Leviticus 7:14

KJV

And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation [for] an heave offering unto the LORD, [and] it shall be the priest's that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of it he shall offer {H7126} one {H259} out of the whole oblation {H7133} for an heave offering {H8641} unto the LORD {H3068}, and it shall be the priest's {H3548} that sprinkleth {H2236} the blood {H1818} of the peace offerings {H8002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From each kind of offering he is to present one as a gift for ADONAI; it will belong to the cohen who splashes the blood of the peace offerings against the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

From the cakes he must present one portion of each offering as a contribution to the LORD. It belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering.

American Standard Version

And of it he shall offer one out of each oblation for a heave-offering unto Jehovah; it shall be the priest’s that sprinkleth the blood of the peace-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:14 delineates a precise regulation within the peace offering, specifically the thank offering, mandating that a designated portion of the accompanying bread be set aside as a "heave offering" for the priest who performs the crucial act of sprinkling the blood. This verse illuminates God's meticulous provision for the sustenance of the Levitical priesthood, underscoring their divine appointment and the indispensable nature of their mediatorial role in Israel's worship system, particularly in facilitating fellowship and reconciliation between the offerer and the Lord through the sacred ritual of blood atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:14 is situated within the comprehensive instructions for the peace offering (Leviticus 7:11-36), with a particular focus on the thank offering (Leviticus 7:12-15). Unlike other sacrifices, the peace offering uniquely culminated in a communal meal, symbolizing the restoration and enjoyment of fellowship between the worshipper, the priests, and God. The thank offering, a specific category of peace offering, was brought as an expression of profound gratitude for a special deliverance, blessing, or answered prayer. Alongside the animal sacrifice, the offerer was required to bring various types of bread: unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes of fine flour mixed with oil (Leviticus 7:12). Uniquely, leavened bread was also permitted for the thank offering (Leviticus 7:13), a rare exception in sacrificial law, likely because it was not consumed on the altar but by the participants. Verse 14 specifically addresses the disposition of a portion of this bread, designating it as a "heave offering" for the officiating priest, thereby ensuring his sustenance from the sacred offerings and acknowledging his vital role.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Leviticus were delivered to Moses at Mount Sinai, providing the foundational legal and ritual framework for the newly formed nation of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. These laws governed Israel's worship and daily life, all centered around the Tabernacle, which served as God's portable dwelling place among His people. The elaborate sacrificial system was the divinely ordained means for atonement, purification, and maintaining fellowship with God. The priesthood, exclusively drawn from the descendants of Aaron, was divinely appointed to mediate between God and the people, meticulously performing the intricate sacrificial rituals. The provision for the priests, as detailed in this verse, was critical; unlike other tribes, they received no tribal land inheritance but were sustained "by the offerings of the LORD made by fire," as seen in the broader context of priestly portions, such as those mentioned in [Leviticus 2:3 - Priestly Portion of Grain Offerings](/leviticus/2-3 "Leviticus 2:3 - Priestly Portion of Grain Offerings"). This arrangement ensured their full dedication to their sacred duties, emphasizing the centrality of their role in the spiritual well-being of the nation. The act of "sprinkling the blood" was a profoundly sacred and central ritual, signifying atonement and consecration, making the priest who performed it essential to the efficacy of the offering and thus justifying his special portion.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:14 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, ensuring the priests' sustenance so they could wholly devote themselves to their sacred duties without worldly distractions. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Mediation and Atonement**, emphasizing the indispensable role of the priest in bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. The act of "sprinkling the blood" is central to this, pointing to the life poured out for reconciliation, a concept profoundly articulated in [Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Order in Worship**, as every detail of the offering, including the distribution of its parts, is precisely prescribed by God. This meticulousness reflects God's demand for reverence and order in approaching His holy presence, a principle evident throughout the sacrificial laws described in [Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering") through [Leviticus 7 - The Peace Offering and Other Laws](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - The Peace Offering and Other Laws"). Finally, the communal aspect of the peace offering, from which this portion is taken, speaks to the theme of **Fellowship with God**, where the offering culminates in a shared meal, symbolizing restored communion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heave offering (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** This term (H8641) derives from a root meaning "to lift up" or "to raise." It denotes a specific type of offering that was ritually elevated or "heaved" before the Lord, symbolizing its presentation and dedication to Him, before being designated as a portion for the priests. Unlike the "wave offering," which involved a horizontal motion, the heave offering implied a vertical elevation. The _tᵉrûwmâh_ in this context signifies a divinely ordained contribution from the worshipper's offering, specifically set aside for the sustenance of the priestly class, emphasizing God's provision for those who serve Him and the sacred nature of their livelihood.
* **Oblation (Hebrew, _qorbân'_):** The Hebrew word (H7133) is a general term for any offering or sacrifice brought near to God. Its root, _qârab_ (H7126), means "to draw near" or "to present." Thus, a _qorbân_ is anything presented to God as an act of worship, dedication, or atonement. In Leviticus 7:14, "the whole oblation" refers to the entirety of the peace offering, encompassing both the animal sacrifice and the various accompanying bread offerings, from which a specific portion is then designated as the heave offering. This term highlights the fundamental act of drawing near to God through a presented gift, central to the Israelite sacrificial system.
* **Sprinkleth (Hebrew, _zâraq'_):** The verb (H2236) means "to sprinkle" or "to spatter." In the context of ancient Israelite sacrifices, the sprinkling of blood was a profoundly significant ritual act, far more than mere disposal. It was a sacred application of the blood, signifying atonement, purification, and consecration. The blood, representing life, was applied to the altar or other sacred objects to make the offering acceptable and to purify the offerer. The priest's precise performance of this action was central to the efficacy of the sacrifice, underscoring his unique mediatorial function and the life-giving, cleansing power attributed to the blood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation":** "It" refers to the various kinds of bread (leavened and unleavened) that accompanied the peace offering, specifically the thank offering, as detailed in Leviticus 7:12-13. The offerer is commanded to take "one" portion—likely one loaf or cake from each type of bread he has brought—from the entire collection of bread offerings. This emphasizes that a specific, divinely designated portion of the worshipper's gift is to be separated and set apart.
* **"[for] an heave offering unto the LORD":** This separated portion is then presented to the Lord through the ritual action of "heaving" or lifting it up. While the offering is ritually presented "unto the LORD," its ultimate destination is for the priest, as the subsequent clause clarifies. This act signifies that the offering, though consumed by humans, is first consecrated to God and acknowledged as His due, reflecting the theological principle that all good gifts originate from Him and are returned to Him in worship.
* **"[and] it shall be the priest's that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings":** This clause explicitly identifies the recipient of the heave offering: the priest who performs the crucial and sacred act of sprinkling the blood of the peace offering. This establishes a direct and divinely ordained link between the priest's sacred duty—the atoning ritual that makes the offering efficacious—and his divine provision. The priest's sustenance is directly tied to his service in mediating between God and humanity through the blood ritual, underscoring the profound sacredness and importance of his unique role in Israelite worship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:14, like much of the Mosaic law, employs **Precision** and **Legal Language**, characterized by its meticulous detail and prescriptive instructions. Every element of the offering and its subsequent distribution is carefully delineated, underscoring the divine order and the profound seriousness with which worship was to be conducted. The verse also utilizes **Symbolism**: the "heave offering" itself symbolizes a portion consecrated and set apart for God's sacred use, representing His ownership and His provision for His servants. The act of "sprinkling the blood" is laden with profound **Symbolism**, representing the life poured out for atonement, purification, and the establishment of peace and reconciliation. Furthermore, the priest in this verse functions as a **Metonymy** for the entire Levitical priestly office, where the individual performing the specific ritual represents the divinely appointed class responsible for mediating between God and Israel. This detailed instruction ensures clarity and leaves no room for ambiguity in the execution of sacred duties, reflecting the divine demand for holy and ordered worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:14, though a specific detail within the intricate sacrificial system, unveils profound theological truths concerning divine provision, the nature of mediation, and the sanctity of worship. God's meticulous care for the sustenance of His priests underscores His unwavering commitment to those who dedicate their lives to His service, ensuring that the vital work of ministry can proceed unhindered. The priest's indispensable role in "sprinkling the blood" highlights the centrality of blood atonement in establishing peace and fellowship with God, a foundational principle that permeates the entire Old Testament sacrificial system. This ancient practice, with its emphasis on a mediator and a blood sacrifice, serves as a powerful foreshadowing, pointing forward to a greater reality—the ultimate mediator and the perfect sacrifice that would bring about a new and eternal covenant of peace and direct access to God.

* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")
* [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")
* [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:14 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of divine provision and the profound significance of mediation in our relationship with God. While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles it embodies remain eternally relevant for believers today. We are reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness in sustaining those who serve Him, prompting us to consider how we, as members of the new covenant, are called to support and honor those who minister the Word and shepherd the flock in our contemporary context. Furthermore, the priest's indispensable role in sprinkling the blood powerfully directs our gaze to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, whose single, perfect sacrifice has forever opened the way to God. This verse challenges us to live in the glorious reality of the peace and intimate fellowship secured by His shed blood, responding by offering our lives as living sacrifices of profound gratitude and worship. It also encourages us to appreciate the meticulousness of God's divine design, recognizing that true worship requires reverence, order, and a deep, humble understanding of His holy ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's provision for the Old Testament priests inform our understanding of supporting spiritual leaders and ministries today?**
* **In what ways does the priest's role in "sprinkling the blood" deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ's work as our High Priest and perfect sacrifice?**
* **How can the concept of offering a "heave offering" (a portion set apart for God) translate into practical acts of worship, generosity, and gratitude in your daily life?**
* **Considering the communal aspect of the peace offering, how does sharing in spiritual fellowship with other believers contribute to your experience of peace with God and with one another?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between a heave offering and a wave offering?**

Answer: Both the heave offering (_tᵉrûwmâh_) and the wave offering (_tᵉnûphâh_) were portions of sacrifices designated for the priests, but they differed in the specific ritual action performed. The "heave offering" involved lifting the offering up vertically, symbolizing its presentation to the Lord, from whom it was then given to the priests as His designated portion. The "wave offering" involved a horizontal waving motion, often performed by the priest with the offerer's hands underneath, symbolizing the offering being moved back and forth before the Lord, acknowledging His ownership and allowing Him to "take" it before it was given to the priests. While the specific actions differed, both rituals served to consecrate the priestly portion and acknowledge God as the ultimate provider and recipient of all offerings.

**Why was the priest given a portion of the offering?**

Answer: The priests were given portions of the offerings for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it served as their primary means of sustenance. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levitical priests were not allotted a portion of the land as an inheritance, as clearly stated in [Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance"). Instead, the Lord declared Himself to be their inheritance, meaning their livelihood came directly from the offerings brought by the people. This arrangement ensured that the priests could dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties in the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) without needing to engage in secular labor for their provision. It also underscored the people's responsibility to support those who ministered spiritually on their behalf, a principle echoed in the New Testament concerning those who preach the gospel, as seen in [1 Corinthians 9:14 - Ministers to Live from the Gospel](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Ministers to Live from the Gospel").

**How does this verse relate to New Testament worship?**

Answer: While the specific rituals of the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the peace offering and heave offering, have been fulfilled and are no longer practiced by New Testament believers, the underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant. Leviticus 7:14 highlights the importance of divine provision for ministry, the necessity of mediation for fellowship with God, and the centrality of sacrifice. In the New Testament, believers are called to support those who minister the gospel, reflecting the principle of providing for spiritual leaders, as articulated in [Galatians 6:6 - Sharing Good Things with Teachers](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Sharing Good Things with Teachers"). More profoundly, the need for a priest to sprinkle blood for peace points directly to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate and perfect High Priest, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest"), and whose blood, shed once for all, provides eternal peace and direct access to God, as explained in [Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). Thus, New Testament worship is centered on Christ's finished work, allowing believers to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" of praise and thanksgiving, as exhorted in [Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:14, with its focus on the priest's portion from the peace offering and his indispensable role in sprinkling the blood, profoundly foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priest, receiving the "heave offering" for his sustenance, points to Christ, our Great High Priest, as described in [Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who not only mediates for us but is also the ultimate source of all spiritual nourishment and life for His people. More significantly, the priest's crucial act of "sprinkling the blood of the peace offerings" finds its perfect and eternal fulfillment in Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross. The blood of animals could only temporarily cover sin and restore ceremonial peace; it could not fundamentally transform the human heart or provide eternal reconciliation. However, Jesus, by shedding His own precious blood, offered a "once for all" sacrifice, as declared in [Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once for All Sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once for All Sacrifice"), that truly takes away sin and establishes an everlasting covenant of peace, as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). Through His atoning work, we now have direct, confident access to God, not through a human priest or animal sacrifice, but solely by the blood of the Lamb of God, as triumphantly proclaimed in [Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood"). The profound fellowship and communion symbolized by the peace offering's communal meal are fully realized in our spiritual union with Christ, who is our true peace and the very substance of our communion with the Father and with His Son, as confirmed in [1 John 1:3 - Our Fellowship is with the Father and with His Son](/1_john/1-3 "1 John 1:3 - Our Fellowship is with the Father and with His Son").

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 18:19

All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

Exodus 29:27

And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, [even] of [that] which [is] for Aaron, and of [that] which is for his sons:

Exodus 29:28

And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it [is] an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, [even] their heave offering unto the LORD.

Numbers 31:41

And Moses gave the tribute, [which was] the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 31:29

Take [it] of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, [for] an heave offering of the LORD.

Numbers 18:24

But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Numbers 18:32

And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.