Bible Glide

Leviticus 3

Leviticus 3 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Leviticus 3 gives the rules for peace offerings brought to the LORD. It explains which animals may be offered, what the worshiper and priests must do, and which parts are reserved for God. The chapter also ends with a lasting command about fat and blood.

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What happens in Leviticus 3?

This chapter sets out how a peace offering is to be presented from the herd, flock, or goats. The animal must be without blemish, and the worshiper lays a hand on its head before it is slaughtered at the Tent of Meeting. The priests then sprinkle the blood on the altar and burn the designated fat and organs as an offering to the LORD. Whether the animal is a bull, lamb, or goat, the steps are carefully ordered. The chapter closes by stating that the fat belongs to the LORD and that Israel must not eat fat or blood.

Leviticus follows the instructions for burnt offerings and grain offerings with the laws for peace offerings. This chapter continues the pattern of worship at the Tent of Meeting, showing how the people could bring a voluntary offering of fellowship and devotion. It fits within the larger section where the LORD gives Israel the sacrificial system that shapes their worship and holiness.

Themes to notice

  • Offerings without blemishThe sacrifice had to be whole and acceptable, showing that worship was to be given with care and honor.
  • Blood and altar serviceThe priests handled the blood at the altar, marking the offering as holy and set apart for the LORD.
  • What belongs to GodThe fat is reserved for the LORD, and the chapter also forbids eating fat or blood.

Questions for Leviticus 3

  • What does the peace offering teach about bringing an offering to God with reverence?
  • Why is the worshiper told to lay a hand on the animal before it is slaughtered?
  • What is the significance of the command not to eat fat or blood?

Read the full text of Leviticus 3 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Leviticus 3

Laws for Peace Offerings

1“If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD.2He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on all sides of the altar.3From the peace offering he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,4both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.5Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

6If, however, one’s peace offering to the LORD is from the flock, he must present a male or female without blemish.7If he is presenting a lamb for his offering, he must present it before the LORD.8He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar.9And from the peace offering he shall bring an offering made by fire to the LORD consisting of its fat: the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,10both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.11Then the priest is to burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

12If one’s offering is a goat, he is to present it before the LORD.13He must lay his hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar.14And from his offering he shall present an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,15both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.16Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.

17This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.”

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