Leviticus 19:5

KJV

And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if ye offer {H2076} a sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002} unto the LORD {H3068}, ye shall offer {H2076} it at your own will {H7522}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'When you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to ADONAI, offer it in a way that will make you accepted.

Berean Standard Bible

When you sacrifice a peace offering to the LORD, you shall offer it for your acceptance.

American Standard Version

And when ye offer a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto Jehovah, ye shall offer it that ye may be accepted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:5 provides a foundational instruction for the offering of peace offerings (also known as fellowship offerings or *shalom* offerings) within the ancient Israelite sacrificial system. This verse specifically mandates that such offerings must be presented to the LORD "at your own will," underscoring the critical importance of the worshiper's free, uncoerced, and willing intent for the sacrifice to be acceptable and to truly foster the intended communion with God. It highlights that the value of the offering lay not merely in the ritual act, but in the genuine disposition of the heart behind it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:5 is situated within the broader framework of the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a central section of the book emphasizing God's call for His people to live a life set apart for Him. Following the foundational declaration in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - God's Call to Holiness"), "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy," the chapter meticulously details practical expressions of this holiness across various spheres of life—ethical, moral, social, and ceremonial. The preceding verses in [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code") lay down laws concerning respect for parents, observance of the Sabbath, rejection of idolatry, and the proper handling of offerings, specifically mentioning the peace offering in [Leviticus 19:6-8](/leviticus/19-6 "Leviticus 19:6-8 - Eating the Peace Offering") which details the timeframe for consuming the sacrifice. This immediate context demonstrates that genuine worship, expressed through specific offerings, is an integral part of living a holy life before God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The peace offering (*zevach shlamim*) was unique among the various sacrifices prescribed in the Mosaic Law, differing significantly from compulsory offerings like the sin offering or guilt offering. While other sacrifices primarily addressed atonement or purification, the peace offering was largely voluntary, given as an expression of thanksgiving, a fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shared meals often symbolized covenant, reconciliation, or deep fellowship. The peace offering culminated in a communal meal where the offerer, their family, and the priests would partake of the meat, symbolizing a shared table with God and a restored or ongoing state of peace and communion. The emphasis on offering "at your own will" (Hebrew: *lirtzonchem*) in [Leviticus 19:5](/leviticus/19-5 "Leviticus 19:5 - The Voluntary Peace Offering") directly contrasted with the obligatory nature of other sacrifices and underscored that true fellowship with the divine could only be initiated from a heart of genuine desire, not mere ritualistic duty. This principle was paramount for ancient Israelites, as it distinguished their worship from the often transactional or superstitious practices of surrounding pagan nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _zevach shlamim'_):** This term, often translated as "fellowship offerings" or "offerings of well-being," is derived from the Hebrew root *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), which means far more than just the absence of conflict. *Shalom* encompasses concepts of wholeness, completeness, prosperity, health, welfare, and a harmonious, right relationship. Therefore, a "peace offering" was not merely a sacrifice to achieve peace, but an offering that celebrated an existing state of peace, well-being, and reconciled fellowship with God. It was a tangible expression of gratitude for God's blessings and a communal affirmation of the covenant relationship.
* **At your own will (Hebrew, _lirtzonchem'_):** This phrase is crucial to the verse's meaning. It comes from the Hebrew root *ratzon* (רָצוֹן), which signifies "will," "desire," "favor," "delight," or "acceptance." When applied to the offerer, *lirtzonchem* means "for your acceptance" or "so that it may be accepted." The implication is that the offering's acceptability to God is directly contingent upon the offerer's willing and heartfelt disposition. It highlights that God values the internal motivation and sincere desire of the worshiper more than the mere external act of sacrifice. This concept underscores a profound theological truth: God desires relationship and genuine devotion, not just ritualistic compliance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD,"**: This clause sets the condition and identifies the specific type of sacrifice being discussed. The "peace offering" is distinct from other offerings, often given as a freewill offering, a thank offering, or in fulfillment of a vow. The phrase "unto the LORD" emphasizes that the offering's ultimate recipient and purpose are divine, highlighting the sacred nature of the act and the covenant relationship between Israel and Yahweh.
* **"ye shall offer it at your own will."**: This is the core instruction of the verse, a direct command regarding the manner of offering. The phrase "at your own will" (Hebrew: *lirtzonchem*) signifies that the offering must be given voluntarily, freely, and with a sincere heart. It implies that coercion or grudging compliance would render the offering unacceptable. The emphasis is on the internal disposition of the worshiper, ensuring that the act of worship is an expression of genuine devotion, gratitude, or commitment, rather than a mere external ritual or obligation. This condition ensures the offering is truly pleasing and acceptable in God's sight.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:5 employs **Emphasis through Specificity** by singling out the peace offering from the broader category of sacrifices and applying a unique condition to it. While all sacrifices required a certain level of purity and adherence to ritual, the explicit mention of "at your own will" for the peace offering highlights the particular importance of volition for this type of communion-focused sacrifice. This specificity serves to underscore the theological principle that God values the heart's intention above mere external ritual, a concept that resonates throughout the Holiness Code. Furthermore, there is **Symbolism** inherent in the peace offering itself. It symbolizes not only peace and reconciliation but also the joyful, willing communion between God and His people. The voluntary nature of the offering reinforces this symbolism, suggesting that true fellowship is built on mutual desire and willing participation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:5 profoundly teaches that the efficacy and acceptability of worship are inextricably linked to the worshiper's internal disposition. God is not merely concerned with the external act of sacrifice or adherence to ritual, but with the sincere and willing heart behind it. This principle transcends the ancient sacrificial system, revealing a timeless truth about God's desire for genuine relationship and devotion. It anticipates later prophetic critiques of ritualism devoid of righteousness and emphasizes that true worship flows from a heart of love, gratitude, and willing obedience. The voluntary nature of the peace offering, designed for fellowship, necessitates a willing spirit to truly embody its purpose of communion with a holy God.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The instruction in Leviticus 19:5 serves as a timeless reminder that our offerings to God, whether of time, talent, resources, or praise, are truly meaningful only when they flow from a willing heart. In a world often driven by obligation, performance, or external validation, this verse calls us back to the foundational truth that God desires our genuine devotion and uncoerced love. It challenges us to examine our motives in worship and service: Are we giving out of duty, or out of delight? Are our acts of service a burden, or a joyful response to God's grace? Embracing the spirit of "at your own will" transforms our spiritual disciplines from mere tasks into opportunities for deeper communion and expresses our profound gratitude for all that God has done. It cultivates a heart that seeks to honor God not because it has to, but because it truly wants to.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I offer to God out of obligation rather than "at my own will"?**
* **How can I cultivate a more joyful and willing spirit in my daily acts of worship and service?**
* **What does "peace" or "wholeness" in my relationship with God look like, and how does my willingness to offer contribute to it?**
* **How does the principle of a "willing heart" apply to my financial giving, my time spent in prayer, or my service to others in the church and community?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the peace offering in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The peace offering (*zevach shlamim*) was primarily a voluntary sacrifice offered to express thanksgiving, fulfill a vow, or simply as a freewill offering to acknowledge God's goodness and blessings. Unlike sin or guilt offerings, it was not primarily for atonement, but for celebrating and maintaining a state of peace, wholeness, and fellowship with God. A unique aspect was the communal meal that followed, where the offerer, their family, and the priests would partake of the meat, symbolizing shared communion with God. This is hinted at in [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Eating the Thank Offering").

**Why was it so important for the peace offering to be given "at your own will"?**

Answer: The emphasis on "at your own will" (Hebrew: *lirtzonchem*) was crucial because it highlighted that true worship and fellowship with God must stem from a genuine, uncoerced desire of the heart. God values the worshiper's internal disposition and sincere motivation more than the mere external act of sacrifice. An offering given grudgingly or under compulsion would not truly foster the intended communion and would therefore not be acceptable to God. This principle is echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Psalm 40:8](/psalm/40-8 "Psalm 40:8 - Delight in Doing Your Will") where delight in God's law is emphasized.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:5, with its emphasis on the voluntary nature of the peace offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament peace offering symbolized a temporary, outward act of communion, Christ's singular sacrifice on the cross establishes an eternal and perfect peace. He is our true [peace offering](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"), who willingly laid down His life, not under compulsion, but "at His own will," out of boundless love for humanity ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")). His offering was the ultimate act of *shalom*, bringing complete reconciliation between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Through faith in Him, we are invited into an enduring fellowship with God, a communion far deeper than any Old Testament ritual could provide. Our response to this divine, willing sacrifice is to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God, which is our "spiritual worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")). This new covenant worship, like the peace offering, must also flow from a willing heart, motivated by gratitude for the perfect peace Christ has secured.

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.