Leviticus 7:20

But the soul that eateth [of] the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that [pertain] unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.

But the soul {H5315} that eateth {H398} of the flesh {H1320} of the sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}, that pertain unto the LORD {H3068}, having his uncleanness {H2932} upon him, even that soul {H5315} shall be cut off {H3772} from his people {H5971}.

but a person in a state of uncleanness who eats any meat from the sacrifice of peace offerings made to ADONAI will be cut off from his people.

But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.

but the soul that eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace-offerings, that pertain unto Jehovah, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from his people.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 7:20

Leviticus 7:20 is part of the extensive Mosaic Law, specifically dealing with the regulations concerning various sacrifices and offerings made by the Israelites at the Tabernacle. This particular verse focuses on the "peace offering" (also known as the fellowship offering), which was unique among the sacrifices in that a portion was returned to the offerer and priests to be eaten. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, the peace offering symbolized fellowship, thanksgiving, and communion between God and His people, often accompanied by a celebratory meal.

The Old Testament sacrificial system meticulously outlined rules for ritual purity and uncleanness. These laws were not merely about hygiene but were profound spiritual markers, symbolizing the need for holiness when approaching a holy God. Uncleanness could arise from various sources, such as contact with a dead body, certain bodily discharges, or specific skin conditions. A person in a state of ritual uncleanness was temporarily separated from the community's worship and could not participate in holy acts, including eating from the sacrifices.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Purity: The verse underscores God's absolute demand for holiness and ritual purity, especially in matters pertaining to His worship and sacred offerings. Approaching God or His sacred things in a state of uncleanness was considered a profound disrespect for His holiness.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The severe penalty of being "cut off from his people" highlights the seriousness of violating divine commands concerning holiness. This consequence could mean excommunication, social ostracization, or even divine judgment leading to premature death, emphasizing the grave nature of defiling sacred acts.
  • Reverence for God's Ordinances: The law serves as a reminder that God's instructions regarding worship and interaction with the divine are to be observed with utmost reverence and careful adherence. The peace offering, which symbolized fellowship, demanded a pure heart and body to truly participate in that communion. Learn more about the purpose of these offerings in Leviticus 3:1.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cut off from his people" translates the Hebrew term karath (Χ›ΦΈΦΌΧ¨Φ·Χͺ), which can mean to "cut off," "cut down," or "destroy." In this context, it signifies a severe form of separation or exclusion. While sometimes interpreted as excommunication from the community, it often carried the connotation of divine judgment, potentially including premature death or the termination of one's lineage. It was a potent warning against spiritual presumption and defilement within the covenant community.

Practical Application for Today

While the specific ritual laws of the Old Testament no longer apply to believers under the new covenant, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant:

  • Spiritual Purity: This verse reminds us that approaching God requires spiritual purity. Though we are no longer cleansed by ritual washings, our cleansing comes through the blood of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate sacrifice (1 John 1:7). We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God, recognizing that unconfessed sin can hinder our fellowship with Him.
  • Reverence in Worship: We should approach God in worship with humility, reverence, and a sincere heart, understanding the sacredness of His presence. This applies to our personal prayer lives, Bible study, and corporate gatherings.
  • Consequences of Sin: The concept of being "cut off" can be understood spiritually as a separation from God's blessing and fellowship due to persistent, unrepentant sin. While God always offers forgiveness to the repentant, there are natural and spiritual consequences to choosing a path contrary to His will.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 15:2

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, [because of] his issue he [is] unclean.

  • Leviticus 15:33

    And of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that lieth with her that is unclean.

  • Genesis 17:14

    And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:28

    But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup.

  • Leviticus 22:3

    Say unto them, Whosoever [he be] of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I [am] the LORD.

  • Leviticus 22:7

    And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it [is] his food.
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