Leviticus 19:6

KJV

It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall be eaten {H398} the same day {H3117} ye offer {H2077} it, and on the morrow {H4283}: and if ought remain {H3498} until the third {H7992} day {H3117}, it shall be burnt {H8313} in the fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is to be eaten the same day you offer it and the following day; but if any of it remains until the third day, it is to be burned up completely.

Berean Standard Bible

It shall be eaten on the day you sacrifice it, or on the next day; but what remains on the third day must be burned up.

American Standard Version

It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if aught remain until the third day, it shall be burnt with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:6 provides precise divine instructions for the handling of sacrificial meat, specifically from the peace offering. This command mandates that the meat be consumed on the day it is offered or the following day, with any remainder on the third day being incinerated. This regulation underscores God's meticulous concern for ritual purity, reverent obedience within Israel's worship, and the sanctity of the covenant meal, preventing both physical spoilage and spiritual defilement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a pivotal section of the book of Leviticus that articulates the laws by which Israel was to live as a people consecrated to Yahweh. Chapter 19, in particular, compiles a diverse array of ethical, moral, and ritual statutes, all united by the foundational command, "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy" found in [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Call to Holiness"). The regulations concerning the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, are directly pertinent here. Unlike other sacrifices, a significant portion of the peace offering was returned to the worshipper to be eaten in a communal meal with family and friends, symbolizing a shared fellowship and communion with God, as detailed in [Leviticus 7:16](/leviticus/7-16 "Leviticus 7:16 - Peace Offering Regulations for Vows"). The strict time limits for consumption in [Leviticus 19:6](/leviticus/19-6 "Leviticus 19:6 - Consumption of Sacrifice") were crucial for ensuring that this sacred meal retained its purity and reverence, preventing it from becoming common or defiled.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the broader ancient Near East, sacrificial practices often involved leaving meat exposed for extended periods, sometimes for superstitious or magical purposes, or simply due to the lack of refrigeration. Such practices could lead to spoilage and, more significantly from a divine perspective, to the desacralization of the offering. God's command in [Leviticus 19:6](/leviticus/19-6 "Leviticus 19:6 - Consumption of Sacrifice") served to distinctly differentiate Israelite worship from the idolatrous rituals of surrounding nations. By setting a strict two-day consumption limit and mandating the burning of any remaining meat on the third day, God reinforced the unique sanctity of His offerings. This prevented the meat from being treated as a mere commodity or a tool for divination, emphasizing instead its role as a holy gift consumed in the presence of a holy God. The concept of defilement after a specific time was paramount, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequences of Defiled Offerings"), where meat kept beyond the prescribed time was considered an "abomination" (_piggul_) and rendered the worshipper unclean.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underpinning [Leviticus 19:6](/leviticus/19-6 "Leviticus 19:6 - Consumption of Sacrifice") is the **holiness of God** and the corresponding **necessity of human purity** in approaching Him. This verse contributes to the overarching call for Israel to be a "holy nation" set apart from the practices of other peoples, as articulated throughout the Holiness Code. It emphasizes the theme of **reverence for the sacred**, teaching that divine provisions and acts of worship are not to be treated casually or with disregard for God's precise instructions. The temporal boundary of the "third day" introduces the theme of **temporal purity**, highlighting that even something initially holy can become defiled if not handled according to God's prescribed timing. This reinforces the theme of **obedience to divine law** as essential for maintaining covenant relationship and avoiding spiritual defilement, which carries severe consequences as seen in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequences of Defiled Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eaten (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of consuming food, but in the context of sacrifice, it carries profound theological weight. Eating a portion of the peace offering was a participation in a sacred meal with God, symbolizing fellowship, covenant communion, and the enjoyment of divine provision. The immediacy implied by "the same day...and on the morrow" emphasizes a fresh, active engagement with God's blessings, rather than a stale or delayed appreciation. The word can also imply consumption in a broader sense, even "burning up," which links to the final command in the verse.
* **Remain (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** This root means "to jut over or exceed," and by implication, "to remain or be left." In this verse, it precisely defines the condition that triggers the subsequent command for destruction. The presence of any leftover meat, even a small amount, beyond the prescribed time signifies a failure to fully engage with the offering and a violation of the temporal purity God demands. It highlights the strictness of God's requirements for complete and timely adherence.
* **Burnt (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** This primitive root means "to be (causatively, set) on fire." In the context of the Holiness Code, burning often signifies complete destruction and purification, ensuring that anything defiled, unclean, or unacceptable in God's sight is utterly removed. For the leftover sacrificial meat, burning was not merely disposal but a ritual act that purged the defilement and upheld the sanctity of the offering, preventing its profanation or misuse. It represents a decisive act of judgment against impurity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow":** This initial clause establishes the strict time frame for the consumption of the sacrificial meat, particularly the peace offering. It underscores the importance of promptness and freshness in engaging with the sacred meal, which symbolizes fellowship with God. This regulation serves to prevent both physical spoilage and, more importantly, the casual treatment or hoarding of a holy offering, reinforcing its sacredness.
* **"and if ought remain until the third day,"** This clause specifies the critical temporal threshold. Any meat that persists beyond the second day and into the third day crosses a divinely appointed boundary. At this precise point, it is no longer considered sacred but becomes an "abomination" (_piggul_), defiled and unacceptable to God, as further detailed in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequences of Defiled Offerings"). This highlights the temporal aspect of ritual purity and God's absolute standards for His offerings.
* **"it shall be burnt in the fire."** This final clause prescribes the mandatory disposal method for the defiled meat. Burning by fire signifies complete destruction and purification, ritually removing the defiled substance from the holy space and from the sight of God. It is a decisive act that underscores the seriousness of violating the purity laws and the unacceptability of anything profane in God's holy presence.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Command/Instruction** is the primary mode, with direct imperatives ("It shall be eaten," "it shall be burnt") establishing the non-negotiable nature of God's law. This directness emphasizes divine authority and the expectation of immediate obedience from the Israelite community. **Symbolism** is rich within the verse: the sacrificial meat symbolizes God's provision and the covenant relationship; the act of eating symbolizes communion and fellowship; and the fire symbolizes purification, judgment, and the complete removal of defilement. The temporal marker of the "third day" functions as a crucial **Boundary Marker**, creating a stark **Contrast** between the holy and the profane. Before the third day, the meat is sacred and edible; on or after the third day, it is an abomination, requiring immediate destruction. This contrast highlights the fragility of purity and the strictness of God's standards for His people, underscoring the consequences of transgressing divine boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:6, though a seemingly simple ritual instruction, is deeply rooted in the overarching theological principles of God's absolute holiness, the necessity of human purity in worship, and the nature of the covenant relationship. God, being utterly holy, demands that His people reflect His holiness in every aspect of their lives, especially in their approach to Him. The strict time limits for consuming the sacrifice taught Israel that God's blessings and provisions were to be engaged with promptly and reverently, not casually or with delayed gratitude. It underscored the danger of defilement, demonstrating that even something initially holy could become an "abomination" if not handled according to divine command. This fostered a spirit of meticulous obedience and a profound respect for the sacred, distinguishing Israel's worship from the practices of surrounding pagan cultures.

* [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequences of Defiled Offerings"): "And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity."
* [Exodus 12:10](/exodus/12-10 "Exodus 12:10 - Passover Lamb Instructions"): "And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire."
* [Deuteronomy 12:7](/deuteronomy/12-7 "Deuteronomy 12:7 - Eating Before the Lord"): "And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are not directly binding on New Covenant believers, the timeless spiritual principles embedded within Leviticus 19:6 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary faith. This passage calls us to cultivate a "freshness" in our spiritual walk—a daily, vibrant communion with God that does not rely on stale spiritual experiences or past blessings. Just as the physical sacrifice needed to be consumed promptly, our spiritual lives thrive on immediate engagement with God's Word, consistent prayer, and the prompt application of His truth to our lives. It serves as a powerful reminder to treat all spiritual things with utmost reverence and respect, whether it's our corporate worship, our personal devotion, our handling of Scripture, or our participation in the sacraments. There is no room for casualness or irreverence when approaching the holy God. Furthermore, the burning of defiled remains teaches us the critical importance of spiritual purity: actively identifying and decisively discarding anything that contaminates our spiritual lives or compromises our walk with God. We are called to pursue holiness, actively removing practices, thoughts, or attitudes that are an "abomination" to God, ensuring our lives remain acceptable and pleasing in His sight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be relying on "stale manna" instead of seeking fresh, daily communion with God?**
* **How does my approach to worship, prayer, or Bible study reflect the reverence for the sacred that this passage emphasizes?**
* **What "defiled remains" (sins, habits, attitudes) in my life need to be "burnt in the fire" through confession and repentance to maintain spiritual purity?**
* **How does the concept of a "third day" boundary challenge me to be timely and obedient in my response to God's callings today?**

### FAQ
**Why was there a time limit for eating the sacrifice?**

Answer: The time limit served both practical and profound theological purposes. Practically, it prevented the meat from spoiling in a pre-refrigeration era, which would have rendered it unfit for consumption and a health hazard. Theologically, it underscored the sacredness of the offering. Meat kept beyond the prescribed time was considered defiled and an "abomination" (_piggul_), as stated in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequences of Defiled Offerings"). This rule also distinguished Israelite worship from pagan practices where sacrificial meat might be kept for extended periods for superstitious reasons, ensuring that the focus remained solely on God and His prescribed methods. It also fostered timely obedience and a fresh engagement with God's provision, emphasizing that God's blessings are to be received and enjoyed without delay.

**What made the meat "abomination" on the third day?**

Answer: The meat became an "abomination" because it crossed a divinely appointed boundary of time. God, in His absolute holiness, set precise standards for how His offerings were to be handled. Allowing the meat to remain until the third day was a direct violation of His command, signifying a lack of reverence for the sacred and a failure to treat His provisions with the required urgency and respect. It was not merely a matter of physical spoilage, but a spiritual defilement that rendered the offering unacceptable and even brought guilt upon the one who offered it or consumed it, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequences of Defiled Offerings"). This stricture reinforced the principle that God's holiness demands meticulous adherence to His instructions, and that His timing is as crucial as the act itself.

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

Answer: The literal ceremonial law of [Leviticus 19:6](/leviticus/19-6 "Leviticus 19:6 - Consumption of Sacrifice") regarding the consumption of animal sacrifices does not directly apply to New Covenant believers. With the coming of Christ, the entire sacrificial system of the Old Testament was fulfilled and superseded by His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, as illuminated in [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law"). However, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant and binding. These include the importance of spiritual purity, reverence for God and sacred things, timely obedience to His commands, and the active removal of sin and defilement from our lives. We are called to live a life of holiness, set apart for God, just as Israel was, a truth reiterated in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:6, with its strictures on the consumption and disposal of sacrificial meat, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The peace offering, from which this meat originated, was a symbol of fellowship and communion with God. In the New Covenant, Jesus is our ultimate Peace Offering, the one who perfectly reconciles us to God through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, as powerfully declared in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). The command to eat the meat promptly foreshadows our spiritual "consumption" of Christ—our immediate and ongoing reception of Him by faith, not delaying our embrace of His atoning work. Just as the physical meat nourished the worshipper, Christ's body and blood, offered once for all, are the true spiritual nourishment for believers, providing eternal life to those who partake of Him by faith, as Jesus Himself taught in [John 6:53-56](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-56 - Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood"). Furthermore, the "third day" boundary, where the old covenant sacrificial meat became defiled and an "abomination," is powerfully reversed and redeemed in Christ's glorious resurrection on the third day. What was a point of judgment and impurity for the old covenant sacrifice becomes the triumphant moment of victory over death and sin for our perfect Lamb of God, as affirmed in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Resurrection"). Through His resurrection, Christ ensures that His sacrifice never becomes "abomination" but remains eternally efficacious, making us holy and acceptable in God's sight, allowing us to perpetually feast on the spiritual blessings of His finished work without fear of defilement, for by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected Forever")).

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 7:11

¶ And this [is] the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.

Leviticus 7:17

But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.