Leviticus 7:15

KJV

And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the flesh {H1320} of the sacrifice {H2077} of his peace offerings {H8002} for thanksgiving {H8426} shall be eaten {H398} the same day {H3117} that it is offered {H7133}; he shall not leave {H3240} any of it until the morning {H1242}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for giving thanks is to be eaten on the day of his offering; he is not to leave any of it until morning.

Berean Standard Bible

The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning.

American Standard Version

And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace-offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten on the day of his oblation; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:15 provides a precise divine instruction for the consumption of the thanksgiving peace offering, mandating that its flesh be eaten on the very day it is offered, with none left until the morning. This command underscores the critical importance of immediacy in expressing gratitude to God, ensuring the ritual purity of the sacrifice, and fostering prompt, joyful communion within the covenant community. It highlights the perishable nature of blessings and the spiritual necessity of responding to divine favor without delay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:15 is situated within a detailed exposition of the various types of peace offerings, which begins in [Leviticus 7:11](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11 - Regulations for Peace Offerings"). Chapters 6 and 7 of Leviticus provide a comprehensive set of instructions for the priests regarding their portions from the sacrifices and specific regulations for each offering type (burnt, grain, sin, guilt, and peace offerings). Within this section, [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Specific Peace Offering Rules") specifically delineates the rules for peace offerings, distinguishing between those offered for thanksgiving, a vow, or as a freewill offering. The unique and strict time limit of "the same day" for the thanksgiving offering (verse 15) stands in marked contrast to the allowance for vow and freewill offerings to be eaten over two days, as specified in [Leviticus 7:16](/leviticus/7-16 "Leviticus 7:16 - Rules for Vow and Freewill Offerings"). This distinction emphasizes the particular nature and urgency associated with an offering given out of immediate gratitude.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern cultures, sacrificial meals were central to worship and communal life, often symbolizing fellowship and reconciliation between the deity and the worshippers. The peace offering, or *shelamim*, was unique in that a portion was given to God (burned on the altar), a portion to the priests, and the remainder was eaten by the worshipper and their household in a sacred meal. Given the warm climate of the ancient Near East, meat would spoil rapidly if not consumed promptly. The command to eat the thanksgiving offering "the same day" was a practical measure to prevent spoilage, which would render the meat ritually impure and an "abomination" (*pigul*), as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - The Abomination of Leftover Meat"). Beyond practical hygiene, this stricture also carried profound spiritual significance, reinforcing the concept of ritual purity essential for maintaining a right relationship with a holy God. The immediacy of consumption for the thanksgiving offering underscored the spontaneous and heartfelt nature of gratitude, which, like fresh meat, was meant to be enjoyed and expressed without delay.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offerings (שְׁלָמִים, _shelamim_):** Derived from the Hebrew root *shalom*, meaning "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," or "well-being." These offerings were not for atonement of sin (like the sin or guilt offerings) but were associated with fellowship, communion, and reconciliation. They celebrated a state of peace and right relationship with God, often offered in fulfillment of a vow, as a freewill offering, or, as in this verse, as an expression of thanksgiving for blessings received. The communal meal aspect was central, symbolizing shared life and well-being in God's presence.
* **Thanksgiving (תּוֹדָה, _todah_):** This term signifies praise, confession, and gratitude, often expressed publicly. A *todah* offering was typically made in response to a specific act of divine deliverance, healing, or blessing. It was an offering of joyful acknowledgment and praise for God's faithfulness and goodness, often accompanied by songs of thanksgiving. The combination of *shelamim* and *todah* emphasizes an offering of peace and communion that flows directly from a heart overflowing with specific, grateful praise.
* **Same Day (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, _bayyom hahu_):** This phrase emphasizes absolute immediacy. It means "on that very day," leaving no room for delay. For the thanksgiving offering, this strict temporal constraint highlights the perishable nature of the meat, but more importantly, the spiritual principle that gratitude, like a fresh blessing, should be acknowledged and expressed without procrastination. Delaying its consumption (or expression) would lead to its ritual defilement, rendering it unacceptable and an abomination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving":** This clause precisely identifies the specific type of offering under discussion. It is not just any peace offering, but one specifically designated as a "thanksgiving" offering (*todah*), implying a particular context of gratitude for a blessing received. The "flesh" refers to the edible portions of the animal sacrifice that were not consumed on the altar or given to the priests.
* **"shall be eaten the same day that it is offered":** This is the core command of the verse, imposing a strict time limit on the consumption of the meat. The immediacy required underscores the urgency of expressing gratitude. It implies that the act of thanksgiving should be fresh, active, and fully engaged with the present blessing, not deferred or forgotten. This immediate consumption also ensured the meat remained ritually pure in the warm climate.
* **"he shall not leave any of it until the morning":** This is a prohibitive clause that reinforces the preceding command. It explicitly forbids any delay in consumption beyond the day of the offering. To leave the meat until the next morning would render it *pigul* (an abomination, as seen in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - The Abomination of Leftover Meat")), making it ritually unclean and nullifying the entire act of worship. This prohibition emphasizes the sanctity of the offering and the seriousness of adhering to God's precise instructions for worship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:15 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Legal Prescription**, as the verse is a direct, imperative command from God, characteristic of the legal codes found throughout the Pentateuch. This directness emphasizes the divine authority behind the instruction and the non-negotiable nature of its observance. There is also clear **Symbolism** embedded in the command: the perishable nature of the meat symbolizes the perishable nature of blessings and the need for immediate gratitude. Just as meat spoils, so too can the freshness of thanks diminish or be forgotten if not expressed promptly. The act of eating the sacrifice itself is **Symbolic** of communion and fellowship, both with God and within the community. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** implicitly by setting a stricter time limit for the thanksgiving offering compared to other peace offerings (as seen in [Leviticus 7:16](/leviticus/7-16 "Leviticus 7:16 - Rules for Vow and Freewill Offerings")), thereby highlighting the unique urgency and significance of gratitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:15 profoundly illustrates the divine expectation for immediate and heartfelt gratitude within the covenant relationship. The command to consume the thanksgiving offering on the same day it was offered underscores that God desires not merely the ritual act, but the prompt and sincere response of a grateful heart. This immediacy prevents the "spoilage" of gratitude through procrastination or forgetfulness, ensuring that worship remains fresh, vibrant, and pure. It teaches that blessings are to be received and celebrated fully in the present moment, fostering a continuous posture of acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness. The communal meal aspect of the peace offering further emphasizes that thanksgiving is often a shared experience, strengthening bonds within the community and with God.

* [Psalm 107:22](/psalms/107-22 "Psalm 107:22 - Offer Sacrifices of Thanksgiving")
* [Psalm 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Psalm 50:14 - Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - A Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant has been fulfilled in Christ, the timeless principles embedded in Leviticus 7:15 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to cultivate a spiritual posture of immediate and proactive gratitude. Just as the Israelites were to consume their thanksgiving offering without delay, we are encouraged to acknowledge and express our thanks to God for His blessings as soon as they are received, rather than allowing them to "spoil" through neglect, forgetfulness, or a sense of entitlement. This immediate response fosters a deeper awareness of God's constant provision and faithfulness in our lives. It reminds us to live fully in the present moment, appreciating the grace that is new every morning, and to share our joy and gratitude with others, building up the body of Christ. Delaying gratitude can lead to a hardening of the heart, diminishing our joy and hindering our communion with the Giver of all good things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life has God recently shown His goodness, prompting immediate thanksgiving?**
* **How might delaying gratitude impact your spiritual walk and your relationship with God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more immediate and consistent posture of thanksgiving in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was the time limit for the thanksgiving offering stricter than other peace offerings?**

Answer: The stricter time limit for the thanksgiving offering, compared to vow or freewill offerings (which could be eaten over two days, as seen in [Leviticus 7:16](/leviticus/7-16 "Leviticus 7:16 - Rules for Vow and Freewill Offerings")), underscores the unique nature of *todah* (thanksgiving). A thanksgiving offering was typically a spontaneous, joyful response to a specific, recent blessing or deliverance. The immediacy of its consumption reflected the urgency and freshness of the gratitude it represented. Spiritually, it suggests that gratitude, like a perishable gift, is best expressed and enjoyed immediately, before its freshness fades. Practically, it also ensured ritual purity, as any meat left beyond the prescribed time would become *pigul* (an abomination, according to [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - The Abomination of Leftover Meat")), rendering the offering defiled and unacceptable to God.

**What does "leave any of it until the morning" imply beyond spoilage?**

Answer: While preventing literal spoilage was a practical concern given the climate, the prohibition against leaving any of the thanksgiving offering until the morning carried profound spiritual implications beyond mere hygiene. To leave the meat would signify a disregard for the sacredness of the offering and the divine command, leading to ritual impurity. It would render the sacrifice *pigul*—an "abomination" or "detestable thing" ([Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - The Abomination of Leftover Meat")). This state of *pigul* meant the offering was no longer acceptable to God, and anyone who ate it would bear their iniquity. Thus, "not leaving any until the morning" emphasized the integrity, sincerity, and completeness of the worshipper's gratitude and obedience. It spoke to the importance of fully engaging with the act of worship and communion, leaving no room for half-heartedness or neglect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:15, with its emphasis on immediate and pure thanksgiving, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offerings, including those for thanksgiving, foreshadowed Christ, who is our ultimate "peace offering," reconciling humanity to God through His sacrificial death on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). His sacrifice was not a temporary, perishable offering, but a singular, perfect, and eternal act, offered "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). Our "eating" of this sacrifice is now spiritual, as we "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood" through faith, signifying our complete union and communion with Him ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53 "John 6:53-56 - Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of Jesus")). The immediacy demanded in Leviticus 7:15 for the physical offering now translates into the urgency of responding to the Gospel and living in continuous, heartfelt gratitude for Christ's finished work. We are called to offer a "sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - A Sacrifice of Praise Through Jesus")), a spiritual offering that is always fresh and never "spoils" because it is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Just as the ancient worshipper was to fully consume the blessing, we are to fully embrace and live out the implications of Christ's perfect peace and salvation, living in constant, immediate thanksgiving for 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")).

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 22:29

And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer [it] at your own will.

Leviticus 22:30

On the same day it shall be eaten up; ye shall leave none of it until the morrow: I [am] the LORD.