things for His glory.
  • Willing Heart: Our worship and service must stem from a heart of genuine love and willingness, not from coercion or a sense of duty alone. God looks at the heart behind the action (1 Samuel 16:7).
  • Approach Through Christ: Just as the Israelites approached God at the Tabernacle door, believers today approach God through Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Our spiritual sacrifices of praise, prayer, and good deeds are acceptable to God only through Him (Hebrews 13:15).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 15:21

    And if there be [any] blemish therein, [as if it be] lame, or blind, [or have] any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.

  • Hebrews 9:14

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

  • Leviticus 22:19

    [Ye shall offer] at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

  • Leviticus 22:24

    Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make [any offering thereof] in your land.

  • Exodus 12:5

    Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take [it] out from the sheep, or from the goats:

  • Ephesians 5:27

    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

  • Hebrews 10:8

    Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law;