Leviticus 7:17

KJV

But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the remainder {H3498} of the flesh {H1320} of the sacrifice {H2077} on the third {H7992} day {H3117} shall be burnt {H8313} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, what remains of the meat of the sacrifice on the third day is to be burned up completely.

Berean Standard Bible

But any meat of the sacrifice remaining until the third day must be burned up.

American Standard Version

but that which remaineth of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:17 specifies a crucial regulation for the peace offering, mandating that any remaining sacrificial meat not consumed by the second day must be ritually burned on the third day. This command served to prevent physical decay in a warm climate while profoundly underscoring the sacredness of offerings, the transient nature of their ritual purity, and the absolute necessity of timely obedience in worship. It distinguished the holy from the common, ensuring that the act of fellowship with God through the sacrifice remained undefiled and revered, reflecting God's unwavering demand for holiness in all approaches to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:17 is situated within the meticulously detailed regulations for the peace offering, or *zevach sh'lamim*, found in [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11-21 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Regulations for the Peace Offering"). This particular offering was unique among the major sacrifices in that it allowed for a shared meal, symbolizing fellowship and communion between the worshipper, the priests, and God (through the portions consumed on the altar). Unlike the wholly consumed burnt offering or the sin offering with its stricter consumption rules, the peace offering permitted consumption over a limited period. [Leviticus 7:15](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Consumption of Thanksgiving Offering") specifies that the meat of a thanksgiving peace offering must be eaten on the day of its presentation, while [Leviticus 7:16](/leviticus/7-16 "Leviticus 7:16 - Consumption of Vow/Freewill Offering") extends this to the following day for vow or freewill offerings. Verse 17 acts as the culminating, non-negotiable directive, establishing a strict deadline and method of disposal for any unconsumed portions. This final command safeguarded the sanctity of the offering, preventing the sacred from becoming profane through decay or improper handling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the absence of modern refrigeration meant that meat would spoil rapidly, especially in the warm climate of the Near East. The command to burn the remaining flesh on the third day thus had a vital practical dimension, preventing the consumption of putrid meat that could cause illness. However, its primary significance was theological. The Israelites lived in a covenant relationship with a holy God, and every aspect of their lives, particularly their worship, was to reflect and honor that holiness. Allowing sacrificial meat, which had been consecrated to God, to decay would represent a profound desecration of the sacred and a blatant disregard for God's absolute purity. The "third day" often carried symbolic weight in biblical narratives, sometimes indicating a point of transition, divine intervention, or completion. In this context, it marked the absolute limit for the meat's sacred status, beyond which it transitioned to ritual impurity. This emphasis on promptness, purity, and proper disposal in handling offerings was a constant, tangible reminder of God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him on His terms, a theme reiterated throughout the purity laws in [the Book of Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Holiness and Human Purity**. God's nature is intrinsically holy, and He demands that His people reflect this holiness, especially in their worship ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). The strict regulations for the peace offering, including the disposal of leftovers, illustrate the meticulous care required to maintain ritual purity and avoid defilement. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Sacredness and Profanity**. It draws a sharp distinction between what is consecrated to God and what is common or defiled, emphasizing that the sacred, once its ritual purpose is fulfilled, must be handled in a way that continues to honor God, even in its disposal. The "third day" serves as a temporal boundary, marking the transition from sacred to potentially profane. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Reverence in Worship**. The detailed instructions demand precise and timely adherence, teaching the Israelites that approaching God is not a casual matter but requires careful obedience and profound reverence for His commands and His presence ([Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - First of the Firstfruits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remainder (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** From H3498, this root signifies "to jut over or exceed," or "to remain or be left." In [Leviticus 7:17](/leviticus/7-17 "Leviticus 7:17 - Burning Leftover Sacrifice"), it specifically refers to the portion of the sacrificial flesh that was not consumed by the worshipper or the priests within the prescribed time limit. Its inclusion emphasizes God's comprehensive oversight of all aspects of worship, indicating that even unconsumed portions of a sacred offering remain under divine regulation and must be handled with reverence, preventing any casual or disrespectful disposal.
* **Third (Hebrew, _shᵉlîyshîy'_):** From H7992, this ordinal number denotes the position "third." When combined with "day" (H3117, _yôwm_), it marks a precise temporal boundary. This designation is crucial as it signifies the absolute deadline for the consumption of the peace offering meat. Beyond this point, the meat was no longer considered holy or fit for consumption, even by the priests. This strict timing underscored the transient nature of the offering's sacredness and the necessity of promptness in fulfilling the ritual, preventing any lingering association that could lead to impurity or contempt for the sacred.
* **Burnt (Hebrew, _sâraph'_):** From H8313, this primitive root means "to be (causatively, set) on fire" or "to utterly burn." In [Leviticus 7:17](/leviticus/7-17 "Leviticus 7:17 - Burning Leftover Sacrifice"), it signifies complete destruction by fire (H784, _ʼêsh_), not for consumption (as with a burnt offering) but for disposal. This act indicates that the meat, having passed its window of sacred use and thus becoming ritually defiled, needed to be utterly removed from the camp. This burning was a form of ritual purification and removal, ensuring that nothing that had been consecrated to God would be treated as common or allowed to decay in a way that dishonored Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the remainder of the flesh":** This clause specifically refers to any portion of the sacrificial animal, particularly from the peace offering, that was not eaten by the worshipper, their family, or the priests within the permissible timeframe (the day of sacrifice and the following day). It highlights the meticulousness required in handling sacred things, emphasizing that even small, leftover pieces were subject to strict divine command.
* **"of the sacrifice":** This phrase clarifies that these regulations apply specifically to the peace offering (*zevach sh'lamim*), a unique type of offering that allowed a portion of the meat to be consumed by the offerer as a communal meal. This distinction is important as other offerings had different rules for consumption or disposal, underscoring the specific context of fellowship and communion.
* **"on the third day":** This is the critical time marker, establishing a non-negotiable deadline. It signifies that once the third day arrived, any unconsumed meat immediately transitioned from a state of conditional sacredness to ritual impurity. This strict deadline underscored the importance of timeliness, the transient nature of the offering's sacred status, and the potential for defilement if the command was not strictly observed.
* **"shall be burnt with fire":** This is the prescribed method of disposal, a direct command for complete destruction, not consumption. The burning symbolized the removal of something that had become ritually defiled, ensuring that the sacred space and the participants remained pure. This act prevented the desecration of an offering once consecrated to God and served as a tangible reminder of God's absolute holiness and the severity of treating sacred things with contempt.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological and practical directives. The most evident is **Prescriptive Law**, as the verse functions as a direct, unambiguous command within a larger legal code. This highlights the absolute authority of God's word and the non-negotiable nature of His requirements for worship and purity. There is also clear **Symbolism** embedded within the command: the "third day" symbolizes the boundary of the offering's sacredness and the onset of ritual impurity, while "fire" symbolizes purification, complete removal, and God's consuming holiness. The act of burning what was once holy but has become ritually profane serves as a powerful visual and theological reminder of God's absolute holiness and the strict separation He demands between the sacred and the common. Furthermore, the detailed instructions for handling the "remainder of the flesh" demonstrate **Metonymy**, where the physical meat stands for the entire offering and, by extension, the worshipper's commitment and the integrity of the communion with God. The decay of the meat would symbolize the decay of the spiritual relationship if God's commands were disregarded, emphasizing the holistic nature of obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:17 profoundly illustrates the themes of divine holiness, human responsibility, and the nature of true fellowship with God. The command to burn the remaining flesh on the third day underscores that God's holiness is absolute and demands a corresponding purity and promptness in worship and life. What is consecrated to Him must be treated with the utmost reverence; its sacred status is not indefinite but bound by divine parameters. This teaches that spiritual opportunities and blessings are time-sensitive, requiring diligent and timely engagement lest they "spoil" or lose their efficacy. The principle extends beyond ritual to the believer's walk: we are called to maintain a state of spiritual readiness and purity, guarding against anything that would corrupt our fellowship with God or diminish the sacredness of our calling. This law serves as a timeless reminder that God desires not just our participation in worship, but our pure, timely, and wholehearted devotion.

* [Exodus 12:10](/exodus/12-10 "Exodus 12:10 - Passover Lamb Consumption")
* [Deuteronomy 12:7](/deuteronomy/12-7 "Deuteronomy 12:7 - Eating Before the Lord")
* [Malachi 1:7-8](/malachi/1-7 "Malachi 1:7-8 - Despising the Lord's Table")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:17, while originating from an ancient sacrificial system, offers enduring principles for contemporary believers concerning our spiritual walk and our approach to God. It challenges us to consider the "shelf life" of our spiritual opportunities and the urgency with which we should embrace God's blessings and commands. Just as the physical meat could become defiled if not consumed or properly disposed of, our spiritual lives can become "stale," corrupted, or ineffective if we procrastinate in obedience, neglect fellowship, or allow worldly influences to diminish the sacredness of our relationship with God. This verse calls us to a vigilant pursuit of holiness and prompt action, reminding us that God desires not just our presence in worship, but our pure, timely, and wholehearted devotion. It compels us to ask if we are truly valuing the sacred things God has given us—His Word, His Spirit, His community, and His call—or if we are allowing them to "spoil" through indifference, delay, or a lack of reverence. Our spiritual "meat" must be consumed and acted upon, lest it become a source of impurity rather than blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life might I be procrastinating or allowing spiritual "meat" to become "stale" instead of embracing it with urgency and diligence?**
* **How does the principle of maintaining purity in the face of decay apply to my daily choices, my use of time, and my commitment to personal holiness?**
* **What does "treating the sacred as common" look like in my life today, and how can I cultivate a greater reverence for God's presence, His Word, and His commands?**
* **How can I be more intentional about seizing spiritual opportunities and engaging in fellowship with God and others before the "third day" of opportunity passes?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "third day" so significant for burning the meat?**

Answer: The "third day" marked the point at which the sacrificial meat, having been consecrated to God, would begin to decay significantly in the warm climate of ancient Israel. Beyond the practical health concern, this decay would render the meat ritually impure, making it unfit for consumption by anyone, including the priests. The command to burn it was a profound theological imperative to prevent the sacred from becoming defiled or treated with contempt. It underscored God's demand for absolute purity in all matters related to His worship and served as a tangible reminder that blessings and opportunities in fellowship with God are time-sensitive and must be embraced promptly. This strict timeline ensured reverence for the offering and for God Himself, preventing any lingering association that could lead to spiritual defilement, as detailed in [Leviticus 7:18](/leviticus/7-18 "Leviticus 7:18 - Consequences of Eating Defiled Meat").

**Does this law about burning meat still apply to believers today?**

Answer: The literal command to burn sacrificial meat on the third day does not apply to New Testament believers, as the Old Covenant sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ. The animal sacrifices were shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as explained in [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). However, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. This law teaches us about the importance of holiness, prompt obedience, and the value of spiritual purity. It reminds us that God is holy and demands that we approach Him with reverence and integrity. It also highlights that spiritual opportunities, like the "fellowship" symbolized by the peace offering, are not indefinite; we are called to embrace them with urgency and diligence, ensuring that our spiritual lives do not become "stale" or defiled through neglect or procrastination. The focus shifts from physical meat to the spiritual realities of our walk with God, emphasizing the need to guard our hearts and lives from anything that would corrupt our relationship with Him, as encouraged in passages like [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy") and [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:17, with its stringent command to burn the "remainder of the flesh" on the third day, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The peace offering, with its shared meal, beautifully foreshadowed the intimate fellowship believers now enjoy with God through Christ. Unlike the temporary and perishable nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices, whose efficacy was limited by time and required constant repetition, Christ's sacrifice on the cross was a perfect, once-for-all offering that never decays or loses its power ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). There is no "remainder" of Christ's sacrifice that needs to be burned because His atonement is complete and eternally sufficient, providing an enduring and imperishable basis for our fellowship with God ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Furthermore, the symbolic "third day" of the Levitical law, marking the point of ritual impurity and disposal, is dramatically inverted and glorified in Christ's resurrection. Jesus himself rose on the "third day" ([Luke 24:46](/luke/24-46 "Luke 24:46 - Christ's Resurrection on the Third Day")), not to signify the decay or disposal of a sacrifice, but to inaugurate a new, living, and imperishable covenant. His resurrection on the third day transformed the symbolic boundary of ritual impurity into the triumphant dawn of new life and perpetual communion, ensuring that the "flesh" of His perfect offering, His very body, was not subject to corruption but became the source of eternal life for all who believe ([John 6:54](/john/6-54 "John 6:54 - Eating Christ's Flesh for Eternal Life") and [Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "Acts 2:27 - David's Prophecy of No Decay")). Thus, Christ fulfills the law by providing an offering that is eternally pure, forever effective, and the permanent foundation of our fellowship with God, eliminating the need for any perishable, time-bound ritual and establishing an everlasting covenant of grace.

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

Exodus 12:10

And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

1 Corinthians 15:4

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Genesis 22:4

Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

Leviticus 19:7

And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it [is] abominable; it shall not be accepted.

Exodus 19:11

And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

Leviticus 6:22

And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: [it is] a statute for ever unto the LORD; it shall be wholly burnt.