Leviticus 7:16

KJV

But if the sacrifice of his offering [be] a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:

KJV (with Strong's)

But if the sacrifice {H2077} of his offering {H7133} be a vow {H5088}, or a voluntary offering {H5071}, it shall be eaten {H398} the same day {H3117} that he offereth {H7126} his sacrifice {H2077}: and on the morrow {H4283} also the remainder {H3498} of it shall be eaten {H398}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But if the sacrifice connected with his offering is for a vow or is a voluntary offering, then, while it is to be eaten on the day he offers his sacrifice, what remains of it may be eaten the next day.

Berean Standard Bible

If, however, the sacrifice he offers is a vow or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day he presents his sacrifice, but the remainder may be eaten on the next day.

American Standard Version

But if the sacrifice of his oblation be a vow, or a freewill-offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offereth his sacrifice; and on the morrow that which remaineth of it shall be eaten:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:16 meticulously details the consumption period for peace offerings categorized as a vow or a voluntary offering. Unlike the thanksgiving offering, which mandated same-day consumption, these specific offerings permitted the worshipper and their household to partake of the meat on the day of the sacrifice and also on the following day. This precise distinction within the sacrificial laws underscored the varying intents behind different offerings, highlighting God's meticulous instructions for maintaining ritual purity and fostering communal fellowship around the sacred meal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:16 is situated within the comprehensive regulations concerning the various types of peace offerings, specifically detailed in [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11-21 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Regulations for Peace Offerings"). The broader context of [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Laws for Offerings") outlines the priestly portions and the precise rules for the offerer regarding the sin, trespass, and peace offerings. Within the overarching category of the peace offering, three distinct sub-types are identified: the thanksgiving offering (Todah), the vow offering (Neder), and the voluntary offering (Nedabah). [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Consumption of Thanksgiving Offering") explicitly mandates that the thanksgiving offering must be consumed entirely on the day it is offered, emphasizing immediate and fervent gratitude. Verse 16 then provides a contrasting, more lenient timeframe for vow and voluntary offerings, allowing consumption over two days. This careful differentiation underscores the divine precision in cultic law, reflecting the specific nature and intent of each offering and ensuring that the ritual practice aligns with the worshipper's motivation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The peace offering (Hebrew: *zevach shlamim*), extensively detailed in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), was unique among Israelite sacrifices as it typically culminated in a communal meal. After specific fat portions were burned to the Lord on the altar, and designated cuts were given to the priests, the remaining meat was returned to the offerer to be eaten by their household and invited guests. This meal symbolized fellowship, peace, and communion between God, the priests, and the worshipper. The strict time limits for consumption, as observed in [Leviticus 7:15-18](/leviticus/7-15-18 "Leviticus 7:15-18 - Consumption Rules for Peace Offerings"), were crucial for maintaining ritual purity and preventing spoilage in a hot climate without refrigeration. Any meat kept beyond the prescribed time became "abominable" or "defiled" (*pigul*) and had to be burned, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequence of Eating on the Third Day"). The two-day allowance for vow and voluntary offerings, compared to the one-day limit for thanksgiving offerings, might have accommodated larger gatherings or acknowledged the less urgent, more deliberative nature of a vow or a spontaneous gift, allowing more time for the community to partake in the celebratory meal.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes found throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Specificity in Worship**. God's meticulous instructions for each offering demonstrate His desire for worship to be intentional, ordered, and precise, reflecting His own holy character. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **Intentionality and Motivation in Offering**. The distinct rules for thanksgiving, vow, and voluntary offerings reveal that God differentiates between the various reasons for approaching Him, valuing the heart and purpose behind each act of devotion. Thirdly, the peace offering, by its very nature, emphasizes **Communion and Fellowship**—both with God and within the community. The shared meal aspect of these sacrifices fostered unity and celebrated the peace established through atonement. Finally, the strict regulations regarding consumption times reinforce the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, ensuring that sacred things are treated with reverence and preventing defilement, thereby upholding the sanctity of the covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** From H2077, this term refers to "a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)." In this context, it specifically denotes the animal offered in the peace offering, emphasizing the physical act of slaughter and the resulting meat that becomes the focus of the communal meal.
* **Vow (Hebrew, _neder'_):** From H5088, this word signifies "a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised." A *neder* was a solemn, binding commitment made by an individual to God, often conditional upon divine favor or in fulfillment of a specific request. It represents a deliberate and premeditated act of devotion, carrying significant weight and obligation within Israelite law (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - On Making and Fulfilling Vows")).
* **Voluntary Offering (Hebrew, _nᵉdâbâh'_):** From H5071, this term describes "spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift." Unlike a vow, a *nᵉdâbâh* is a freewill offering, given spontaneously and willingly, without any prior obligation or compulsion. It flows from a worshipper's unprompted desire to honor God, express love, or simply give out of generosity, highlighting uncoerced devotion and joyful giving.
* **Eaten (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, this primitive root means "to eat (literally or figuratively)." While seemingly straightforward, the repeated emphasis on "eating" the sacrifice underscores the communal and participatory nature of the peace offering. It was not merely a ritual performed by priests but a shared meal that brought the worshipper into tangible fellowship, both with God (through the shared sacred meal) and with their community. The act of eating transformed the sacrifice from a mere offering into a relational experience, allowing the offerer to partake in the sacred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if the sacrifice of his offering [be] a vow, or a voluntary offering":** This clause introduces the specific conditions under which the two-day consumption rule applies. It clearly distinguishes these offerings from the thanksgiving offering mentioned in the preceding verse, highlighting God's meticulous categorization of sacrifices based on the worshipper's intent and purpose. The "vow" implies a pre-meditated commitment, while the "voluntary offering" suggests a spontaneous act of devotion, both stemming from the worshipper's free will.
* **"it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice":** This establishes the initial consumption period, indicating that a significant portion of the meat was expected to be consumed immediately, emphasizing the freshness and sacredness of the offering. This aligns with the general principle of prompt consumption for all peace offerings, ensuring the meat is consumed while still ritually pure and fresh.
* **"and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten":** This crucial phrase grants an extension for vow and voluntary offerings, allowing any remaining meat to be consumed on the second day. This leniency, compared to the thanksgiving offering, might have facilitated broader participation in the celebratory meal, acknowledged the less urgent nature of these offerings, or simply provided practical flexibility for the offerer and their guests to ensure all the sacred meat was consumed appropriately.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:16 primarily employs **Legal Prescription** and **Contrast**. The verse functions as a clear, concise legal directive, laying down precise rules for the consumption of specific offerings. This **Prescription** is characteristic of the book of Leviticus, which serves largely as a manual for priestly and communal holiness, establishing the divine expectations for Israel's worship and daily life. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by implicitly comparing the consumption period of vow and voluntary offerings with that of the thanksgiving offering (explicitly stated in [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Consumption of Thanksgiving Offering")). This **Contrast** serves to highlight the nuanced distinctions within the broader category of peace offerings, emphasizing that while all were expressions of fellowship, the specific intent behind them (gratitude, commitment, or freewill) dictated subtle variations in their ritual requirements, particularly concerning the sacredness and timing of their consumption. The underlying principle of **Holiness** is also evident, as the strict time limits ensure the meat remains pure and acceptable, preventing desecration through spoilage and upholding the sanctity of the divine-human encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:16, by differentiating between types of peace offerings and their consumption periods, underscores profound theological truths: God's meticulous order, the importance of intentionality in worship, and the value of freewill devotion. The distinction between a spontaneous act of thanksgiving (requiring immediate consumption) and a deliberate vow or voluntary gift (allowing two days) reveals that God acknowledges and values the diverse motivations behind human offerings. It teaches that our worship should not be haphazard but thoughtful, reflecting genuine purpose and a heart aligned with divine will. The regulations also reinforce the sanctity of the offering and the importance of consuming it within its consecrated time, preventing its defilement and emphasizing reverence for what belongs to God. This communal meal aspect of the peace offering prefigures the fellowship believers share with God and one another, a fellowship marked by both spontaneous joy and steadfast commitment.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "On Making and Fulfilling Vows")
* [Psalm 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Psalm 50:14 - Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving")
* [Numbers 29:39](/numbers/29-39 "Numbers 29:39 - Offerings for Vows and Freewill Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are not directly binding on New Covenant believers, the principles embedded within Leviticus 7:16 offer timeless spiritual insights. This verse challenges us to consider the intentionality and motivation behind our spiritual "offerings" today. Are our acts of worship, service, giving, and commitment spontaneous expressions of heartfelt gratitude, or are they deliberate vows and voluntary commitments made out of a deeper, sustained devotion? God values both immediate, fervent praise and thoughtful, consistent obedience. The emphasis on consuming the sacrifice within a specific timeframe reminds us of the importance of diligence and promptness in our spiritual lives. We are called to live out our faith actively, not allowing our spiritual commitments to "spoil" through procrastination or neglect. Our "living sacrifice" (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")) should be continually fresh, vibrant, and actively engaged, reflecting a sustained and intentional walk with God. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart that is both passionately responsive and faithfully committed in our relationship with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the primary motivation behind my acts of worship and service to God today? Is it spontaneous gratitude, a fulfilled commitment, or something else?**
* **How does the concept of "timely consumption" apply to my spiritual disciplines and commitments? Am I allowing any spiritual "meat" to spoil through neglect or delay?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more intentional and freewill approach to my relationship with God, moving beyond mere obligation?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between a "vow" and a "voluntary offering" in this context?**

Answer: A "vow" (Hebrew: *neder*) is typically a conditional promise made to God, often in exchange for a specific blessing or deliverance, or as a solemn commitment to perform a certain action. It is a binding obligation that the individual freely undertakes. A "voluntary offering" (Hebrew: *nedabah*), on the other hand, is a freewill gift given spontaneously and without any prior obligation or condition. It flows from a heart of generosity and devotion, not from a promise made. Both are expressions of devotion but differ in their underlying motivation and binding nature, with the vow carrying a sense of prior commitment and the voluntary offering being an unprompted act of love.

**Why did God specify different consumption times for different peace offerings?**

Answer: The varying consumption times reflected the distinct nature and intent of each offering, as well as practical considerations. The thanksgiving offering ([Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Thanksgiving Offering Rules")) required immediate consumption, emphasizing fervent, immediate gratitude that should not be delayed. Vow and voluntary offerings, while still sacred, might have allowed for a more extended celebration or communal participation, perhaps because their underlying motivation (a deliberate vow or a spontaneous gift) was less about immediate urgency and more about sustained devotion or a broader celebratory fellowship. Additionally, all time limits served to maintain ritual purity and prevent spoilage in a warm climate, as any meat kept beyond the prescribed time became defiled and unacceptable ([Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequence of Eating on the Third Day")).

**What happened if the meat was not eaten within the prescribed time?**

Answer: If any meat from the peace offering, including vow or voluntary offerings, was kept and eaten on the third day, it became "abominable" (*pigul*) and would not be accepted by God. The person who ate it would bear their iniquity, meaning they would be held accountable for defiling a sacred offering, and the offering itself would not be credited to them as a pleasing sacrifice ([Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequence of Eating on the Third Day")). This strict rule underscored the sanctity of the offering and the importance of adhering to God's precise commands regarding holy things, preventing desecration and emphasizing the need for reverence and purity in all acts of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:16, with its detailed regulations for vow and voluntary peace offerings, points us to Christ in profound ways. The peace offering itself, symbolizing fellowship and communion, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ is Our Peace")). He is the perfect "voluntary offering," willingly laying down His life as a spotless sacrifice, not under compulsion or a conditional vow, but out of boundless love for His Father and for humanity ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")). His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament offerings, bringing true and lasting fellowship between God and humanity. Furthermore, the concept of "eating" the sacrifice and maintaining its purity points to our spiritual communion with Christ. Just as the Israelites partook of the peace offering, believers are called to "eat" the flesh and "drink" the blood of the Son of Man, spiritually partaking in His life and sacrifice through faith, which leads to eternal life ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood")). Unlike the perishable meat of the Old Covenant offerings, Christ's sacrifice provides spiritual nourishment that never spoils and brings an enduring, perfect fellowship that transcends time and ritual, available to all who believe in Him and His finished work ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). He is the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice is eternally fresh and efficacious, inviting us into perpetual communion.

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 19:5

And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will.

Leviticus 19:8

Therefore [every one] that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Deuteronomy 12:6

And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

Psalms 116:18

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,

Leviticus 22:29

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

Deuteronomy 12:26

Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:

Leviticus 22:23

Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer [for] a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.