Leviticus 3:8

Translations

Modern

He 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 splatter its blood on all sides of the altar.

Traditional

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

Literal

And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and he shall slaughter it before the face of the Tent of Meeting, and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood on the altar all around.

Latin

…ponet manum suam super caput victimæ suæ: quæ immolabitur in vestibulo tabernaculi testimonii: fundentque filii Aaron sanguinem ejus per circuitum altaris.

Original

Hebrew

English

He 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 splatter its blood on all sides of the altar.

Notes

Leviticus 3:6–11

Sheep were smaller, easier to raise, and less expensive than cattle. Besides the exceptions mentioned in these verses, people offered sheep as sacrifices in the same way as cattle.

Leviticus 3:1–17

The peace offering (called shelem in Hebrew) showed worship through fellowship with the Lord and others. The word comes from the same root as shalom, which means wholeness, well-being, harmony, and peace.

Shalom is more than just ending conflict between God and the worshiper. It means a bond of harmonious fellowship. The peace offering was a shared meal celebrating fellowship with God and others (compare Exodus 18:12; 24:9–11; 1 Samuel 9:15–24). They could offer it as thanks (Leviticus 7:12–15), as a voluntary offering, or to fulfill a vow (7:16–18; 22:21).

Peace offerings often came after whole burnt offerings (for example, 1 Kings 9:25). This showed that fellowship with God follows atonement. When we experience atonement through Christ, we can be at peace with God and each other (see Acts 2:42; 10:36; Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:17–34; 2 Corinthians 5:18–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes Pure Worship

Related verses

Leviticus 1:5
And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and splatter it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
Hebrews 10:19–22
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
Leviticus 4:24
He is to lay his hand on the head of the goat and slaughter it at the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered before the LORD. It is a sin offering.
Isaiah 53:11–12
After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.
Leviticus 4:4
He must bring the bull to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, lay his hand on the bull’s head, and slaughter it before the LORD.
Ephesians 3:12
In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.
Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.
1 Peter 2:24
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”
2 Corinthians 5:19
…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Ephesians 2:18
For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Matthew 3:17
And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

Parallels

Leviticus 7:11–21

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Kidney Law of Moses Leviticus, Book of Liver Moses Offerings and Sacrifices Peace Offering

Topics

Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled About the Altar Hand in Consecration Offerings: Different Kinds of Peace Peace-Offerings: The offerer Required: To Lay his Hand Upon Its Head Peace-Offerings: The Priest: Sprinkled the Blood on the Altar Sacrifices: Different Kinds of Peace offering

Leviticus 3:8

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