Leviticus 3:12

KJV

And if his offering [be] a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if his offering {H7133} be a goat {H5795}, then he shall offer {H7126} it before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'If his offering is a goat, then he is to present it before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

If one’s offering is a goat, he is to present it before the LORD.

American Standard Version

And if his oblation be a goat, then he shall offer it before Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 3:12 provides specific instructions for the peace offering when a goat is presented, stipulating that it must be offered "before the LORD." This verse is an integral part of God's detailed regulations for the *zevach shelamim*, a voluntary sacrifice designed to cultivate fellowship, express profound gratitude, or fulfill a sacred vow, thereby underscoring the divine desire for His people to approach Him with devotion, reverence, and in a state of spiritual peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 3 is exclusively dedicated to the "sacrifice of peace offerings" (*zevach shelamim*), meticulously detailing the procedures following the instructions for the burnt offering in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering") and the grain offering in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"). This chapter systematically outlines the protocols for offering cattle (verses 1-5), sheep (verses 6-11), and goats (verses 12-16) as peace offerings. Unlike the mandatory sin or trespass offerings found in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") and [Leviticus 5](/leviticus/5 "Leviticus 5 - The Trespass Offering"), the peace offering was typically a voluntary act, presented as a freewill gift, a vow, or an expression of thanksgiving. Its prominent placement early in the book underscores its foundational role in Israelite worship, emphasizing not only the necessity of atonement but also the vital aspect of communion and fellowship with God, which was a central purpose of the Tabernacle itself as a dwelling place for God among His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sacrificial system, as comprehensively detailed in Leviticus, constituted the divinely ordained means for ancient Israel to approach a holy God and maintain their covenant relationship. The Tabernacle, where these intricate sacrifices were performed, served as the focal point of Israelite worship and the visible manifestation of God's abiding presence. In a society where animal husbandry was central to daily life and economic sustenance, the offering of livestock represented a significant act of devotion and often a substantial economic sacrifice. The peace offering was distinct in that, after specific parts (the fat, kidneys, and liver lobe) were burned on the altar for God and others (the breast and right thigh) were allocated to the priests, the remainder of the animal was consumed by the offerer and their family within the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle. This communal meal symbolized a shared fellowship with God, a tangible experience of "peace" (*shalom*) and holistic well-being in His divine presence. The allowance of various animals—cattle, sheep, and goats—demonstrated God's gracious provision, ensuring that individuals across diverse economic strata could participate in this vital act of worship and communion, reinforcing the accessibility of divine grace to all who sought Him according to His prescribed ways, as outlined throughout [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering").

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 3:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Access to God**, demonstrating that while God is holy, He has provided specific, gracious means for His people to draw near to Him. The meticulous instructions for the peace offering, including the option of a goat, highlight God's **Divine Provision and Accessibility**, ensuring that worship was not limited to the wealthy but was available to all who desired to participate in covenant fellowship. Central to the peace offering is the theme of **Communion and Fellowship** (*shalom*), where the shared meal symbolized reconciliation and harmonious relationship between God and His people. This theme is foundational to understanding the covenant itself, as seen in the establishment of God's dwelling among His people in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Furthermore, the voluntary nature of this offering underscores the theme of **Willing Obedience and Gratitude**, inviting the worshiper to express devotion and thanksgiving from a sincere heart, a principle echoed in later wisdom literature like [Psalm 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Psalm 50:14 - Offer Thanksgiving Sacrifices").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offering (Hebrew, _qorbân'_):** Derived from the root *qârab* (H7126), meaning "to approach" or "to bring near," *qorbân* (H7133) refers to "something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present." In Leviticus 3:12, its use emphasizes that the goat is a designated means by which the worshiper can draw near to the Holy One, highlighting the fundamental purpose of all sacrifices: to facilitate an approach to God.
* **Goat (Hebrew, _ʻêz'_):** The term *ʻêz* (H5795) refers to a "she-goat" or, more generally, a "goat" or "kid." As a common domesticated animal in ancient Israel, its inclusion as an acceptable animal for the peace offering, alongside cattle and sheep, signifies God's gracious provision for different economic levels within the community. It underscores the principle that the value of the offering was not solely in its monetary cost but in the obedient heart of the offerer and the adherence to God's specific instructions for worship.
* **Offer (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** The verb *qârab* (H7126) means "to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose." Here, it specifically denotes the act of presenting the animal in sacrifice. This word choice reinforces the idea that the entire sacrificial process is an act of drawing near to God, an intentional movement from the worshiper towards the divine presence.
* **Before the LORD (Hebrew, _liphnê Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This phrase combines the prepositional prefix *li-* ("to" or "before") with *pânîym* (H6440), meaning "face" or "presence," and *Yᵉhôvâh* (H3068), the self-existent or eternal God, the Jewish national name of God. This composite phrase denotes the sacred space and presence of God, specifically referring to the area in front of the altar in the Tabernacle courtyard. It emphasizes that the offering was not a mere ritual but an act performed directly in the presence of the divine, acknowledging God's sovereignty, holiness, and the necessity of proper protocol in approaching Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if his offering [be] a goat":** This introductory clause establishes the specific type of animal being presented for the peace offering, following the preceding verses that detail cattle and sheep. It indicates that the choice of animal was left to the offerer, but once chosen, the specific instructions for that particular animal must be meticulously followed. The phrase "his offering" refers back to the *qorbân*, the general term for the gift being brought by the individual worshiper.
* **"then he shall offer it before the LORD":** This is the prescriptive command, dictating the proper execution of the sacrifice. "Offer it" refers to the entire process of presenting the animal, including its slaughter, the sprinkling of its blood, and the burning of specific fat portions on the altar. The crucial phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes both the sacred location (the Tabernacle courtyard, specifically the altar) and the divine recipient of the offering, underscoring the profound holiness, solemnity, and intentionality required in this act of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 3:12, as an integral part of a larger legal and ritual text, primarily employs **Prescription**. This device is evident in the direct, imperative language that outlines precise instructions for worship. The verse functions as a divine command, leaving no ambiguity about the required procedure for a goat peace offering. There is also a strong element of **Repetition** throughout Leviticus 3, as similar instructions are given for different animals (cattle, sheep, goats), reinforcing the consistency, universality, and meticulous nature of the peace offering's purpose and God's detailed expectations for worship. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the act itself; the goat, like other sacrificial animals, symbolizes the offerer's devotion, the transfer of peace, and the means by which peace and fellowship with God are established, subtly foreshadowing a greater, ultimate sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 3:12, situated within the broader context of the peace offering, profoundly illustrates God's desire for intimate fellowship and *shalom* (wholeness, well-being, peace) with His people. The allowance of a goat, alongside other animals, underscores divine accessibility and provision, ensuring that all Israelites, regardless of their economic standing, could participate in acts of worship that fostered communion. The *shalom* inherent in the *shelamim* offering speaks directly to God's character as the bringer of peace and His gracious invitation for humanity to enter into a reconciled relationship with Him. This sacrificial act, culminating in a shared communal meal, was a tangible expression of that peace, a foretaste of the deeper spiritual communion available through God's grace and covenant faithfulness.

* [Psalm 4:5](/psalms/4-5 "Psalm 4:5 - Offer Righteous Sacrifices")
* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God Guards Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 3:12 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to consider the intentionality, reverence, and gratitude with which we approach God in our contemporary worship. Just as the Israelite brought their best and followed specific instructions, we are invited to offer our worship, gratitude, and entire lives as spiritual sacrifices, not out of mere obligation, but from a heart overflowing with peace and devotion. The communal aspect of the peace offering reminds us that our relationship with God is not solely individual but also fosters profound fellowship within the community of faith. It encourages us to live lives that reflect the *shalom* we have received through Christ, extending peace and reconciliation to others, and continually seeking to draw near to God in all aspects of our daily existence, recognizing His constant presence and gracious invitation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the peace offering in Leviticus challenge my own approach to worship and devotion today?**
* **In what practical ways can I offer "spiritual sacrifices" of gratitude, praise, and peaceful living to God in my daily life?**
* **How does the concept of "fellowship with God" through the Old Testament peace offering deepen my understanding of communion with Christ through the Lord's Supper and prayer?**

### FAQ
**Why was a goat an acceptable offering for peace?**

Answer: A goat was an acceptable offering for the peace offering primarily due to God's gracious provision and desire for accessibility within the Israelite community. While cattle and sheep were also permitted, allowing goats ensured that individuals from various economic backgrounds could participate in this significant act of worship. Goats were a common and valuable livestock animal, making them a practical and available sacrifice for many. This demonstrated that God's covenant relationship and the opportunity for fellowship were not exclusive to the wealthy but were open to all who sought to approach Him according to His divine instructions, as outlined in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering").

**What was the significance of offering "before the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "before the LORD" signifies the sacred and divinely appointed location for the sacrifice, typically the Tabernacle courtyard in front of the altar. It underscores that the offering was not a casual act but a solemn presentation directly to God, acknowledging His holiness, sovereignty, and intimate presence among His people. This emphasized the seriousness and reverence required in worship, ensuring that the act was performed according to God's precise commands and through the mediation of the priests, making it an acceptable and efficacious means of drawing near to the divine. It highlighted that all worship was ultimately directed towards God Himself, as seen throughout the instructions for the Tabernacle and its services in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 3:12, with its focus on the goat as an acceptable peace offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant sacrifices provided a temporary means of drawing near to God and experiencing a measure of peace, they were but shadows pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who truly brings eternal peace. Jesus, often associated with the sacrificial animals, particularly the Passover Lamb, also bears the weight of the scapegoat, carrying away the sins of the world on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")). Through His atoning death on the cross, Christ became our ultimate peace offering, reconciling us to God and establishing an eternal covenant of peace ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the one through whom we now have direct, confident access to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")), enabling us to truly "draw near" in a way the Old Testament worshiper could only anticipate. The communal meal aspect of the peace offering is powerfully echoed in the Lord's Supper, where believers share in communion with Christ and with one another, celebrating the peace and fellowship secured by His body broken and blood shed for us ([1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")). Thus, the goat offered "before the LORD" in Leviticus 3:12 points forward to Jesus, the perfect sacrifice who brings ultimate peace and perpetual fellowship between God and humanity, enabling us to live in His presence forever ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")).

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 1:6

And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Leviticus 9:3

And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, [both] of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;

Leviticus 3:7

If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the LORD.

Leviticus 3:17

[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Leviticus 9:15

And he brought the people's offering, and took the goat, which [was] the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.

Matthew 25:32

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats: