Old Testament

Leviticus 7:18

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

If any meat from a peace offering is eaten on the 3rd day, the offering will not be accepted. It won't count for the person who brought it — it will be considered disgusting. Anyone who eats it will bear the guilt of that sin.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.

What Leviticus 7:18 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 7:18, God sets clear guidelines for the consumption of meat from peace offerings. If someone eats this meat on the third day after the offering, it is not acceptable to God. The person who brought the offering will not receive any benefit from it, and it will be seen as something detestable. This means that eating the meat after the specified time is not just a minor mistake; it carries serious consequences. The individual who consumes it will be held accountable for their actions, bearing the guilt of their sin. This verse emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions precisely and highlights the seriousness of maintaining the sanctity of offerings made to Him.

How to apply Leviticus 7:18 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of adhering to God's guidelines in our lives. Just as the Israelites were instructed on how to handle offerings, we too should be mindful of how we approach our commitments to God, ensuring we honor them appropriately and avoid actions that could lead to spiritual consequences.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Leviticus 7:18

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Leviticus 7:18

At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 7:18 mean?

Leviticus 7:18 explains that if meat from a peace offering is eaten on the third day, it is unacceptable to God. The person who brought the offering will not benefit from it, and eating the meat will be considered a serious offense.

What is the significance of the third day in Leviticus 7:18?

The third day is significant because it marks the limit for consuming meat from peace offerings. Eating it after this time is seen as a violation of God's instructions, leading to guilt for the individual.

What does this verse teach about accountability for sin?

Leviticus 7:18 teaches that individuals are accountable for their actions, especially regarding sacred offerings. Consuming the meat after the allowed time results in guilt, emphasizing the seriousness of following God's commands.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.