Leviticus 1:3

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 1:3 meticulously outlines the foundational requirements for an individual offering a burnt sacrifice from the herd, a central act of worship in ancient Israel. This verse specifies that the offering must be a male animal, "without blemish," presented by the worshiper "of his own voluntary will" at the divinely appointed location: "the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD." It encapsulates core principles of purity, intentionality, and prescribed access essential for approaching a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 1:3 is strategically placed at the very beginning of the book of Leviticus, immediately following the comprehensive instructions for the construction and dedication of the Tabernacle detailed in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25-40 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Instructions and Construction"). With God's dwelling place now established among His people, Leviticus transitions to providing the divine ordinances for how a holy God is to be approached and worshipped by an unholy people. Chapter 1 specifically introduces the *'olah*, or burnt offering, which served as a foundational sacrifice, symbolizing complete dedication and general atonement for sin. Verse 3 sets forth the initial, crucial criteria for this particular offering when sourced from the larger livestock, laying the groundwork for subsequent variations and regulations within the chapter, such as offerings from the flock in [Leviticus 1:10](/leviticus/1-10 "Leviticus 1:10 - Burnt Offering from the Flock") and from birds in [Leviticus 1:14](/leviticus/1-14 "Leviticus 1:14 - Burnt Offering from Birds").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Leviticus were delivered to the Israelites during their forty-year wilderness wanderings, shortly after their miraculous exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant at Mount Sinai"). The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was the focal point of their communal and individual worship, serving as the tangible symbol of God's presence among them. While animal sacrifice was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, Israelite sacrifices, as detailed in Leviticus, were distinct in their exclusive monotheistic focus on Yahweh, their ethical underpinnings, and their meticulous regulations, all designed to facilitate a unique covenantal relationship with the one true God. The requirement for a "male without blemish" reflected a universal ancient understanding that the deity deserved the very best, while the emphasis on "voluntary will" underscored the personal and sincere nature of the Israelite worshiper's engagement with God, distinguishing it from mere ritualistic obligation. The specific location "at the door of the tabernacle" reinforced the concept of God's prescribed way of access, emphasizing that approach to the holy God was not arbitrary but strictly defined by divine command.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for a corresponding purity in all who approach Him, as seen in the requirement for an "unblemished" offering. The concept of **Atonement** is implicitly present, as the burnt offering served to make atonement for the worshiper, covering general sin and allowing for reconciliation with God. The theme of **Divine Prescription** is paramount, underscoring that worship is not left to human discretion but must adhere strictly to God's revealed commands regarding the nature, quality, and location of the offering. Furthermore, the phrase "of his own voluntary will" introduces the theme of **Willing Obedience and Sincerity**, demonstrating that God values the heart and intention of the worshiper even more than the ritual itself, a principle echoed in later prophetic literature like [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt Sacrifice (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** From H5930, this term describes an offering that "goes up" in smoke, being entirely consumed by fire on the altar. Unlike other sacrifices where portions were returned to the offerer or priests, the *'olah* signified complete dedication, surrender, and devotion to God, with the entire offering being given over to Him. It also carried a general atoning purpose, covering unintentional sins and expressing a desire for reconciliation and acceptance before the Lord.
* **Without Blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** From H8549, this adjective denotes wholeness, completeness, integrity, and perfection. In the context of an animal offering, it meant the animal must be physically sound, free from any defect, disease, or injury. The requirement for a perfect animal symbolized the absolute purity and faultlessness demanded by a holy God, emphasizing that only the best and unblemished was acceptable in His presence. The integrity of the offering reflected the integrity of the worshiper's intent.
* **Voluntary Will (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** From H7522, this phrase translates a Hebrew noun meaning "delight," "pleasure," "favor," or "acceptance." It emphasizes that the offering must be brought willingly, freely, and from a sincere heart, not under compulsion or out of mere obligation. God desires worship that flows from genuine devotion and a desire to please Him, rather than a grudging performance of ritual. This willingness was crucial for the offering to be acceptable in God's sight, indicating that God looks beyond the mere act to the disposition of the heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd":** This opening clause immediately identifies the specific type of sacrifice being discussed—the *'olah*, or whole burnt offering—and its source, indicating it comes from the larger domesticated animals (cattle, oxen, beeves). This sets the precise context for the subsequent regulations, distinguishing it from offerings of the flock or fowl mentioned later in the chapter, and highlighting the significant value and cost associated with this particular offering.
* **"let him offer a male without blemish":** This is a critical dual requirement regarding the quality and gender of the animal. The specification "male" typically denotes strength, prime value, and often the firstborn, signifying a costly and significant sacrifice. "Without blemish" ("_tâmîym_") underscores the absolute purity, physical perfection, and wholeness demanded for an offering presented to a holy God. This physical perfection was a visible representation of the spiritual perfection and wholeness required in approaching the divine, symbolizing that God accepts nothing less than the best and the undefiled.
* **"he shall offer it of his own voluntary will":** This phrase highlights the essential disposition of the worshiper, emphasizing the profound importance of the heart behind the act. The offering must be a free act, born of genuine desire, love, and devotion, not coerced, grudgingly given, or performed out of a sense of burdensome duty. God values the heart and intention behind the act of worship more than the act itself, making the worshiper's willing spirit paramount for the offering's acceptance and demonstrating that true worship is an act of personal relationship and devotion.
* **"at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD":** This specifies the precise, divinely ordained location for the offering, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the terms of worship. The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" (from H168, H4150, H6607) was the sole, authorized point of access to God's presence for the common Israelite, symbolizing that approach to God must occur on His terms and in His designated place, not arbitrarily. Performing the sacrifice "before the LORD" (from H3068, H6440) signifies that the offering is directly presented to God Himself, emphasizing His direct observation, judgment, and acceptance of the sacrifice, underscoring the solemnity and sacredness of the act.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 1:3 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Symbolism** is paramount, with nearly every element carrying deep meaning. The "male without blemish" powerfully symbolizes the purity and perfection demanded by a holy God, subtly foreshadowing a later, ultimate perfect sacrifice. The act of offering "of his own voluntary will" symbolizes the sincerity, devotion, and internal disposition required in worship, emphasizing the heart's attitude over mere external ritual. The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" serves as a potent symbol of the divinely appointed and exclusive access point to God's presence, underscoring that approach to God is not arbitrary but strictly according to His prescribed way. The "burnt sacrifice" itself is a rich symbol of complete surrender, dedication, and atonement, as the entire offering ascends to God. Additionally, there is a strong element of **Didacticism**, as the verse functions as a clear, concise, and prescriptive instruction within a larger body of law, designed to teach the Israelites the proper, reverent, and acceptable way to interact with their covenant God. This didactic function is foundational to the entire book of Leviticus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 1:3 is foundational for understanding the nature of acceptable worship and the holy character of God in the Old Covenant. It establishes that God demands holiness, perfection, and a prescribed order in all approaches to Him, and that true worship must originate from a willing and sincere heart. The complete consumption of the burnt offering signifies total dedication and the need for a covering for sin, pointing to God's provision for reconciliation. This verse underscores God's sovereignty in dictating the terms of worship and His desire for a relationship based on intentionality and purity, setting a precedent for all future acts of devotion.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Offering")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant have been fulfilled and superseded by Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 1:3 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to offer our lives as "living sacrifices," striving for excellence and purity in all that we do for God's glory. This means examining our motives, ensuring that our service, worship, and giving flow from a truly "voluntary will"—a heart overflowing with love and gratitude, not from obligation or a desire for human recognition. We must present our best, not our leftovers, in every area of our lives, recognizing that God deserves our utmost. Furthermore, just as the Israelites had a specific, divinely appointed place of access, we too must remember that our access to God is exclusively through Jesus Christ, our High Priest and the "door" to the Father. Our spiritual sacrifices of praise, prayer, good deeds, and obedient living are acceptable to God only when presented through Him, in accordance with His new covenant terms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "without blemish" mean for the "spiritual sacrifices" (e.g., praise, service, time, resources) I offer to God in my daily life?**
* **How can I cultivate a more truly "voluntary will" in my worship and service, ensuring my heart's attitude aligns with God's desire for sincere devotion rather than mere duty?**
* **In what practical ways do I acknowledge and utilize Jesus Christ as my "door" to God's presence and acceptance, as foreshadowed by the Tabernacle door and the Old Covenant sacrificial system?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for the animal to be "male without blemish"?**

Answer: The requirement for a "male without blemish" served multiple profound purposes. Symbolically, it represented the absolute purity, perfection, and highest quality demanded by a holy God. God is worthy of the very best, and any defect, disease, or injury would render the offering imperfect and therefore unacceptable. The male animal often carried greater value, strength, and was typically the prime animal in a herd, further emphasizing the cost and significance of the offering. Theologically, this meticulous standard ultimately foreshadowed the perfect, sinless, and unblemished nature of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, who was "a lamb without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Precious Blood")).

**What is the significance of offering "of his own voluntary will"?**

Answer: The phrase "of his own voluntary will" highlights that true worship and sacrifice must stem from a willing, sincere, and uncoerced heart. God desires genuine devotion, love, and a desire to please Him, not grudging obedience or a mere ritualistic performance. This emphasizes the personal relationship between the worshiper and God, where the act of offering is an outward expression of the worshiper's inner disposition and desire to connect with the divine. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God looks at the heart rather than just the outward appearance or action ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")).

**Why was the offering to be made "at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD"?**

Answer: This specific location was divinely appointed and held immense significance for several reasons. The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" was the singular, authorized point of access to God's presence for the common Israelite, symbolizing that approach to God must be on His terms and in His prescribed way, not arbitrarily. It underscored the order, holiness, and divine authority required in worship. Performing the sacrifice "before the LORD" meant it was done in God's direct sight, signifying His direct observation, judgment, and acceptance or rejection of the offering. This established a pattern of approaching God through a designated mediator and in a designated, sacred place, a concept ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the "door" and the "way" to the Father ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door"); [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 1:3, with its meticulous requirements for the burnt offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The demand for a "male without blemish" powerfully foreshadows Christ's absolute sinlessness and moral perfection; He was indeed the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), utterly pure and spotless, making Him the only acceptable sacrifice for humanity's sin ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Offering")). The emphasis on offering "of his own voluntary will" is perfectly mirrored in Christ's willing obedience to the Father's redemptive plan, declaring, "[Not my will, but yours be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")" even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Finally, the requirement to offer "at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD" finds its complete realization in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the ultimate "door" through whom we gain access to God ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")), the "new and living way" into the holiest presence of God, a way inaugurated by His own blood ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Through His one, perfect, and voluntary self-offering, Christ fulfilled all the symbolic requirements of the burnt sacrifice, making it possible for all believers to draw near to God with confidence and acceptance, not through animal blood, but through His precious blood ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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

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;