Leviticus 7:12

KJV

If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.

KJV (with Strong's)

If he offer {H7126} it for a thanksgiving {H8426}, then he shall offer {H7126} with the sacrifice {H2077} of thanksgiving {H8426} unleavened {H4682} cakes {H2471} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, and unleavened {H4682} wafers {H7550} anointed {H4886} with oil {H8081}, and cakes {H2471} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, of fine flour {H5560}, fried {H7246}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a person offers it for giving thanks, he is to offer it with the thanksgiving sacrifice of unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, matzah spread with olive oil, and cakes made of fine flour mixed with olive oil and fried.

Berean Standard Bible

If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil.

American Standard Version

If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour soaked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:12 meticulously outlines the specific components required for a peace offering presented as a "sacrifice of thanksgiving" (*todah*). This particular instruction mandates the inclusion of various types of unleavened bread—cakes mingled with oil, wafers anointed with oil, and fried cakes of fine flour—to accompany the animal sacrifice. These precise regulations underscore the divine expectation for intentionality, purity, generosity, and joyful communion in expressing profound gratitude to God within the Old Testament sacrificial system, symbolizing a worshiper's heartfelt acknowledgment of divine blessing and deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:12 is situated within a detailed exposition of the peace offering (*zevach shelamim*) found in [Leviticus 7:11-38](/leviticus/7-11-38 "Leviticus 7:11-38 - Regulations for the Peace Offering"), which expands upon the foundational instructions given in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"). While [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering") provides the general framework for the peace offering, chapter 7 differentiates between its three primary types: the thanksgiving offering (*todah*), the votive offering (*neder*), and the freewill offering (*nedavah*). Verse 12 specifically addresses the *todah* offering, which is unique among the peace offerings for its mandatory inclusion of various bread offerings in addition to the animal sacrifice. The subsequent verses, [Leviticus 7:13-15](/leviticus/7-13-15 "Leviticus 7:13-15 - Consumption of the Thanksgiving Offering"), further delineate the strict time limits for consuming the meat of the thanksgiving offering (it had to be eaten on the same day), emphasizing its immediate, celebratory, and communal nature, distinct from other peace offerings which could be consumed over two days. This meticulous detailing highlights the divine insistence on offering to God precisely as He commanded, ensuring the purity and proper intent of the worshiper's communion with the divine.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sacrificial system, as codified in the Pentateuch, formed the bedrock of ancient Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, serving as the primary means of worship, atonement, and communion. The peace offering was distinct from sin or burnt offerings in that a significant portion of the sacrifice was shared by the offerer, the priests, and sometimes the community, symbolizing fellowship and restored relationship with God. The "sacrifice of thanksgiving" (*todah*) was typically brought by an individual or community as a specific, public expression of profound gratitude for God's deliverance from distress (e.g., sickness, danger, or a perilous journey), healing, or any significant, specific blessing. The inclusion of unleavened bread (*matzah*) in this offering, deeply reminiscent of the bread eaten during the [Passover exodus](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Passover and Unleavened Bread"), signified purity, haste, and a remembrance of God's swift and pure acts of salvation. The use of oil (*shemen*) in the cakes and wafers further consecrated the offering, symbolizing the anointing presence of God and the sanctification of the worshiper's gift. This elaborate ritual ensured that thanksgiving was not a casual act but a deliberate, structured, and often costly expression of praise and covenant faithfulness, demonstrating a heart truly devoted to God.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **holiness and purity**, emphasized by the requirement for "unleavened" bread, which symbolizes freedom from corruption and sincerity in worship. This aligns with the repeated call for Israel to "be holy, for I am holy" found throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus"). The verse also highlights the theme of **gratitude and worship**, showcasing that true thanksgiving is not merely an internal feeling but a tangible, costly act of devotion. This connects to the broader biblical theme of acknowledging God's sovereignty and beneficence, as seen in [Psalm 107](/psalms/107 "Psalm 107 - God's Enduring Love"). Furthermore, the inclusion of oil points to the theme of **divine presence and consecration**, indicating that the offering is set apart for God and infused with His Spirit. Finally, the peace offering, including the *todah*, underscores the theme of **communion and fellowship** with God, as the shared meal symbolized a restored and joyful relationship between the worshiper and Yahweh, a concept foundational to the covenant relationship described in [Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant Confirmed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thanksgiving (Hebrew, _tôwdâh'_):** From the root *yâdâh*, meaning "to throw" or "to cast," this noun (H8426) properly signifies an extension of the hand, leading to the implication of avowal, confession, or adoration. In the context of the *todah* offering, it denotes a formal, ritualized act of praise and grateful testimony, often involving a public declaration of God's faithfulness and mighty acts, particularly in response to deliverance or a specific blessing. It is much richer than a simple expression of gratitude, encompassing praise, confession, and active acknowledgment of God's goodness.
* **Unleavened (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to greedily devour for sweetness," this term (H4682) refers to bread made without yeast. Its profound significance in the Israelite sacrificial system primarily links to the [Passover event](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Narrative"), where the Israelites ate unleavened bread in their hasty departure from Egypt. Symbolically, *matstsâh* represents purity, sincerity, and the absence of corruption (leaven often symbolizing sin or pride in biblical thought). Its inclusion in the thanksgiving offering underscores the worshiper's desire to offer pure, uncorrupted gratitude, free from any spiritual "puffiness" or impurity.
* **Oil (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** From the root *shâman*, meaning "to be fat," this noun (H8081) refers to grease, especially liquid (typically olive oil), often perfumed. It held significant symbolic weight in ancient Israel, used for anointing priests and kings, for lighting the Tabernacle lampstand, and in various offerings. In this context, *shemen* signifies consecration, sanctification, and the divine presence or anointing of the Holy Spirit. Its mingling with the flour and anointing of the wafers imbues the offering with a sacred quality, setting it apart for God and symbolizing divine blessing and acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If he offer it for a thanksgiving":** This opening clause immediately establishes the specific nature and purpose of the peace offering being described. It is a *todah* offering, brought specifically as an expression of profound gratitude, often in response to a specific divine intervention or blessing. This distinguishes it from other peace offerings (votive or freewill) and highlights the worshiper's motivation: a heart overflowing with thanks for God's goodness and faithfulness.
* **"then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil":** This specifies the first required bread offering. "Unleavened cakes" (H4682, *matstsâh*, and H2471, *challâh*) denote purity and sincerity, while "mingled with oil" (H1101, *bâlal*, and H8081, *shemen*) indicates that the oil was thoroughly incorporated into the dough before baking. This signifies a deep consecration, with the divine presence permeating the very substance of the offering, making the act of gratitude sacred and acceptable.
* **"and unleavened wafers anointed with oil":** This introduces a second distinct type of bread. "Wafers" (H7550, *râqîyq*) were thin, flat breads, often crisp. Being "anointed with oil" (H4886, *mâshach*, and H8081, *shemen*) suggests the oil was applied to the surface after baking, symbolizing a distinct layer of sanctification or a special blessing upon the offering. This act sets the offering apart, emphasizing its dedication to God and the divine touch upon the worshiper's gratitude.
* **"and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried":** This describes a third, distinct type of bread offering. The "cakes" (H2471, *challâh*) were likely thicker, and the phrase "of fine flour" (H5560, *çôleth*) denotes the highest quality of flour, reflecting the worshiper's desire to give their very best to God. The term "fried" (H7246, *râbak*) indicates a specific preparation method, likely involving soaking in oil or frying in a pan, further enriching the offering and contributing to its value and deliciousness, a fitting component for a celebratory meal with God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, particularly in the repeated mention of "unleavened" (H4682, *matstsâh*) and "oil" (H8081, *shemen*). This serves to emphasize the critical importance of purity and divine consecration in the act of thanksgiving, drilling home the non-negotiable nature of these elements. **Symbolism** is paramount throughout the verse: "unleavened cakes" (H4682, *matstsâh*) symbolize purity, sincerity, and freedom from the corrupting influence of leaven (often associated with sin or pride); "oil" (H8081, *shemen*) symbolizes the Holy Spirit, anointing, and divine presence, indicating that the offering is set apart and infused with God's blessing. The meticulous detail in specifying the types of bread and their preparation methods (mingled, anointed, fried) creates a strong sense of **ritual precision**, highlighting the seriousness, intentionality, and reverence required in approaching a holy God. The very act of bringing these specific, carefully prepared items serves as a **metonymy** for the worshiper's heart of gratitude, where the physical elements stand in for the spiritual disposition and the profound thanks being offered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:12 profoundly illustrates that genuine thanksgiving to God is not merely an emotion but a deliberate, structured, and costly act of worship. It reveals God's desire for His people to express their gratitude concretely, recognizing His active hand in their lives and His specific acts of deliverance. The detailed requirements for the offering—unleavened bread for purity, oil for consecration, and various forms of cakes made from fine flour—underscore that our thanks should be offered with integrity, set apart for Him, and presented with our very best. This Old Testament instruction foreshadows the New Testament call to offer "sacrifices of praise" and to live lives of gratitude, understanding that all good and perfect gifts come from above. It also highlights the theme of fellowship, as the peace offering was designed to be a communal meal shared with God, symbolizing restored relationship and joyful communion, a foretaste of the intimate relationship believers now enjoy through Christ.

* [Psalm 107:22](/psalms/107-22 "Psalm 107:22 - Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the sacrifice of praise")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the profound principles embedded in Leviticus 7:12 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial expressions of thanks to cultivate a lifestyle of deep, intentional, and costly gratitude. It prompts us to consider what "unleavened cakes" and "anointed wafers" look like in our contemporary worship—are our expressions of thanks pure, free from hypocrisy,ence, and consecrated to God? Do we offer our "finest flour," meaning our best time, talents, and resources, as a tangible demonstration of our appreciation for God's blessings and deliverance? True thanksgiving involves not just saying "thank you," but living a life that reflects our profound indebtedness and joy in God's goodness. It calls us to remember God's faithfulness in our past and present, leading us to joyful and active expressions of praise that are both personal and communal, embodying a spirit of worship that honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life has God recently demonstrated His goodness or deliverance, prompting a "sacrifice of thanksgiving"?**
* **How can your expressions of gratitude to God be more intentional, costly, and pure, reflecting the principles of "unleavened cakes" and "oil" from this passage?**
* **Beyond words, what practical "offerings" (e.g., time, talent, resources, acts of service, a transformed life) can you present to God as a tangible expression of your thanksgiving?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between a peace offering and a thanksgiving offering?**

Answer: The peace offering (*zevach shelamim*) is a broader category of voluntary offerings made to God, symbolizing fellowship, communion, and well-being. It could be offered for various reasons: as a vow (*neder*), a freewill offering (*nedavah*), or specifically as a thanksgiving offering (*todah*). Therefore, the thanksgiving offering is a *type* or *subset* of the peace offering, distinguished by its specific purpose—to express profound gratitude for God's blessings or deliverance. Unlike other peace offerings, the *todah* uniquely required various bread offerings alongside the animal sacrifice, and both the meat and bread had to be consumed on the same day, emphasizing its immediate and celebratory nature.

**Why were unleavened cakes and oil so important in this offering?**

Answer: The unleavened cakes (*matstsâh*) were crucial due to their deep symbolic connection to purity and the haste of God's deliverance during the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Narrative"). Leaven often symbolized corruption, sin, or pride in biblical thought, so unleavened bread represented sincerity, integrity, and freedom from spiritual impurity in the act of worship. Oil (*shemen*) was equally significant, symbolizing consecration, sanctification, and the divine presence or anointing of the Holy Spirit. Its inclusion in the cakes and wafers imbued the offering with a sacred quality, signifying that the gift was set apart for God and blessed by His Spirit, making the act of thanksgiving spiritually profound, acceptable, and infused with divine favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:12, with its meticulous instructions for the thanksgiving offering, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The purity symbolized by the "unleavened cakes" points directly to Christ, the [Lamb of God without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Precious Blood"), who perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered Himself as the pure, sinless sacrifice for the sins of the world. The "oil," symbolizing consecration and the Holy Spirit, foreshadows Jesus, who was [anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure") and whose life and sacrifice were perfectly set apart for God's redemptive purposes. Furthermore, the thanksgiving offering's emphasis on fellowship and communion with God is fully realized in Christ, who, through His death on the cross, has [reconciled us to God](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ") and ushered in a new covenant of grace, making us partakers of His divine nature. Our truest "sacrifice of thanksgiving" now is not animal or grain, but a life offered in grateful worship to Him, a [sacrifice of praise](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the Sacrifice of Praise") that flows from hearts redeemed by His ultimate sacrifice. In Christ, we have eternal reason for thanksgiving, as He is the source of all blessing and the very embodiment of God's perfect provision, enabling us to [approach God with confidence and gratitude](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ") through Him.

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

Numbers 6:15

And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.

Leviticus 2:4

And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, [it shall be] unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

2 Corinthians 9:11

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Romans 1:21

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.