Leviticus 19:7

KJV

And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it [is] abominable; it shall not be accepted.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if it be eaten {H398} at all {H398} on the third {H7992} day {H3117}, it is abominable {H6292}; it shall not be accepted {H7521}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If any of it is eaten on the third day, it will have become a disgusting thing and will not be accepted;

Berean Standard Bible

If any of it is eaten on the third day, it is tainted and will not be accepted.

American Standard Version

And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is an abomination; it shall not be accepted:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:7 issues a stringent divine command concerning peace offerings, explicitly prohibiting their consumption on the third day after sacrifice. This injunction declares any such meat "abominable" (*piggûl*) and consequently "not accepted" by God. Far from a mere dietary regulation, this instruction profoundly underscores the critical importance of ritual purity, timely obedience, and deep reverence for God's holiness within the sacrificial system, ensuring that acts of worship were conducted with the utmost sanctity, proper intention, and according to divine prescription.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:7 is meticulously placed within the expansive "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a foundational section of the Torah that meticulously outlines God's commands for Israel to live as a people set apart, reflecting His own holy character. This particular chapter, often referred to as the "Holiness Chapter," presents a rich mosaic of ethical, moral, and ritual laws, emphasizing that holiness is not confined to the sanctuary but is to permeate every facet of daily life – from worship practices to social interactions and personal conduct. The verse specifically builds upon and reinforces earlier regulations concerning peace offerings (also known as fellowship offerings or sacrifices of well-being), which are detailed in [Leviticus 7:16-18](/leviticus/7-16-18 "Leviticus 7:16-18 - Regulations for Peace Offerings"). These preceding passages stipulate that if the offering was a vow or freewill offering, it was to be eaten on the day it was offered or the following day, but under no circumstances on the third day. Leviticus 19:7 reiterates and intensifies this critical temporal boundary, elevating its violation to the severe status of an abomination, thereby underscoring the gravity of disobedience in matters of worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peace offerings were distinct among Israelite sacrifices as they uniquely allowed the worshiper, along with the officiating priests, to partake of the sacrificed animal. These offerings were typically expressions of thanksgiving, the fulfillment of vows, or spontaneous freewill offerings, serving to foster a tangible sense of communion and fellowship between God and His people. In the warm, arid climate of ancient Israel, meat would naturally spoil quickly without refrigeration, making a two-day consumption window a practical measure for food safety. However, the divine prohibition against eating the meat on the third day was not solely, or even primarily, about preventing physical putrefaction; it carried profound spiritual and theological weight. Designating the meat as "abominable" (Hebrew: *piggûl*) if eaten on the third day transcended mere spoilage, signifying a deep spiritual defilement. This strict timeframe served to prevent any casual, disrespectful, or procrastinating treatment of the sacred offering, ensuring that the act of worship remained fresh, reverent, and intentional. It underscored that God's acceptance of an offering was contingent upon strict adherence to His precise commands, preventing the transformation of a holy, communion-focused act into a common or defiled meal.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 19:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Holiness Code and the broader book of Leviticus. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Israel's Call to Holiness**. God, being perfectly holy, demands that His people reflect His character in their lives and worship, as reiterated throughout [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - The Holiness Code"). The verse also highlights the theme of **Obedience as Essential for Acceptance**. God's acceptance of an offering is not automatic; it is conditional upon meticulous adherence to His revealed will, particularly regarding the proper time and manner of worship. Furthermore, the concept of *piggûl* emphasizes the theme of **Purity and Impurity**, demonstrating how something initially sacred can become defiled through human action or neglect, rendering it unacceptable to God. This stricture reinforces the idea that **Reverence and Intentionality** are paramount in approaching God, warning against a casual or presumptuous attitude towards divine commands. The regulations surrounding offerings, including the time limits for consumption, served to teach Israel about the absolute nature of God's commands and the seriousness of their covenant relationship, as seen in other sacrificial laws in [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Regulations for Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eaten (Hebrew, אָכַל, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root signifies "to eat" in both literal and figurative senses. In the context of sacrificial meat, it refers to the physical consumption of the animal's flesh by the worshiper and priests. The repetition of the root in the KJV "eaten at all" (H398 H8735, H398 H8736) emphasizes the absolute prohibition: *any* eating on the third day is forbidden. This highlights the precise nature of the divine command, leaving no room for partial adherence or exceptions.
* **abominable (Hebrew, פִּגּוּל, _piggûwl'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to stink," this term signifies something "fetid" or, more importantly in a ceremonial context, "unclean." *Piggûwl* specifically denotes sacrificial meat that has become ritually impure or offensive in God's sight, not merely due to physical spoilage, but because it was kept beyond the prescribed time or offered with an improper intention. It conveys a sense of utter loathsomeness, detestability, and unacceptability to God, signifying a profound spiritual defilement that renders the entire offering null and void. The use of *piggûwl* elevates the transgression beyond a simple oversight to a grave offense against divine holiness and the sanctity of the sacrificial system.
* **accepted (Hebrew, רָצָה, _râtsâh'_):** This primitive root means "to be pleased with," "to accept favorably," or "to delight in." When God "accepts" an offering, it means He receives it with favor, and it achieves its intended purpose of atonement, thanksgiving, or communion. The declaration that the offering "shall not be accepted" directly contrasts with God's desire for genuine, pure worship, indicating His complete rejection and disapproval of the defiled act. This emphasizes that God's favor and blessing are conditional upon strict obedience to His commands regarding worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if it be eaten at all on the third day":** This clause precisely establishes the condition under which the transgression occurs. The phrase "at all" underscores the absolute nature of the prohibition, indicating that even a single bite of the sacrificial meat on the forbidden day constitutes a violation. The "third day" is the critical temporal boundary, signifying a point beyond which the sacred offering loses its consecrated status and becomes profaned. This timing was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, serving as a test of the worshiper's obedience, reverence, and diligence in handling sacred things. It implies an expectation of promptness and seriousness in matters pertaining to God.
* **"it [is] abominable":** This is the divine verdict and the core pronouncement of the verse. The meat, once holy and designated for communion with God, is now declared *piggûwl*. This transformation from sacred to abominable is primarily a spiritual one, indicating that the act of eating it at the forbidden time is a grave affront to God's holiness. It implies a profound lack of proper reverence, a casual attitude towards what God has set apart, or even an improper heart intention that renders the offering spiritually "putrid" in God's sight. The consequence is not merely physical spoilage but spiritual defilement.
* **"it shall not be accepted":** This final pronouncement states the direct consequence of the abomination. The entire sacrificial act, despite its initial proper execution, is rendered invalid and completely rejected by God. The worshiper gains no benefit, and the offering fails to achieve its purpose of bringing communion, atonement, or thanksgiving. This underscores God's unyielding demand for meticulous obedience and sincere reverence in all matters of worship, emphasizing that His acceptance is conditional upon strict adherence to His specific commands and the maintenance of ritual purity.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its divine imperative. The primary device is **Legal Language/Command**, delivered as a direct, unequivocal prohibition. This concise, declarative statement, characteristic of the Holiness Code, leaves no room for ambiguity, emphasizing the absolute and non-negotiable nature of God's law. There is also profound **Symbolism** at play: the "third day" meat, though perhaps still physically edible, symbolizes spiritual decay, a lack of urgency, and a casual disregard for divine instruction. The act of eating it on the third day becomes a powerful symbol of disobedience and irreverence, transforming a sacred meal of communion into something profane and detestable. Furthermore, the verse utilizes implicit **Contrast**, setting the acceptable, timely consumption of the offering against the abominable, untimely act, thereby highlighting the stark difference between obedience and transgression in God's eyes. The term *piggûwl* itself functions as powerful **Figurative Language**, moving beyond a literal description of spoiled food to convey a deep spiritual loathsomeness in God's sight, emphasizing the offense against His holiness rather than just a practical concern.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:7 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding demand for holiness and purity in all aspects of worship and life. It teaches that God is not merely concerned with the outward act of sacrifice but with the manner, timing, and heart intention behind it. The principle that something once holy can become "abominable" through human disobedience or neglect underscores the fragility of ritual purity and the constant need for vigilance in maintaining reverence for God. This verse reveals that God's acceptance is not automatic but is predicated on strict adherence to His revealed will, particularly in matters of approaching Him. It emphasizes that true worship requires not only the correct form but also the correct spirit and timeliness, reflecting God's own perfect and unblemished character. It serves as a stark reminder that God is holy and cannot be approached casually or on human terms.

* [Leviticus 7:16-18](/leviticus/7-16-18 "Leviticus 7:16-18 - Regulations for Peace Offerings")
* [Malachi 1:7-8](/malachi/1-7-8 "Malachi 1:7-8 - Defiled Offerings and God's Displeasure")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal practice of animal sacrifice has been fulfilled and superseded by Christ's perfect work, the underlying principles of Leviticus 19:7 remain powerfully relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to deeply examine the quality and timeliness of our "spiritual sacrifices" – our prayers, praise, acts of service, obedience, and overall devotion to God. It calls us to actively avoid spiritual complacency, procrastination in our spiritual duties, or a casual, disrespectful attitude towards our relationship with God. Just as the ancient Israelites were commanded to offer their best, fresh and in due time, we are called to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")) with sincerity, fervor, and a heart continually renewed by the Holy Spirit. Allowing our faith, our service, or our worship to become "stale," defiled by neglect, tainted by improper motives, or offered out of mere obligation rather than genuine love, can render our offerings unacceptable in God's eyes. This verse serves as a potent and timeless reminder that God desires not just ritualistic adherence, but genuine, heartfelt worship offered with reverence, prompt obedience, and a pure heart, reflecting His own holy and unblemished character in every facet of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my spiritual life might I be tempted to offer "stale" or "delayed" devotion to God, and how can I cultivate a heart of fresh, fervent, and timely worship?**
* **What does the concept of an "abominable" offering teach me about God's absolute standards for holiness and His expectation of reverence and intentionality in my approach to Him?**
* **How does my consistent and diligent obedience to God's revealed will, even in seemingly small matters, demonstrate my profound love and respect for His holy character?**

### FAQ
**Why was eating the offering on the third day considered "abominable" and not just spoiled?**

Answer: The term "abominable" translates the Hebrew word *piggûwl* (H6292), which carries a much deeper and more severe meaning than mere physical spoilage. While practical considerations like spoilage in a warm climate were certainly a factor, the primary reason for it being *piggûwl* was its ritual impurity and spiritual offense to God. Eating the offering on the third day demonstrated a profound lack of reverence, a direct disregard for God's specific commands, or an improper intention on the part of the worshiper. It signified that the sacred offering had been treated as common or profane, thereby defiling it in God's sight and rendering it utterly unacceptable. This spiritual defilement meant the offering failed to achieve its divine purpose of communion or atonement, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Unacceptable Offerings"). The emphasis was on the sanctity of the offering and the worshiper's obedience, not just food safety.

**Does this verse have any relevance for Christians today, since animal sacrifices are no longer practiced?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the literal practice of animal sacrifice has been perfectly fulfilled and superseded by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying theological principles of holiness, obedience, reverence, and the nature of acceptable worship remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Leviticus 19:7 teaches us about God's unchanging character as a holy God who demands holiness and genuine reverence from His people. For Christians, this translates into the call to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")) – our bodies, minds, and spirits – in sincere, fervent, and timely devotion. It serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency, procrastination in obedience, or a casual, presumptuous approach to our relationship with God. Our "offerings" today, such as prayer, praise, acts of service, righteous living, and sharing the Gospel, should be done with a pure heart, without delay, and with utmost reverence, demonstrating our love and respect for God's holy character and His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:7, with its strict prohibition against "abominable" (*piggûwl*) offerings, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offerings, with their stringent time limits and inherent potential for defilement if not handled precisely, powerfully foreshadowed the desperate need for a perfect offering that could truly bring lasting peace and unblemished acceptance with God. Unlike these temporary sacrifices, which could become unacceptable due to human flaw, neglect, or improper timing, Christ's sacrifice on the cross is eternally pure, perpetually efficacious, and forever "accepted" by God the Father ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood cleanses us from all sin, making us eternally righteous and acceptable in God's sight. This acceptance is not based on our flawed offerings or our meticulous adherence to ritual timing, but solely on the unblemished perfection of His atoning work. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ became our true "peace offering" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Reconciliation")), forever bridging the chasm between a perfectly holy God and sinful humanity, reconciling us by His cross. We are now invited to draw near to God with full confidence, not fearing our offerings becoming *piggûwl*, but relying completely on the eternal efficacy of Christ's perfect, unblemished offering, which grants us access to the very throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

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 7:18

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.

Leviticus 7:21

Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean [thing, as] the uncleanness of man, or [any] unclean beast, or any abominable unclean [thing], and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which [pertain] unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Isaiah 66:3

He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

Leviticus 22:25

Neither from a stranger's hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption [is] in them, [and] blemishes [be] in them: they shall not be accepted for you.

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.

Isaiah 65:4

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;

Isaiah 1:13

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting.