Log inSign up

Leviticus 3 · a question people ask

Why is it called a peace offering?

Background

The chapter doesn't say. The Hebrew name is shelamim, and the lexicons describe it in different words. Brown-Driver-Briggs gives "sacrifice for alliance or friendship". Strong's gives "properly, requital, i.e. a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks", and traces the word to the root numbered 7999, the same root it gives for shalom, peace. Leviticus itself names the times it was brought: "for a thanksgiving" (Leviticus 7:12), or as "a vow, or a free will offering" (Leviticus 7:16). Leviticus 3 doesn't use the word "atonement", as the burnt offering does (1:4) and the sin offering does (4:26).

The verses

““‘If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before the LORD.”
Leviticus 3:1 · World English Bible
“He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.”
Leviticus 1:4 · World English Bible
“All its fat he shall burn on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin, and he will be forgiven.”
Leviticus 4:26 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Leviticus 3

Leviticus 3: All the fat is the LORD's

A peace offering could be male or female, from the herd or the flock (3:1, 3:6), and only its fat, kidneys and the cover on the liver went on the altar (3:3-5): "all the fat is the LORD’s" (3:16). Leviticus 7 says what happened to the rest: the priest had his share and the rest was eaten (7:15-16, 7:31-32).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekLeviticus 3 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Leviticus 3

All questions about Leviticus →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions