Leviticus 22:28

KJV

And [whether it be] cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And whether it be cow {H7794} or ewe {H7716}, ye shall not kill {H7819} it and her young {H1121} both in one {H259} day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, no animal is to be slaughtered together with its young on the same day, neither cow nor ewe.

Berean Standard Bible

But you must not slaughter an ox or a sheep on the same day as its young.

American Standard Version

And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and its young both in one day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 22:28 establishes a specific ethical regulation within the Mosaic Law, prohibiting the slaughter of a mother animal (whether cow or ewe) and its young on the same day. This command, situated within a broader context of laws governing priestly holiness and acceptable sacrifices, transcends mere ritual purity to reveal God's inherent compassion for His creation, His demand for ethical restraint even in necessary acts, and His desire for Israel to reflect His orderly and merciful character, distinguishing them from surrounding pagan cultures. It underscores a divine concern for the sanctity of life and the natural order, even within the animal kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 22:28 is nestled within a section of Leviticus (chapters 21-22) dedicated to the stringent requirements of holiness for priests and the purity and acceptability of offerings brought to the Lord. Chapter 21 outlines the personal holiness required of priests, including restrictions on marriage and contact with the dead. Chapter 22 then shifts focus to the holiness of the offerings themselves, detailing who may eat of the holy things, the types of blemishes that disqualify an animal for sacrifice, and the requirement for offerings to be "without blemish" and presented voluntarily. This particular verse, along with others concerning the age of sacrificial animals ([Leviticus 22:27](/leviticus/22-27 "Leviticus 22:27 - Age of Sacrificial Animals")) and the prohibition against offering an animal and its young on the same day, demonstrates that God's holiness extends not only to the ritual act but also to the ethical treatment of the creatures involved. It is part of a series of laws designed to cultivate a mindset of reverence and respect within the community, even in practices essential for their sustenance and worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, animal sacrifice and consumption were ubiquitous. However, the practices of surrounding pagan nations often involved brutal, indiscriminate, or even ritually cruel acts, sometimes including the sacrifice of young animals with their mothers as part of fertility cults or for perceived magical potency. The Mosaic Law, in contrast, consistently sought to distinguish Israel from these practices, establishing a divine ethic rooted in God's character. Laws like [Leviticus 22:28](/leviticus/22-28 "Leviticus 22:28 - Prohibition of Killing Mother and Young on Same Day"), [Deuteronomy 22:6-7](/deuteronomy/22-6 "Deuteronomy 22:6-7 - Law of the Mother Bird"), and [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Prohibition of Boiling a Kid in its Mother's Milk") collectively reveal a unique divine concern for the welfare of animals and the preservation of natural familial bonds. This was not merely about animal rights in a modern sense, but about cultivating a holy people who reflected God's compassion and order in all aspects of life, even in their interactions with the created world He entrusted to them as stewards, as seen in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **שָׁחַט (Language, _shaḥaṭ_):** This Hebrew verb, translated as "kill" or "slaughter," often carries the connotation of ritual slaughter, particularly in the context of sacrifices. It denotes the act of cutting the throat, a method designed to drain the blood, which was considered sacred and belonged to God ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Sanctity of Blood")). The use of this specific term here underscores that even in the religiously sanctioned act of taking life for sustenance or offering, a divine ethical boundary must be observed.
* **בְּיוֹם אֶחָד (Language, _b'yom eḥad_):** This phrase, meaning "in one day" or "on the same day," is crucial to understanding the precise nature of the prohibition. It does not forbid the killing of a mother and her young *ever*, but specifically prohibits doing so within a 24-hour period. This temporal restriction highlights the intent to prevent an act perceived as excessively cruel, greedy, or a blatant disregard for the natural order and the familial bond, emphasizing restraint and reverence for life's cycles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [whether it be] cow or ewe":** This clause specifies the types of animals to which the law applies – domesticated livestock commonly used for food and sacrifice. "Cow" (שור, _shor_) refers to cattle, and "ewe" (שה, _seh_) refers to sheep or goats, encompassing the primary clean animals permitted for consumption and offering in Israel. The inclusive language indicates a broad application of the principle to the most common animal types involved in daily life and worship.
* **"ye shall not kill it and her young":** This is the core prohibition. It directly forbids the simultaneous taking of life from a mother and her offspring. The phrase "her young" (בנה, _benah_, lit. "her son") implies the offspring that is still dependent on or closely associated with the mother, emphasizing the violation of a natural, vulnerable familial unit. This command aims to prevent an act that would be perceived as a profound disruption of the natural order and a demonstration of callousness.
* **"both in one day":** As highlighted in the key word analysis, this temporal qualifier is paramount. It defines the specific window within which the prohibited act must not occur. The focus is on the *simultaneity* of the act within a single day, reinforcing the idea of ethical restraint and preventing an excessive or wanton destruction of a family unit, even if the animals are eventually to be slaughtered.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 22:28 employs several literary devices to convey its profound ethical and theological message. **Symbolism** is central, as the mother-offspring bond serves as a powerful symbol of life, nurture, and the natural order established by God. The prohibition against simultaneously taking both lives within a day symbolizes respect for this bond and for the cycles of creation. Violating this bond would symbolize a disregard for the divine order and an excessive, perhaps greedy, approach to life. The verse also utilizes a clear **legal formulation**, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, presenting a direct command ("ye shall not kill") that is unambiguous and prescriptive, indicating its status as a divine injunction rather than a mere suggestion. Furthermore, there is an element of **metonymy**, where "cow or ewe" stands in for all clean animals used for food or sacrifice, implying that the principle of compassion and restraint extends broadly to the animal kingdom under Israel's stewardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple regulation in Leviticus 22:28 carries profound theological weight, revealing facets of God's character and His expectations for humanity. It demonstrates God's universal compassion, extending His merciful concern even to the animal kingdom, and His desire for humanity to reflect this compassion in their stewardship of creation. The law instills ethical restraint, preventing wanton destruction and promoting an orderly, respectful approach to life, even when it involves taking life for sustenance or worship. This principle of respecting life and natural bonds is echoed throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring a consistent divine ethic.

* [Deuteronomy 22:6-7](/deuteronomy/22-6 "Deuteronomy 22:6-7 - Law of the Mother Bird"): This law prohibits taking a mother bird along with her young or eggs from a nest, commanding that the mother be allowed to fly away.
* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Prohibition of Boiling a Kid in its Mother's Milk"): This command, repeated in [Deuteronomy 14:21](/deuteronomy/14-21 "Deuteronomy 14:21 - Dietary Laws"), forbids boiling a young goat in its mother's milk, emphasizing the sanctity of the mother-offspring bond and rejecting practices that would be considered unnatural or cruel.
* [Psalm 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - God's Universal Goodness"): "The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." This psalm beautifully encapsulates the divine attribute of compassion that underlies laws like Leviticus 22:28, affirming God's tender mercies extend to all His works.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific context of animal sacrifice and ancient agricultural practices may seem distant, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 22:28 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart that values life, practices ethical restraint, and reflects the compassionate character of God in all our interactions with creation. It challenges us to consider our consumption habits, our treatment of animals, and our broader stewardship responsibilities, urging us to avoid exploitation, waste, or unnecessary cruelty. By embracing these principles, we not only honor God's creation but also grow in our likeness to Him, demonstrating mercy and wisdom in a world often marked by excess and disregard for life. This ancient law serves as a timeless reminder that true holiness extends beyond ritual to encompass a compassionate and responsible way of living in God's world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this ancient law challenge my modern understanding of humanity's relationship with the animal kingdom and the broader created order?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate compassion and ethical restraint in my daily life, reflecting God's character as revealed in this verse?**
* **What does Leviticus 22:28 teach me about the nature of God's holiness, and how does that understanding shape my own pursuit of holiness?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give such a specific law about animals? Does it mean animals have souls like humans?**

Answer: God gave this specific law, along with others concerning animal welfare ([Deuteronomy 22:6-7](/deuteronomy/22-6 "Deuteronomy 22:6-7 - Law of the Mother Bird")), not because animals possess souls in the same theological sense as humans (who are created in God's image, [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Humanity in God's Image")), but to cultivate a particular ethical and spiritual disposition within the Israelite community. The primary purpose was to distinguish Israel from pagan nations, whose practices often lacked such humane considerations, and to teach them about God's own compassionate and orderly character. It prevented acts that would be perceived as excessively cruel or greedy, fostering reverence for life and respect for natural cycles. This law served as a pedagogical tool, shaping the moral fabric of the people to reflect their holy God, who "is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made" ([Psalm 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - God's Universal Goodness")). It was less about animal "rights" as understood today and more about human "responsibilities" as stewards of God's creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 22:28, with its emphasis on compassion, the sanctity of life, and ethical restraint, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the law itself is part of the Mosaic covenant, its underlying principles point to the character of God, which is perfectly embodied in Christ. The divine compassion for creation, evident in the prohibition against destroying a mother and her young on the same day, foreshadows the boundless compassion of Christ, who came not to destroy life but to give it abundantly ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), demonstrating the ultimate act of self-sacrificial love that transcends any Old Testament animal sacrifice. The sanctity of life, valued even in the animal kingdom, culminates in the supreme value of human life, redeemed by the precious blood of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, the restraint commanded in Leviticus points to Christ's own self-control and perfect obedience, culminating in His voluntary submission to death on the cross, not as a victim of wanton destruction, but as the purposeful, redemptive sacrifice. Through His resurrection, Christ inaugurates a new creation where God's compassion and order are fully realized, promising a future where "the wolf and the lamb will feed together" ([Isaiah 65:25](/isaiah/65-25 "Isaiah 65:25 - The New Heavens and New Earth")), a testament to the ultimate fulfillment of God's compassionate design for all creation.

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 22:6

If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, [whether they be] young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

Deuteronomy 22:7

[But] thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and [that] thou mayest prolong [thy] days.

Deuteronomy 14:21

Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that [is] in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Exodus 23:19

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Exodus 34:26

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.