Leviticus 7:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And this is the law {H8451} of the sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}, which he shall offer {H7126} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'This is the law for sacrificing peace offerings offered to ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD:

American Standard Version

And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace-offerings, which one shall offer unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:11 serves as the foundational introduction to the intricate regulations governing the peace offering, a pivotal sacrificial act within the Israelite worship system. This verse initiates a detailed exposition (Leviticus 7:11-36) that meticulously outlines the various forms—thanksgiving, vow, and freewill offerings—and the precise procedures for presenting this unique sacrifice to the LORD. Unlike other offerings primarily focused on atonement or complete consumption, the peace offering uniquely emphasized communion, fellowship, and the celebration of a right relationship between God and His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:11 marks a significant transition within the larger block of sacrificial laws detailed in [Leviticus 6](/leviticus/6 "Leviticus 6 - Laws for the Priests") and [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Further Laws for Offerings"). Chapters 6 and the initial verses of 7 primarily focus on the priestly duties and the consumption of the sin offering, trespass offering, burnt offering, and grain offering. Verse 11 shifts the focus back to the offerer's perspective, introducing the "law of the sacrifice of peace offerings." This section expands upon the initial, more general instructions for the peace offering found in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), providing specific nuances regarding the different categories (thanksgiving, vow, freewill) and the distribution of the meat. It sets the stage for the subsequent detailed instructions concerning the various types of peace offerings and their associated rituals, including the consumption of the meat by the offerer and priests, which was unique among the major sacrifices and highlighted its communal nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Leviticus was given to Moses at Mount Sinai, providing the newly formed nation of Israel with the divine blueprint for living as a holy people in covenant with a holy God. Following their liberation from Egypt, the construction of the Tabernacle provided a tangible dwelling place for God among His people, necessitating a precise system for approaching Him. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sacrifices were common, but Israel's system was distinct, rooted in God's specific commands and designed to foster a unique relationship. The peace offering, in particular, stood out as a voluntary act of worship, often accompanied by a communal meal. This shared meal underscored the concept of fellowship, symbolizing the offerer's ability to "eat with God" in a sacred context, a profound expression of intimacy and restored harmony within the covenant relationship. This practice reinforced the idea that God desired not just obedience, but also joyful communion with His people, a stark contrast to the fear-based worship often found in surrounding pagan religions.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Divine Presence**, as the sacrificial system provides the means for an unholy people to approach a holy God. The peace offering specifically highlights **Communion and Fellowship**, emphasizing God's desire for a relational bond with His people, not merely ritualistic adherence. This is distinct from the expiatory nature of the sin and trespass offerings, which focus on **Atonement and Forgiveness** (e.g., [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering")). The voluntary nature of the peace offering also underscores **Gratitude and Freewill Worship**, allowing individuals to express thanksgiving and devotion beyond mandatory requirements, as seen in the various categories detailed in [Leviticus 7:12-16](/leviticus/7-12-16 "Leviticus 7:12-16 - Types of Peace Offerings"). Ultimately, the regulations for the peace offering, like all the laws in Leviticus, serve to establish and maintain the **Covenant Relationship** between Yahweh and Israel, ensuring their continued access to His presence and the experience of His _shalom_.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** from יָרָה; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch; law. This term signifies divine instruction, guidance, or teaching. In this context, it emphasizes that the regulations for the peace offering are not human inventions but divinely revealed ordinances, carrying the full weight of God's authority. It underscores the structured and prescriptive nature of Israelite worship, ensuring that all acts of devotion are performed according to God's specific will.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** from שָׁלָם; properly, requital, i.e. a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks; peace offering. Derived from the root _shalom_, this word signifies more than just the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, harmony, prosperity, and right relationship. The "peace offering" was thus a sacrifice that either expressed gratitude for a state of _shalom_ already experienced or sought to establish or maintain such a state of holistic well-being and fellowship with God. It was often a voluntary offering, reflecting the offerer's desire for communion.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. The use of God's covenant name, YHWH, here translated "LORD" (in small caps in KJV), is profoundly significant. It identifies the recipient of the offering as the personal, relational, and self-existent God who entered into a covenant with Israel. This highlights that the peace offering is not merely a ritualistic act but a deeply personal expression of devotion and communion directed towards the God who has revealed Himself intimately to His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And this [is] the law":** This phrase functions as a formal legal declaration, signaling the commencement of a new, distinct set of divine instructions. The KJV's paragraph marker (¶) further emphasizes this structural break, indicating that what follows is a new section of binding statutes from God. It establishes the authoritative nature of the subsequent regulations, presenting them as non-negotiable divine ordinances for the proper conduct of worship and maintenance of the covenant relationship.
* **"of the sacrifice of peace offerings":** This clause precisely identifies the subject matter of the ensuing regulations. The term "peace offerings" (Hebrew: _zevach shelem_) immediately distinguishes this sacrifice from the sin, trespass, burnt, and grain offerings previously detailed. It alerts the reader to the unique purpose and procedures associated with this particular offering, which primarily emphasized fellowship, thanksgiving, and the celebration of a right relationship with God, rather than solely atonement.
* **"which he shall offer unto the LORD.":** This concluding phrase emphasizes both the human agent and the divine recipient of the offering. The verb "offer" (Hebrew: _qarab_) literally means "to bring near," signifying an act of drawing close to God in worship and devotion. By specifying "unto the LORD" (Yahweh), the verse underscores that the entire sacrificial system, including the peace offering, is God-ordained and God-directed, serving to facilitate and express the unique covenant relationship between the holy God and His chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:11 employs several literary devices to convey its authoritative and instructional purpose. The most prominent is the **Legal Formula**, specifically the introductory phrase "And this [is] the law." This formula is characteristic of legal and instructional texts throughout the Pentateuch, providing a clear demarcation for different categories of regulations and emphasizing their authoritative, binding nature as divine statutes. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Specification** by clearly naming the "sacrifice of peace offerings," immediately narrowing the focus from general sacrificial principles to a particular type of offering with unique characteristics. While not explicit in this single verse, the broader context of the peace offering functions as profound **Symbolism**. The very nature of the _shelem_ offering, particularly its communal meal aspect (to be detailed in subsequent verses), symbolizes _shalom_—wholeness, fellowship, and a right relationship with God. This symbolic act points to the desired communion between God, the priests, and the offerer, representing a state of harmonious existence with the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The peace offering, introduced in Leviticus 7:11, profoundly articulates God's desire for fellowship and communion with His people. Unlike offerings focused solely on expiation, the _zevach shelem_ highlights the relational aspect of the covenant, emphasizing that God not only provides a way for sin to be covered but also invites His people into a state of _shalom_—a holistic well-being and harmonious relationship with Him. It underscores the themes of gratitude, voluntary devotion, and the joy of being in God's presence, foreshadowing a deeper communion made possible through ultimate sacrifice.

* [Psalm 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Psalm 50:14 - Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace of God through prayer and thanksgiving")
* [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation through Christ's blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:11, though detailing an ancient ritual, speaks volumes about the heart of God and His desire for a relationship with humanity. The peace offering was a voluntary act, an expression of gratitude, a fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering of devotion. This reminds us that our relationship with God is not merely about avoiding punishment or earning favor, but about cultivating genuine communion, expressing heartfelt thanksgiving, and living in a state of _shalom_ with Him. While the physical sacrifices are no longer required, the spiritual principles endure: approaching God with a grateful heart, honoring our commitments to Him, and freely offering our lives as acts of worship. It calls us to reflect on the depth of our fellowship with God and to actively seek His peace in all areas of our lives, recognizing that true peace comes from being in right relationship with our Creator, a peace that transcends mere circumstance and permeates our entire being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I currently express my gratitude and devotion to God?**
* **How does the concept of _shalom_ (wholeness, well-being, right relationship) influence my understanding of peace with God and others?**
* **What "spiritual sacrifices" (e.g., praise, service, obedience) can I offer to the LORD today as an expression of my fellowship with Him?**
* **Do I view my relationship with God primarily as a duty, or as a joyful communion to be celebrated?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the peace offering in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the peace offering (Hebrew: _zevach shelem_) was to express and celebrate a state of _shalom_, or peace and wholeness, between the offerer and God. Unlike the sin or trespass offerings which dealt with atonement for specific transgressions, or the burnt offering which was entirely consumed as a general act of devotion, the peace offering was typically voluntary and emphasized communion. It could be offered as an act of thanksgiving for blessings received (as detailed in [Leviticus 7:12](/leviticus/7-12 "Leviticus 7:12 - Thanksgiving Peace Offering")), to fulfill a vow (as described in [Leviticus 7:16](/leviticus/7-16 "Leviticus 7:16 - Vow Peace Offering")), or as a freewill offering (also in [Leviticus 7:16](/leviticus/7-16 "Leviticus 7:16 - Freewill Peace Offering")). A unique feature was that portions of the offering were consumed by the offerer, their family, and the priests, symbolizing a communal meal shared in God's presence, signifying peace and fellowship.

**How does the peace offering relate to the broader concept of "peace" in the Bible?**

Answer: The peace offering is deeply rooted in the Hebrew concept of _shalom_, which is far more comprehensive than merely the absence of conflict. _Shalom_ signifies completeness, harmony, prosperity, well-being, and right relationship in all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, and relational. The peace offering was a tangible ritual that allowed the Israelite to experience and express this holistic peace with God. It was a celebration of the covenant relationship, where God's presence brought about a state of well-being. This Old Testament concept of _shalom_ ultimately finds its fullest expression in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ is our Peace")) and through whom we have peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through Jesus")). He not only reconciles us to God but also enables us to live in the fullness of God's _shalom_ in every dimension of our existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The peace offering, with its emphasis on communion, thanksgiving, and the establishment of _shalom_ between God and humanity, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament sacrifices provided a temporary covering for sin and a means for fellowship, they were but shadows pointing to the reality to come ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law is a shadow of good things to come")). Jesus is our true and final "peace offering," for through His singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, He reconciled us to God, making peace through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation through Christ's blood")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), not only providing atonement but also opening the way for intimate, unbroken fellowship with the Father. Through Christ, we are invited into a permanent state of peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through Jesus")), no longer needing animal sacrifices but offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifice of praise and good works")) as a response to His finished work. He embodies the fullness of _shalom_, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the throne of grace with confidence")) and to live in the abundance of His presence, a communion far surpassing that symbolized by the ancient peace offering.

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 3:1

¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish 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.

Ezekiel 45:15

And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord GOD.

Leviticus 22:18

Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever [he be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering;

Leviticus 22:21

And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.