Keraia
Leviticus 22

Leviticus 22:28

Worthy Offerings · Leviticus 22:17–33
Read Leviticus 22

Translations

Modern
But you must not slaughter an ox or a sheep on the same day as its young.
Traditional
And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.
Literal
And an ox or a sheep—do not kill both her and her young in one day.
Latin
Sive illa bos, sive ovis, non immolabuntur una die cum fœtibus suis.

Original

Hebrew
English
But you must not slaughter an ox or a sheep on the same day as its young.

Notes

Leviticus 22:28

on the same day: There are several possible explanations for this command, although none is certain:

  1. Senseless slaughtering would leave nothing of the herd;

  2. it would be cruel to slaughter the young and the mother at the same time; or

  3. it would resemble pagan worship rites, where people cooked the newborn animal in the milk of its slain mother (see Exodus 23:19).

Leviticus 21:1–22:33

This section, which discusses priestly rules, six times repeats the phrase I am the Lord who sanctifies (Leviticus 21:15, 23; 22:9, 16, 32; see also 21:8). These words emphasize the link between God's holiness and the holiness expected of priests. This extended to all of Israel (see 8:10; 11:44–45; 19:2). The text specifically addresses priests in 21:1–22:16, while including both clergy and common people in 22:17–33.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Food and Food Preparation History of Israel Leviticus, Book of