Leviticus 7:13

KJV

Besides the cakes, he shall offer [for] his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

Besides the cakes {H2471}, he shall offer {H7126} for his offering {H7133} leavened {H2557} bread {H3899} with the sacrifice {H2077} of thanksgiving {H8426} of his peace offerings {H8002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With cakes of leavened bread he is to present his offering together with the sacrifice of his peace offerings for giving thanks.

Berean Standard Bible

Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread.

American Standard Version

With cakes of leavened bread he shall offer his oblation with the sacrifice of his peace-offerings for thanksgiving.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:13 details a unique provision for the peace offering when presented as a sacrifice of thanksgiving: the inclusion of leavened bread. This seemingly anomalous instruction, given that leaven typically symbolized corruption and was forbidden in most other offerings, underscores the distinctive nature of the _zevach todah_ as a communal meal of joyful celebration and fellowship with God. It highlights the worshiper's profound gratitude for divine favor, acknowledging their inherent human imperfection even as they draw near to the Holy One, thereby revealing the Mosaic Law's intricate distinctions designed to express various dimensions of humanity's relationship with the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7 continues the detailed exposition of the sacrificial system initiated in chapters 1-6, specifically focusing on the regulations for the peace offering (_zevach shlamim_) in verses 11-36. Within this broader category, verses 12-15 delineate the specific requirements for the "sacrifice of thanksgiving" (_zevach todah_). Verse 13 directly builds upon the preceding verse, [Leviticus 7:12](/leviticus/7-12 "Leviticus 7:12 - Offerings for Thanksgiving"), which mandates the offering of unleavened cakes, wafers, and fried cakes. The instruction in verse 13 to offer "leavened bread" is presented as an *addition* to these unleavened elements, not a substitute, thereby emphasizing its singular and distinct role within this particular expression of gratitude. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Consumption of Thanksgiving Offering")) further elaborate on the consumption of the meat, requiring it to be eaten on the day of the offering, which reinforces the communal, celebratory, and immediate nature of this sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, sacrifices were foundational to religious life, serving as primary means of worship, atonement, and covenant maintenance with Yahweh. The peace offering stood apart due to its significant communal aspect; a substantial portion of the offering was returned to the offerer and priests to be consumed in a shared meal. This was particularly true for the thanksgiving offering, which was typically brought in response to a specific act of divine deliverance, a fulfilled vow, or a profound blessing, often following a period of distress or petition. The general prohibition of leaven in most grain offerings, as stipulated in [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Leaven in Grain Offerings") and exemplified by the unleavened bread of Passover ([Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Removing Leaven for Passover")), stemmed from its association with fermentation, decay, and sin, or with the haste of the Exodus. However, the deliberate inclusion of leavened bread in the thanksgiving offering constituted a striking exception. This leavened bread was not burned on the altar but was consumed by the participants, signifying its role as part of the celebratory meal rather than an atoning element. This practice likely reflected the common, everyday bread of the people, allowing for a more complete and joyful expression of gratitude in fellowship with God and the community.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:13 contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Distinction and Specificity in Worship**. The intricate details for each offering underscore that God is precise in His demands for worship, yet also nuanced in His provisions, allowing for different expressions of relationship. Secondly, it emphasizes **Communion and Fellowship with God**. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, the peace offering, and especially the thanksgiving offering, culminates in a shared meal, symbolizing a restored or celebrated relationship between God, the priests, and the worshiper. This theme is central to understanding the purpose of the peace offering (cf. [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering")). Thirdly, the unique allowance of leaven in this context introduces the theme of **Divine Acceptance of Imperfection in Gratitude**. While leaven often symbolizes sin (as seen in [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Leaven")), its presence here suggests that heartfelt thanksgiving, even from imperfect human beings, is welcomed by God in a communal setting. This contrasts with the strict purity required for atonement, pointing to a different facet of the divine-human encounter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Leavened (Hebrew, _châmêts'_):** From the root חָמֵץ, this term refers to something fermented or sour, specifically bread made with yeast that has risen. Its inclusion in this verse is highly significant because, in numerous other sacrificial contexts, particularly grain offerings ([Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Leaven")) and the Passover ritual ([Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Removing Leaven for Passover")), leaven was strictly forbidden, often symbolizing sin, corruption, or impurity. Its presence here, however, points to a different symbolic meaning: perhaps representing the ordinary, everyday nature of life, or even the inherent imperfection of the worshiper, brought into the presence of God not for atonement, but for joyful communion and gratitude. It was consumed by the participants, not offered on the altar.
* **Thanksgiving (Hebrew, _tôwdâh'_):** From the root יָדָה, this word properly signifies an "extension of the hand," implying avowal or adoration. It denotes "thanksgiving," "praise," or "confession." In this context, it specifically refers to a spontaneous outpouring of praise and acknowledgment for God's goodness, often in response to a specific act of deliverance, healing, or provision. The _zevach todah_ (sacrifice of thanksgiving) was distinct from other peace offerings (vow offerings or freewill offerings) due to its unique regulations, such as the requirement to consume the meat on the same day, emphasizing the urgency and immediacy of expressing gratitude.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** From the root שָׁלַם, this term properly means "requital," and by implication, a "voluntary sacrifice in thanks." It is closely related to _shalom_ (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," or "well-being." These offerings were characterized by communion, fellowship, and reconciliation between God and the worshiper. They were not primarily for atonement of sin but for expressing devotion, fulfilling vows, or, as in this case, celebrating God's goodness and enjoying fellowship with Him. The communal meal aspect of the _shelamim_ underscores this theme of shared peace and communion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Besides the cakes,"**: This opening phrase directly links to [Leviticus 7:12](/leviticus/7-12 "Leviticus 7:12 - Thanksgiving Offering Details"), which stipulates that the thanksgiving offering must include unleavened cakes, unleavened wafers, and cakes of fine flour fried. The word "besides" (Hebrew, `ʿal`) indicates that the leavened bread is an additional component, offered *in addition to* these already specified unleavened items, highlighting its distinct and supplementary nature within the offering.
* **"he shall offer [for] his offering leavened bread"**: This is the core instruction of the verse, mandating the inclusion of leavened bread. The verb "offer" (Hebrew, `qârab`) implies bringing something near to God or presenting it. In this specific context, while the bread is "offered," it is not consumed by fire on the altar like other parts of the sacrifice but is designated for consumption by the participants, signifying its role in the communal meal rather than as an atoning burnt offering.
* **"with the sacrifice of thanksgiving"**: This clause explicitly identifies the particular type of peace offering for which the leavened bread is permitted. It clarifies that this unique allowance is tied directly to the _zevach todah_, an offering brought specifically as an expression of profound gratitude and praise, distinguishing it from other categories of peace offerings such as vow offerings or freewill offerings.
* **"of his peace offerings."**: This final phrase reiterates the overarching category of the sacrifice, reinforcing that the thanksgiving offering, with its unique leavened bread component, is a specific manifestation of the broader peace offering. This emphasizes its inherent communal and fellowship-oriented nature, underscoring that the act of thanksgiving is deeply intertwined with the theme of peace and wholeness with God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:13 employs several literary devices to convey its profound and unique significance. The most striking is **Contrast** or **Juxtaposition**. By explicitly permitting leavened bread in this specific offering, the text creates a stark contrast with the repeated and emphatic prohibition of leaven in other offerings, particularly the grain offerings ([Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Leaven")) and the Passover ritual ([Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Removing Leaven for Passover")). This deliberate contrast serves to highlight the distinct purpose and nature of the thanksgiving offering, shifting the symbolic focus from ritual purity for atonement to joyful communion and celebratory fellowship. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play; while leaven typically symbolizes sin, its inclusion here, consumed by the worshipers, suggests a different layer of meaning—perhaps representing the ordinary, unpurified elements of daily life, or even the inherent imperfection of the worshiper, which is nonetheless acceptable and welcomed in the context of heartfelt gratitude and intimate fellowship with God. The very act of "offering" and "eating" the bread carries significant **Ritual Significance**, emphasizing the participatory and communal aspects of this particular sacrifice, distinguishing it from offerings solely consumed by fire on the altar and underscoring the joyous, shared meal component.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:13 offers a profound theological insight: worship is not exclusively about atonement for sin or strict adherence to purity laws, but also, and significantly, about expressing profound gratitude and enjoying intimate fellowship with God. The allowance of leavened bread in the thanksgiving offering, a stark departure from its general prohibition, suggests that while God demands holiness and purity, He also graciously welcomes His people in their everyday reality, even with their inherent imperfections, when they approach Him with sincere hearts of praise and thanksgiving. This offering was fundamentally a communal meal, signifying peace, shared joy, and reconciliation between God, the priests, and the offerer. It underscores that true worship encompasses both reverent awe before God's holiness and intimate communion with His presence. This verse teaches us that our thanksgiving is a vital, indeed indispensable, component of our relationship with the Divine, an act that brings us into deeper and more personal fellowship.

* [Psalm 107:22](/psalm/107-22 "Psalm 107:22 - Offering Sacrifices of Thanksgiving")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Prayer with Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:13 serves as a powerful invitation to consider the depth and breadth of our own expressions of gratitude to God. Just as the ancient Israelite brought a tangible offering, including the everyday leavened bread, we are called to offer our whole selves—our joys, our struggles, our successes, and even our imperfections—as a "sacrifice of thanksgiving." This verse profoundly reminds us that genuine gratitude is not reserved for moments of pristine spiritual perfection but can be offered authentically in the midst of our ordinary, often messy, lives, acknowledging God's constant provision, unwavering faithfulness, and boundless grace. It challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of faith—where we only approach God for what we need—to embrace a deeply relational one, where fellowship and communion with God are celebrated through spontaneous, heartfelt acts of praise. Our worship, therefore, should be a holistic and continuous response to God's goodness, recognizing that even our flawed and imperfect expressions of thanks are acceptable when offered with a sincere and grateful heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a more consistent and holistic attitude of thanksgiving in my daily life, recognizing God's presence even in the ordinary?**
* **How does the allowance of leavened bread in this offering challenge or deepen my understanding of God's acceptance of me, imperfections included, in worship and fellowship?**
* **What are tangible "sacrifices of thanksgiving"—beyond mere words—that I can offer to God today, reflecting genuine gratitude for His specific blessings?**
* **How can I foster a greater sense of communal fellowship and shared gratitude within my faith community, reflecting the spirit of the peace offering and its celebratory meal?**

### FAQ
**Why is leavened bread allowed in the thanksgiving offering when it's forbidden in many other sacrifices?**

Answer: The allowance of leavened bread in the thanksgiving offering ([Leviticus 7:13](/leviticus/7-13 "Leviticus 7:13 - Leavened Bread in Thanksgiving Offering")) is a significant and deliberate exception to the general prohibition found in passages like [Leviticus 2:11](/leviticus/2-11 "Leviticus 2:11 - Prohibition of Leaven in Grain Offerings") and during the Passover ([Exodus 12:15](/exodus/12-15 "Exodus 12:15 - Removing Leaven for Passover")), where leaven often symbolized corruption, sin, or the haste of the Exodus. This distinction highlights the unique nature of the thanksgiving offering. Unlike sin offerings or burnt offerings, which focused on atonement or complete dedication, the thanksgiving offering was a communal meal of celebration and fellowship. The leavened bread was not placed on the altar to be consumed by fire, but rather eaten by the priests and the offerer. Its inclusion likely symbolized the ordinary, everyday bread of the people, signifying that even in their common, imperfect state, they could approach God with profound gratitude and enjoy intimate fellowship with Him. It emphasized the joy and normalcy of a celebratory meal rather than the strict purity required for atoning sacrifices.

**What is the deeper significance of the "sacrifice of thanksgiving"?**

Answer: The "sacrifice of thanksgiving" (_zevach todah_) was a specific type of peace offering brought to express deep gratitude for God's blessings, deliverance, or fulfilled vows. Its profound significance lies in its emphasis on spontaneous praise and acknowledgment of God's goodness, often in direct response to a specific act of divine intervention (e.g., deliverance from danger, healing from sickness, or safe return from a journey). Unlike other offerings that might be prompted by sin or a general desire for fellowship, the _todah_ was a direct, joyful, and often public response to God's faithfulness. The requirement to eat the meat of this offering on the same day ([Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Consumption of Thanksgiving Offering")) underscored the urgency and immediacy of expressing gratitude, preventing any delay that might diminish the freshness or sincerity of the praise. It served as a powerful reminder that worship involves not only seeking God's favor but also celebrating His active presence and abundant provision in one's life.

**How does this Old Testament practice relate to Christian worship today?**

Answer: While Christians no longer offer animal sacrifices, the profound principles behind the thanksgiving offering remain highly relevant and find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christian worship. The emphasis on gratitude, fellowship, and communal celebration in [Leviticus 7:13](/leviticus/7-13 "Leviticus 7:13 - Leavened Bread in Thanksgiving Offering") is echoed in the New Testament. Believers are called to offer "sacrifices of praise" to God continually ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")) and to approach Him with thanksgiving in all their prayers and supplications ([Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Prayer with Thanksgiving")). The communal meal aspect of the Old Testament _todah_ is beautifully echoed and transformed in the Lord's Supper (Communion), where believers gather to remember Christ's perfect sacrifice and experience profound fellowship with Him and with one another. The allowance of leavened bread, symbolizing God's acceptance of imperfection in the context of heartfelt gratitude, reminds us that God graciously welcomes us as we are, through Christ, when we come with sincere hearts of thanks, not relying on our own perfection but solely on His redeeming grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:13, with its unique allowance of leavened bread in the thanksgiving offering, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. While leaven often symbolized sin and corruption in the Old Testament, its presence here, consumed in a communal meal of gratitude, powerfully foreshadows how God, in Christ, embraces humanity in its fallen and imperfect state, not for atonement through our own merit, but for intimate fellowship through His perfect and complete sacrifice. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "peace offering" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), whose body was broken as the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), making genuine and lasting communion with God eternally possible. Unlike the Old Testament offerings, which could only temporarily cover sin, Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross fully and eternally atoned for our "leaven" of sin, allowing us to approach God with boldness, confidence, and overflowing thanksgiving, not based on our own purity, but solely on His perfect righteousness and finished work ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The joyous, communal meal of the thanksgiving offering is beautifully and eternally fulfilled in the Lord's Supper, where believers partake of bread and wine, remembering Christ's body and blood, and celebrating their profound fellowship with Him and with one another—a perpetual "sacrifice of praise" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")) offered through Him, our Great High Priest. In Christ, our imperfect thanksgiving, offered from our ordinary, leavened lives, is made perfectly acceptable and pleasing to God.

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

Amos 4:5

And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim [and] publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Leviticus 23:17

Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; [they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Matthew 13:33

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.