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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Leviticus 7  › Leviticus 7:23

Leviticus 7:23

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Leviticus 7:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat.

King James Version KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

American Standard Version ASV

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no fat, of ox, or sheep, or goat.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Say to the children of Israel: You are not to take any fat, of ox or sheep or goat, for food.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Give these instructions to the Israelites. Tell them, ‘You must not eat any of the fat of a bull, a sheep, or a goat.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Speake vnto the children of Israel, and say, Ye shall eate no fat of beeues, nor of sheepe, nor of goates:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Speak unto the sons of Israel, saying, Any fat of ox and sheep and goat ye do not eat;

World English Bible WEB

“Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘You shall eat no fat, of bull, or sheep, or goat.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Say to the children of Israel: The fat of a sheep, and of an ox, and of a goat you shall not eat.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Say this to the Israeli people: ‘Do not eat any of the fat of cattle or sheep or goats.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 7:23

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 7:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB דַּבֵּ֛ר אֶל בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵ/אמֹ֑ר כָּל חֵ֜לֶב שׁ֥וֹר וְ/כֶ֛שֶׂב וָ/עֵ֖ז לֹ֥א תֹאכֵֽלוּ
דַּבֵּ֛ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
חֵ֜לֶב cheleb H2459 fat N-ms
שׁ֥וֹר shôwr H7794 cattle N-ms
וְ/כֶ֛שֶׂב keseb H3775 sheep Conj | N-ms
וָ/עֵ֖ז ʻêz H5795 goat Conj | N-fs
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
תֹאכֵֽלוּ ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 7:23

דַּבֵּ֛ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חֵ֜לֶב cheleb H2459 "fat" N-ms
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
שׁ֥וֹר shôwr H7794 "cattle" N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
וְ/כֶ֛שֶׂב keseb H3775 "sheep" Conj | N-ms
A keseb is a young sheep, like a lamb or a young ram. It is often translated as lamb in the KJV Bible.
Definition: lamb, young ram, sheep
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lamb. See also: Genesis 30:32; Leviticus 4:35; Deuteronomy 14:4.
וָ/עֵ֖ז ʻêz H5795 "goat" Conj | N-fs
Refers to a female goat, often translated as she-goat or kid, and is also related to goat's hair in the Bible.
Definition: female goat, she-goat, goat, kid Aramaic equivalent: ez (עֵז "goat" H5796)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (she) goat, kid. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 7:58; Proverbs 27:27.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֹאכֵֽלוּ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

Study Notes — Leviticus 7:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 3:16–17 Then 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. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.”
2 Leviticus 17:6 The priest will then sprinkle the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
3 1 Samuel 2:15–17 Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!” Thus the sin of these young men was severe in the sight of the LORD, for they were treating the LORD’s offering with contempt.
4 Leviticus 4:8–10 Then he shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys— just as the fat is removed from the ox of the peace offering. Then the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering.
5 Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
6 Acts 28:27 For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’
7 Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
8 Deuteronomy 32:38 which ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you; let them give you shelter!
9 1 Samuel 2:29 Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’

Leviticus 7:23 Summary

In Leviticus 7:23, God tells the Israelites not to eat the fat of certain animals, like oxen, sheep, and goats. This was a way for them to show respect and worship to God, who had claimed these animals as His own (see Leviticus 3:16-17). By following this command, the Israelites were to set themselves apart as a holy people, dedicated to God's service and worship (as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45). Just like the Israelites, we can honor God through our daily choices and actions, recognizing His claim on all aspects of our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the Israelites forbidden from eating the fat of certain animals in Leviticus 7:23?

The reason for this prohibition is not explicitly stated in the verse, but it may be related to the fact that the fat of these animals was reserved for God as a symbol of worship and sacrifice, as seen in Leviticus 3:16-17 and Leviticus 7:25. By not eating the fat, the Israelites were acknowledging God's claim on these animals.

What animals were the Israelites specifically forbidden from eating the fat of in Leviticus 7:23?

According to the verse, the Israelites were not to eat the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat. This is reinforced in Leviticus 7:24, which allows for the use of fat from animals found dead or mauled by wild beasts, but not for eating.

How does this prohibition relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?

The prohibition on eating the fat of certain animals is part of the larger theme of holiness in the book of Leviticus, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Leviticus 20:26. By following these dietary restrictions, the Israelites were to set themselves apart as a holy people, distinct from the surrounding nations.

Is this prohibition still relevant for Christians today?

While the specific dietary restrictions of the Old Testament are not directly applicable to Christians today, the principle of setting oneself apart for God's purposes remains relevant, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16 and 2 Corinthians 7:1. Christians are called to live holy lives, dedicated to God's service and worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I can set myself apart for God's purposes, just as the Israelites were called to do through their dietary restrictions?
  2. How can I balance the desire for personal freedom with the need to submit to God's commands and principles, as seen in Leviticus 7:23?
  3. In what ways can I honor God through my daily choices and actions, just as the Israelites were to honor God by not eating the fat of certain animals?
  4. How can I cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God, recognizing His claim on all aspects of my life, including my diet and daily habits?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 7:23

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying,.... Putting them in mind, by repeating to them the laws concerning fat and blood, Leviticus 3:17 ye shall eat no manner of fat; of any creature fit for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 7:23

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 7:23

The general prohibition of eating fat, , is here explained of, and restrained to, those kinds of creatures which were sacrificed to God.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 7:23

Leviticus 7:23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.Ver. 23. No manner of fat.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 7:23

(23) Ye shall eat no manner of fat.—That is, the fat of beeves, sheep, or goats. The fat of these three kinds of sacrificial quadrupeds is prohibited, even when they are not killed as sacrifices, but when slaughtered for private consumption; but the fat of other tame or wild clean quadrupeds, as stags, roes, &c. &c, was lawful. According to the practice which obtained during the second Temple, there are three kinds of fat for the eating of which a man incurred the penalty of excision: the fat (1) which is upon the inwards, (2) upon the two kidneys, and (3) upon the flanks (Leviticus 9:10). The rump, the kidney, and the caul above the liver were not called fat, except in sacrifices. The fat which is covered with flesh is lawful, the fat upon the kidneys is forbidden; but that which is within the kidneys, as well as that of the heart, is lawful.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 7:23

Verse 23. Fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.] Any other fat they might eat, but the fat of these was sacred, because they were the only animals which were offered in sacrifice, though many others ranked among the clean animals as well as these. But it is likely that this prohibition is to be understood of these animals when offered in sacrifice, and then only in reference to the inward fat, as mentioned on Leviticus 7:4. Of the fat in any other circumstances it cannot be intended, as it was one of the especial blessings which God gave to the people. Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with FAT of LAMBS, and RAMS of the breed of Bashan, and GOATS, were the provision that he gave to his followers. See Deuteronomy 32:12-14.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 7:23

Fat and Blood prohibited (22–27) The Peace-Offering being the only sacrifice which was partly consumed by the offerer, any rule as to portions of the animal that were not to be eaten would appropriately be added to the regulations concerning this sacrifice. Accordingly, in ch. 3, which treats of the Peace-Offering, the prohibition of fat and blood occurs in a short form (Leviticus 7:17). It is repeated here in connexion with the preceding regulations about Peace-Offerings. The fat which is prohibited is that contained in the portions reserved as an offering made by fire unto the Lord, described at length in chs. 3, 4 and Leviticus 7:3-5. They were the same in the Peace-, Guilt-, and Sin-Offerings. The ordinary fat found with the flesh was not forbidden. Leviticus 7:25 explains that the portions which in a sacrifice are set apart for the Lord must not be consumed as food by man, even when the animals were not suitable to be offered on the altar, as in the case of that which dieth of itself, or is torn of beasts. If the animal were fit to be offered, according to Leviticus 17:4-5, it must when killed be brought before the Lord, and these portions would be burnt on the altar by the priest. The prohibition extends only to the ox, sheep, or goat, i.e. to the animals which were brought for sacrifice, but the prohibition of blood (Leviticus 7:26) is more general. No manner of blood may be eaten, whether of fowl or beast. It is of permanent obligation (Leviticus 3:17). The command is given to Noah, Genesis 9:4 (P), and is repeated in this book, Leviticus 17:10-14. Cp. 1 Samuel 14:32-34. The prohibition of blood was enforced among the Arabs by Mohammed. See J. M. Rodwell’s Koran2, Sur. 2. [xci. The Cow] 168.

Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 7:23

This is emphatically addressed to the people. They were not to eat in their own meal what belonged to the altar of Yahweh, nor what was the perquisite of the priests. See Leviticus 7:33-36.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 7:23

THE FAT AND BLOOD TO BE EATEN, Leviticus 7:22-30.23. Eat no manner of fat — This prohibits only the interior fat or suet of the sacrificial animals, whether offered in sacrifice or slain for food.

Sermons on Leviticus 7:23

SermonDescription
Walter Wilson Honey - Water - Oil and Rocks by Walter Wilson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of water as a universal element found in all living things. He refers to Ezekiel 47, where water flows from under the thresho
David Wilkerson "He Being Dead Yet Speaketh" by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of deep intimacy with God as the foundation of faith that pleases Him, drawing from the example of Abel in Hebrews 11. He explains that tru
John Piper (Biographies) Augustine by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his struggle with lust and the allure of pornography. He compares the seductive whispers of pornography to the temptations he faced in his o
Tim Conway Freedom From Masterbation and Sensuality by Tim Conway This sermon emphasizes the need to flee from sin, particularly addressing the issue of justifying masturbation as not a sin. It highlights the importance of seeking biblical guidan
T. Austin-Sparks Fatherhood by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the fatherly nature of God and how it is reflected in various aspects of His interactions with humanity. The speaker encourages the audience
Edgar F. Parkyns Church History - Session 3 (After Augustus) by Edgar F. Parkyns In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of following the teachings of Jesus Christ and being practical in our faith. He argues against the concept of original sin and
David Ravenhill Capital City Church - Part 3 by David Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of the time we are living in and being spiritually awake. He highlights the choice we have to either continue i
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