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 within the ancient Israelite sacrificial system concerning the peace offering. 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 spiritual value of the offering lay not merely in the ritual act itself, but profoundly 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](/leviticus/17-26 "Leviticus 17-26 - The Holiness Code"), 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/19-6-8 "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.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, as the acceptability of the offering is tied not just to ritual purity but to the worshiper's internal disposition, reflecting God's own holy character that demands genuine devotion. It also highlights the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, emphasizing that true communion with Yahweh is founded on willing participation and mutual delight, rather than mere obligation. The peace offering itself embodies the theme of **Shalom (Wholeness/Peace)**, signifying a right and harmonious relationship with God, which is celebrated and maintained through voluntary acts of worship. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Internal Disposition vs. External Ritual**, a concept that would later be powerfully echoed by the prophets who condemned sacrifices offered without a righteous heart, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - True Worship and Justice") and [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Empty Rituals").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **offer (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** This primitive root (H2076) means "to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay." In this context, it refers to the act of presenting the animal for sacrifice. The repetition of this verb in the verse ("if ye offer... ye shall offer") underscores the action itself, but the subsequent phrase "at your own will" qualifies the *manner* and *motivation* of that offering, making the internal disposition crucial to the external act.
* **peace offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** Derived from the root *shalom* (H8002), this term signifies "requital," specifically a "voluntary sacrifice in thanks." While *shalom* encompasses wholeness, completeness, prosperity, and harmonious relationship, the *shelem* offering was a tangible expression of gratitude, a fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering that celebrated an existing state of peace and well-being with God. It was a communal meal, symbolizing shared fellowship and reconciliation.
* **will (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** This word (H7522) stems from a root meaning "to be pleased with, to accept, to desire." *Râtsôwn* denotes "delight," "favor," "desire," or "acceptance." When applied to the offerer, "at your own will" (*lirtzonchem*) means "for your acceptance" or "so that it may be accepted." It highlights that the offering's acceptability to God is directly contingent upon the offerer's willing and heartfelt disposition, emphasizing God's desire for genuine devotion over mere ritualistic compliance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD,"**: This clause establishes the specific context and type of offering under discussion. The "peace offering" (*zevach shelem*) is identified as distinct from other sacrifices, often presented voluntarily as an expression of thanksgiving, a fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering. 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. It sets the stage for the crucial condition that follows.
* **"ye shall offer it at your own will."**: This is the core instruction and the theological crux of the verse. The phrase "at your own will" (Hebrew: *lirtzonchem*) is a direct command regarding the manner and motivation of the offering. It signifies that the offering must be given voluntarily, freely, and with a sincere heart, not under duress or grudgingly. This condition implies that coercion or a lack of genuine desire would render the offering unacceptable to God. The emphasis is placed squarely on the internal disposition of the worshiper, ensuring that the act of worship is an authentic expression of devotion, gratitude, or commitment, rather than a mere external ritual or obligation. This internal willingness is what makes the offering truly pleasing and acceptable in God's sight, affirming that God desires relationship and genuine devotion above all else.

#### 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, explicit 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 profound **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, reflecting the very nature of God's relationship with His covenant people.

### 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. This foundational truth underscores that God seeks relationship, not just adherence to rules.

* [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 and acceptable 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, reflecting the very character of the God who gives Himself willingly for us.

#### 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, moving from duty to delight?**
* **What does "peace" or "wholeness" in my relationship with God truly look like, and how does my willingness to offer myself contribute to deepening this communion?**
* **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, ensuring my actions are genuine expressions of love?**

### 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 and significant 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 and a restored or ongoing state of *shalom*. This communal aspect is further detailed in passages like [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11-21 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Regulations for Peace Offerings").

**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 underscores that God seeks a relationship built on love and willing devotion, not mere ritualistic compliance. This profound truth 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, and in [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice"), where God declares His preference for steadfast love over sacrifice.

### 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 and more permanent than any Old Testament ritual could provide. Our new covenant worship, like the peace offering, must also flow from a willing heart, motivated by gratitude for the perfect peace Christ has secured, as we 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 willing response is the only fitting answer to the willing sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

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

Leviticus 7:16

But if the sacrifice of his offering [be] a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:

Leviticus 22:29

And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer [it] at your own will.

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 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.

2 Chronicles 31:2

And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

Leviticus 22:23

Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer [for] a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

Exodus 24:5

And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.