Leviticus 17:3

KJV

What man soever [there be] of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth [it] out of the camp,

KJV (with Strong's)

What {H376} man {H376} soever there be of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, that killeth {H7819} an ox {H7794}, or lamb {H3775}, or goat {H5795}, in the camp {H4264}, or that killeth {H7819} it out {H2351} of the camp {H4264},

Complete Jewish Bible

'When someone from the community of Isra'el slaughters an ox, lamb or goat inside or outside the camp

Berean Standard Bible

‘Anyone from the house of Israel who slaughters an ox, a lamb, or a goat in the camp or outside of it

American Standard Version

What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it without the camp,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 17:3 introduces a foundational Mosaic regulation for the entire Israelite community, mandating that any Israelite who slaughters an ox, lamb, or goat, whether within the sacred camp or outside its boundaries, must bring the animal to the entrance of the Tabernacle. This command served as a critical measure to centralize all animal killing, thereby preventing unauthorized sacrifices to pagan deities, reinforcing the sanctity of life and blood as belonging exclusively to Yahweh, and safeguarding Israel's unique and undivided devotion to the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 17 stands as a pivotal chapter, immediately following the intricate and solemn regulations of the [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement") described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"). While chapter 16 focuses on the purification of the sanctuary and the people from the defilement of sin, chapter 17 transitions to the proper handling of blood and the centralization of worship, emphasizing the profound holiness required of a people in covenant with God. This chapter serves as a crucial bridge between the detailed sacrificial laws of the preceding chapters and the subsequent "Holiness Code" (chapters 18-27), underscoring that access to God and the maintenance of a holy relationship demand strict adherence to His prescribed methods of worship and a deep reverence for life. The specific regulations in [Leviticus 17:1-9](/leviticus/17-1-9 "Leviticus 17:1-9 - Regulations for Sacrifices and Blood") address the proper place for offering sacrifices and slaughtering animals for food, establishing a foundational principle for Israel's entire worship life and daily conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of the Exodus and the giving of the Law, Israel was surrounded by nations deeply entrenched in polytheistic practices, which often included the offering of sacrifices to various gods at numerous local shrines, frequently involving illicit sexual rites, child sacrifice, or other detestable practices. The command in [Leviticus 17:3-7](/leviticus/17-3-7 "Leviticus 17:3-7 - Prohibition of Sacrificing to Demons and Centralization") directly counters this pervasive idolatry. By requiring all slaughter of oxen, lambs, and goats—animals common for both food and sacrifice—to be brought to the Tabernacle door, God ensured that the Israelites would not participate in the worship of "goat-demons" (שְׂעִירִים, _se'irim_) or other pagan rituals prevalent in the region. This centralization was a strategic divine measure to protect Israel's spiritual purity, prevent syncretism (the blending of religious beliefs), and reinforce the unique and exclusive covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people, thereby distinguishing them sharply from the surrounding cultures. This was crucial for Israel's identity as a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes, as outlined in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 17:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God's people must reflect His holy character in all aspects of their lives, including seemingly mundane acts like slaughtering animals for food. This command also powerfully reinforces the theme of **Exclusive Worship**, demanding that all devotion and sacrifice be directed solely to Yahweh, thereby safeguarding Israel from the pervasive idolatry of the surrounding nations. Furthermore, it highlights the **Sanctity of Life and Blood**, establishing that life, represented by blood, belongs ultimately to God and must be treated with reverence, a principle explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). Finally, the command underscores the theme of **Centralization of Worship**, ensuring that the Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place, remained the sole legitimate site for approaching God through sacrifice, a principle echoed later in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - The Central Place of Worship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_ H376):** This term refers to an individual male person, but in this context, it functions as an inclusive term for "anyone" or "whatsoever man there be." Its use here emphasizes the universal applicability of the command to every male Israelite, underscoring individual responsibility within the collective covenant. It highlights that this is not merely a priestly regulation but a law binding on all members of the community.
* **Killeth (Hebrew, _shâchaṭ'_ H7819):** This verb specifically denotes the act of slaughtering, often with the connotation of ritual killing, particularly by cutting the throat. While it can apply to killing for food, its usage in this context, especially when linked to bringing the animal to the Tabernacle, imbues the act with a sacred dimension. It implies a prescribed, solemn procedure for taking animal life, distinguishing it from casual hunting and reinforcing the idea that even the act of obtaining food should be done in a way that acknowledges God's sovereignty.
* **Camp (Hebrew, _machăneh'_ H4264):** This word refers to an encampment, whether of travelers or troops, and by extension, the entire community of Israel gathered around the Tabernacle. Its inclusion, alongside the phrase "out of the camp," emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the regulation. It means the law applies regardless of proximity to the Tabernacle, ensuring that all animal slaughter, whether in the immediate sacred vicinity or further afield, is brought under the divine ordinance and supervision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What man soever [there be] of the house of Israel":** This opening clause establishes the broad and inclusive scope of the command. It signifies that this divine directive applies universally to every male member of the Israelite community, emphasizing that the entire nation, not just the priests or a select few, is accountable for adhering to this law. It underscores the collective responsibility for maintaining holiness and exclusive worship within the covenant people.
* **"that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat":** This phrase specifies the types of animals covered by the regulation. Oxen, lambs, and goats were the primary domesticated animals used for both food and sacrificial offerings in ancient Israel. Their explicit mention highlights the comprehensive nature of the command, extending beyond animals designated purely for sacrifice to include those slaughtered for regular consumption, thereby bringing a wide range of daily activities under divine oversight.
* **"in the camp, or that killeth [it] out of the camp":** This clause further expands the geographical and situational scope of the command. Whether an Israelite was within the immediate, consecrated vicinity of the Tabernacle ("in the camp") or at a greater distance ("out of the camp"), the requirement to bring the animal to the Tabernacle door remained absolute. This ensured that no killing of these animals, regardless of location, could be done without proper acknowledgment of God's ownership of life and without adherence to His prescribed method, thereby preventing any opportunity for pagan practices or unauthorized worship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 17:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and comprehensive message. The predominant device is **Legal Language**, characteristic of the entire book of Leviticus, which presents the command as a non-negotiable, divine statute with absolute authority. The precise enumeration of "an ox, or lamb, or goat" functions as a form of **Merism**, where specific, representative parts are named to encompass the entire category of common domesticated animals used for food and sacrifice, thereby indicating the all-encompassing nature of the regulation. Furthermore, the phrase "in the camp, or that killeth [it] out of the camp" utilizes **Dichotomy** or **Antithesis** to emphasize the universal applicability of the law, leaving no geographic loophole. This comprehensive phrasing underscores the absolute and inescapable nature of God's demand for centralized, pure worship and His desire to prevent any deviation into pagan practices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 17:3 is foundational for understanding the sanctity of life and the exclusive nature of Israel's worship. By centralizing the slaughter of animals, God asserted His sole proprietorship over life and death, reinforcing the profound truth that "the life of the flesh is in the blood" and that blood, as the essence of life, belongs to God alone. This command served as a spiritual fence, protecting Israel from the pervasive idolatry of their neighbors who sacrificed to "goat-demons" and other false gods. It underscored the necessity of exclusive devotion to Yahweh, where all aspects of life, even the mundane act of preparing food, were to be consecrated to Him and performed in accordance with His holy will, preventing any compromise with pagan practices and ensuring the purity of Israel's worship. This law taught Israel that true worship permeates all of life, not just formal rituals.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")
* [Deuteronomy 12:13-14](/deuteronomy/12-13-14 "Deuteronomy 12:13-14 - Offer Sacrifices Only Where God Chooses")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Glorifying God in All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal command of bringing every slaughtered animal to a central tabernacle is no longer applicable to believers today, the enduring spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 17:3 remain profoundly relevant for our lives. This verse calls us to a deep and unwavering commitment to exclusive worship of God, guarding against any form of spiritual idolatry or divided loyalties in our hearts. It challenges us to consider how every aspect of our lives—our work, our leisure, our consumption, and our relationships—can be consecrated to God, reflecting a reverence for life and a recognition of His ultimate sovereignty. Just as the Israelites were protected from pagan influences by this law, we too must be vigilant against the subtle and overt temptations of our culture that seek to draw our devotion away from the one true God. Our worship is not confined to a building or a specific ritual but extends to the whole of our existence, lived in humble obedience and grateful acknowledgment of His provision and holiness, recognizing that all of life is to be lived for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently offering "sacrifices" to modern-day "demons" (e.g., materialism, self-reliance, comfort, approval of others) rather than exclusively to God?**
* **How does the principle of the sanctity of blood, as the essence of life belonging to God, inform my view on contemporary ethical issues related to life, such as abortion or euthanasia?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of God's presence and sovereignty in my daily, seemingly mundane activities, transforming them into acts of worship and obedience?**
* **What "spiritual fences" or boundaries do I need to establish in my life to protect my exclusive devotion to Christ and avoid compromise with worldly values and influences?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important to bring the animals to the Tabernacle door, even for food?**

Answer: This strict regulation served multiple crucial purposes for ancient Israel. Primarily, it was a strategic divine measure to prevent idolatry by centralizing all legitimate animal slaughter and sacrifice at the Tabernacle, God's designated dwelling place. This ensured that Israelites would not offer sacrifices to pagan deities or engage in the detestable practices of surrounding nations, particularly the worship of "goat-demons" (שְׂעִירִים, _se'irim_) explicitly mentioned in [Leviticus 17:7](/leviticus/17-7 "Leviticus 17:7 - Prohibition of Sacrificing to Demons"). It also reinforced the profound sanctity of blood, which represented life and belonged exclusively to God ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). Even when killing for food, the act was to be consecrated, acknowledging God as the giver of all life and sustenance, and ensuring the blood was properly handled and returned to God. This comprehensive control over animal slaughter was a vital measure to maintain Israel's holiness and their exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, distinguishing them sharply from surrounding pagan cultures.

**Does this command apply to Christians today?**

Answer: No, Christians are not bound by the literal observance of this specific command from the Old Testament Law. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the Tabernacle and its rituals, served as a "shadow" pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Reality in Christ")). Christ's perfect and once-for-all sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the need for animal sacrifices, rendering them obsolete and unnecessary for atonement ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")). Therefore, believers today are free to eat meat without bringing it to a central place of worship, as affirmed in the New Testament, where Jesus declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")) and Paul taught that all food is good if received with thanksgiving ([1 Timothy 4:4-5](/1_timothy/4-4-5 "1 Timothy 4:4-5 - All Food is Good if Received with Thanksgiving")). However, the underlying spiritual principles—such as exclusive devotion to God, reverence for life, and avoiding spiritual compromise with idolatry—remain eternally relevant and binding for believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 17:3, with its rigid command for centralized slaughter and the profound emphasis on the sanctity of blood, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, to which all animals were to be brought, symbolized God's holy dwelling place among His people, powerfully foreshadowing the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity in Christ, who is [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"). The countless oxen, lambs, and goats brought to the Tabernacle represented the temporary and repeated sacrifices necessary to cover sin, all pointing forward to the singular, perfect, and eternal sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His precious blood, unlike that of animals, possesses ultimate cleansing power, providing true atonement, eternal redemption, and purification from dead works ([Hebrews 9:12-14](/hebrews/9-12-14 "Hebrews 9:12-14 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption")). Furthermore, the centralization of worship at the Tabernacle prefigured the ultimate centralization of all access to God through Christ. There is no longer a need for a physical temple or a specific geographic location for worship, for Christ Himself is the new and living way to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood"); [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Him, the principles of exclusive devotion, reverence for life, and freedom from pagan compromise are fully realized, as believers are now called to offer their lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, through Christ alone ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - 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

Deuteronomy 12:20

When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

Deuteronomy 12:22

Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat [of] them alike.

Leviticus 17:8

And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,

Deuteronomy 12:26

Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:

Deuteronomy 12:27

And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.

Leviticus 17:15

And every soul that eateth that which died [of itself], or that which was torn [with beasts, whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.

Deuteronomy 12:11

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD: