Here is a list of words and their definitions that may need to be defined in Leviticus (ESV):;xNLx;;xNLx;I. Sacrifices and Offerings:;xNLx;The first several chapters of Leviticus detail various offerings. While some terms are common, their specific ritual meaning is important.;xNLx;;xNLx;Offering (Leviticus 1:2, and throughout): The general term for a gift or sacrifice brought to God. In Leviticus, it almost always refers to specific, prescribed ritual actions.;xNLx;Burnt Offering (Hebrew: olah) (Leviticus 1; 6:8-13): An offering wholly consumed by fire on the altar. It symbolized complete surrender, devotion, and atonement for unintentional sin. It was a foundational offering, often presented morning and evening.;xNLx;Grain Offering (Hebrew: minchah) (Leviticus 2; 6:14-23): An offering typically consisting of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, sometimes baked into cakes or wafers. It was an act of worship, thanksgiving, and recognition of God's provision. A portion was burned on the altar (the "memorial portion"), and the rest was for the priests.;xNLx;Peace Offering (Hebrew: shelamim or zevach shelamim) (Leviticus 3; 7:11-36): An offering signifying fellowship, thanksgiving, or a vow fulfilled, resulting in a communal meal shared by the offerer, the priests, and sometimes others before God. It emphasized communion and well-being with God. Subcategories include:;xNLx;Thank Offering (Leviticus 7:12-15): A type of peace offering given specifically to express gratitude to God.;xNLx;Vow Offering (Leviticus 7:16-18): A peace offering presented in fulfillment of a vow made to God.;xNLx;Freewill Offering (Leviticus 7:16-18): A peace offering given spontaneously out of devotion, not due to a vow or specific occasion of thanksgiving.;xNLx;Sin Offering (Hebrew: chatat) (Leviticus 4:1–5:13; 6:24-30): An offering made to atone for unintentional sins and to purify from ritual defilement. The type of animal and the ritual procedure varied based on the status of the person who sinned (e.g., high priest, congregation, leader, common person). The blood of this offering was particularly significant in purification.;xNLx;Guilt Offering (Hebrew: asham) (Leviticus 5:14–6:7; 7:1-10): Also known as the "trespass offering" or "reparation offering." This was required for specific unintentional sins involving the desecration of holy things or offenses against a neighbor that required restitution. It involved not only an animal sacrifice but also making restitution, often with an added penalty (usually one-fifth of the value).;xNLx;Wave Offering (Hebrew: tenuphah) (e.g., Leviticus 7:30, 34; 8:27; 10:14-15; 14:12, 24; 23:15-20): A ritual action where a portion of the offering (often the breast of a peace offering or a sheaf of grain) was "waved" or elevated before the Lord by the priest, signifying its presentation to God and its subsequent assignment to the priests.;xNLx;Heave Offering / Contribution (Hebrew: terumah) (e.g., Leviticus 7:14, 32; 10:14-15; 22:12): A portion of an offering (often the thigh of a peace offering) "lifted up" or "contributed" and set aside for the priests as their share.;xNLx;Memorial Portion (Hebrew: azkarah) (e.g., Leviticus 2:2, 9, 16; 5:12; 6:15): The part of a grain offering that was burned on the altar, bringing the offering to God's remembrance.;xNLx;Drink Offering (Hebrew: nesek) (e.g., Leviticus 23:13, 18, 37): An offering of wine poured out, usually accompanying burnt offerings and grain offerings.;xNLx;Food Offering (Hebrew: isheh) (e.g., Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17): Often translated as "offering by fire." It refers to offerings that were burned on the altar, the aroma of which was described as "pleasing to the LORD.";xNLx;Atonement (Hebrew: kippur or kaphar) (Leviticus 1:4; 4:20, 26, 31, 35, and throughout, especially chapter 16): The process of covering, cleansing, or reconciling for sin, which restored the relationship between God and humanity. Sacrifices, particularly their blood, were the primary means of making atonement in the Levitical system. The concept is central to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).;xNLx;Ordination Offering (Leviticus 8): Specific sacrifices and rituals performed for the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood.;xNLx;Laying on of Hands (e.g., Leviticus 1:4; 3:2; 4:4, 15, 24, 29): A ritual act where the offerer placed their hand(s) on the head of the sacrificial animal, symbolizing identification with the animal as their substitute and the transfer of sin or devotion.;xNLx;II. Purity, Uncleanness, and Holiness:;xNLx;Leviticus distinguishes sharply between the holy, the common (or profane), the clean, and the unclean. These are ritual categories, not necessarily hygienic ones, though some overlap may exist.;xNLx;;xNLx;Holy (Hebrew: qadosh) (e.g., Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7, 26): Set apart for God, belonging to God, or reflecting God's perfect and separate nature. God is inherently holy, and His people, places of worship, and certain objects were to be made or kept holy.;xNLx;Profane / Common (Hebrew: chol) (e.g., Leviticus 10:10; 22:15): The opposite of holy; that which is ordinary, not set apart for sacred use, or that which has been desecrated or treated as common when it was holy.;xNLx;Clean (Hebrew: tahor) (e.g., Leviticus 10:10; 11:47; chapters 11-15): A state of ritual fitness allowing a person or thing to approach God or participate in sacred rituals.;xNLx;Unclean (Hebrew: tame) (e.g., Leviticus 10:10; 11:47; chapters 11-15): A state of ritual disqualification preventing a person or thing from approaching God or participating in sacred rituals. Uncleanness could result from various sources such as contact with a dead body, certain skin diseases, bodily discharges, or eating forbidden foods. It was often a temporary state requiring purification rituals.;xNLx;Defilement (e.g., Leviticus 11:24; 15:31; 18:20, 24-25, 27-28, 30): The act or state of becoming unclean or polluted, making one unfit for God's presence or holy things.;xNLx;Leprosy / Leprous Disease (Hebrew: tsara'ath) (Leviticus 13-14): A term for a variety of skin diseases, and also for mold or mildew in garments and houses. It rendered a person or object ceremonially unclean and often required isolation and specific purification rituals. It is not identical to modern Hansen's Disease.;xNLx;Discharge (e.g., Leviticus 15): Various bodily emissions (e.g., semen, menstrual blood, abnormal genital discharges) that could cause temporary ritual uncleanness.;xNLx;Purification (e.g., Leviticus 12:4-8; 14:2-32; 15:13-15, 28-30): The ritual process of moving from a state of uncleanness to cleanness, often involving washing, waiting periods, and sacrifices.;xNLx;Sanctify / Make Holy / Consecrate (Hebrew: qadash - piel stem) (e.g., Leviticus 8:10-12, 15, 30; 20:7-8; 21:8; 22:3, 9, 16, 32; 27:14-26): The act of setting apart a person, object, or time as holy unto God. God sanctifies His people, and the people were also commanded to sanctify themselves and certain things.;xNLx;III. Priests and Priesthood:;xNLx;;xNLx;Priest (Hebrew: kohen) (Throughout Leviticus): An individual, specifically Aaron and his male descendants, ordained to mediate between God and the people by offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and overseeing rituals at the Tabernacle.;xNLx;High Priest (Hebrew: hakohen hagadol or hakohen harosh) (e.g., Leviticus 21:10; also implied in Aaron's unique role throughout): The chief priest, with special garments (like the ephod and breastpiece) and unique responsibilities, most notably entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement.;xNLx;Anoint / Anointing (Hebrew: mashach) (e.g., Leviticus 4:3, 5, 16; 6:20; 7:36; 8:10-12, 30; 10:7; 16:32; 21:10, 12): The ritual application of specially prepared holy oil to persons (like priests) or objects (like the Tabernacle and its furnishings) to consecrate or set them apart for sacred use.;xNLx;Consecrate (see "Sanctify" above, often used for priestly ordination, e.g., Leviticus 8): To formally dedicate and set apart individuals, especially priests, for their sacred office through specific ceremonies and offerings.;xNLx;Garments (Holy Garments) (Leviticus 8:7-9, 13; 16:4, 23-24, 32; Chapter 28 of Exodus provides detail): Special attire prescribed for the priests, particularly the High Priest, symbolizing their sacred office and the qualities needed for their service (e.g., ephod, breastpiece, turban).;xNLx;Ephod (Described in Exodus 28, referred to in priestly contexts): A sacred, apron-like vestment worn by the High Priest.;xNLx;Breastpiece (of Judgment) (Described in Exodus 28, referred to in priestly contexts): An ornate pouch attached to the High Priest's ephod, holding twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel, and containing the Urim and Thummim for discerning God's will.;xNLx;Tabernacle / Tent of Meeting (Throughout Leviticus, e.g., Leviticus 1:1): The portable sanctuary where God chose to dwell among His people and where the sacrificial system was centered. "Tent of Meeting" often emphasizes it as the place where God met with Moses and His people.;xNLx;Sanctuary (Hebrew: miqdash or qodesh) (e.g., Leviticus 4:6; 10:4, 18; 12:4; 16:2, 3, 16-17, 20, 23, 27, 33; 19:30; 20:3; 21:12, 23; 26:2, 31): The holy place, referring to the Tabernacle or its precincts, set apart for God's presence and worship.;xNLx;Most Holy Place / Holy of Holies (Hebrew: qodesh haqqadashim) (e.g., Leviticus 16:2-3, 16-17, 20, 23, 27, 33): The innermost chamber of the Tabernacle, containing the Ark of the Covenant, considered the focal point of God's presence, accessible only to the High Priest on the Day of Atonement.;xNLx;Veil (Hebrew: paroketh) (e.g., Leviticus 4:6, 17; 16:2, 12, 15; 21:23; 24:3): The ornate curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle.;xNLx;IV. Feasts and Sacred Times (Leviticus 23, 25):;xNLx;;xNLx;Convocation (Holy Convocation) (Hebrew: miqra qodesh) (Leviticus 23, throughout): A sacred assembly or gathering of the people called by God for worship, rest, and observance of a festival. Work was often prohibited on these days.;xNLx;Sabbath (Hebrew: shabbat) (Leviticus 23:3; 25:2-6): The seventh day of the week, a day of solemn rest, holy to the Lord, on which no ordinary work was to be done. Also refers to the Sabbatical Year.;xNLx;Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) (Leviticus 23:5): The annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt, particularly the "passing over" of the angel of death.;xNLx;Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hebrew: Chag HaMatzot) (Leviticus 23:6-8): A seven-day festival immediately following Passover, during which Israelites ate only unleavened bread, remembering their hasty departure from Egypt.;xNLx;Feast of Firstfruits (Hebrew: Reshit Katzir) (Leviticus 23:9-14): An offering of the first sheaf of the barley harvest, presented to God in acknowledgement of His provision.;xNLx;Feast of Weeks / Pentecost (Hebrew: Shavuot) (Leviticus 23:15-22): Celebrated fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, marking the end of the grain harvest (wheat) and later associated with the giving of the Law at Sinai. It involved offering new grain and two leavened loaves.;xNLx;Feast of Trumpets (Hebrew: Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah) (Leviticus 23:23-25): A day of solemn rest marked by the blowing of trumpets (shofars), calling the people to remembrance and preparation, often seen as a New Year observance.;xNLx;Day of Atonement (Hebrew: Yom Kippur) (Leviticus 16; 23:26-32): The most solemn day of the Israelite religious calendar. The High Priest made atonement for the sins of all the people, the priesthood, and the sanctuary itself. It involved fasting, specific sacrifices, and the scapegoat ritual.;xNLx;Scapegoat (Hebrew: azazel) (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 26): One of two goats used in the Day of Atonement ritual. The High Priest confessed the sins of Israel over this goat, which was then sent away into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away their iniquities. The meaning of "Azazel" is debated (a place, a demon, or "for complete removal").;xNLx;Feast of Booths / Tabernacles (Hebrew: Sukkot) (Leviticus 23:33-43): A seven-day harvest festival in the autumn, during which Israelites lived in temporary shelters (booths) to commemorate their wilderness wanderings and God's provision.;xNLx;Sabbath Year / Sabbatical Year (Leviticus 25:1-7): Every seventh year, the land was to lie fallow (uncultivated), and debts were to be remitted, emphasizing rest for the land and reliance on God.;xNLx;Year of Jubilee (Hebrew: yovel) (Leviticus 25:8-55; 27:17-24): Observed every fiftieth year (after seven Sabbatical Year cycles). It involved the release of Israelite slaves, the return of ancestral land to its original owners, and rest for the land. It was a time of restoration and proclaimed liberty.;xNLx;V. Social and Ethical Regulations:;xNLx;;xNLx;Statutes (Hebrew: chuqqim) / Rules / Ordinances / Judgments (Hebrew: mishpatim) / Commandments (Hebrew: mitsvot) (Throughout Leviticus, e.g., Leviticus 18:4-5, 26; 19:19, 37; 20:8, 22; 25:18; 26:3, 14-15, 43, 46; 27:34): Various terms for the laws and regulations given by God, covering all aspects of life, designed to guide Israel in holiness.;xNLx;Redeem / Redemption (Hebrew: ga'al or padah) (e.g., Leviticus 25:24-34, 47-55; 27:13-33): The act of buying back or reclaiming property that had been sold, or a person who had been sold into servitude, often by a kinsman-redeemer (goel). Also refers to consecrating something to God by vowing its value.;xNLx;Kinsman-Redeemer (Hebrew: goel) (Implied in Leviticus 25 context): A close relative who had the right and responsibility to redeem family members or property that had been lost due to poverty or debt.;xNLx;Molech (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2-5): A Canaanite deity to whom child sacrifice was offered. This practice was strictly forbidden and considered an abomination.;xNLx;Mediums / Necromancers (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27): Individuals who claimed to communicate with the dead or spirits. Consulting them was forbidden as a form of divination and disloyalty to Yahweh.;xNLx;Uncover Nakedness (e.g., Leviticus 18:6-19; 20:11, 17-21): A euphemism for sexual relations, particularly in the context of prohibited incestuous or adulterous relationships.;xNLx;Abomination (Hebrew: toevah) (e.g., Leviticus 18:22, 26-27, 29-30; 20:13): Something detestable, repugnant, or ritually impure in God's sight, often referring to pagan practices, sexual immorality, or idolatry.;xNLx;Blemish (e.g., Leviticus 1:3, 10; 3:1, 6; 4:3, 23, 28, 32; 21:17-23; 22:19-25): A physical defect or imperfection in an animal that would disqualify it from being offered as a sacrifice (it had to be "without blemish"). Also refers to physical defects that would prevent a priest from performing certain altar duties.;xNLx;Gleanings (Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22): The produce left in the corners of fields and vineyards after harvesting, which was to be left for the poor and the sojourner.;xNLx;Sojourner / Stranger (Hebrew: ger) (e.g., Leviticus 16:29; 17:8, 10, 12-13, 15; 18:26; 19:10, 33-34; 20:2; 23:22; 24:16, 22; 25:6, 23, 35, 40, 45, 47): A non-Israelite residing in the land of Israel. The Law included provisions for their just treatment and participation in some aspects of religious life, emphasizing compassion and remembering Israel's own sojourning in Egypt.;xNLx;This list is not exhaustive but aims to cover many of the key terms in Leviticus (ESV) that require specific definition to fully appreciate the book's message and its role within the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative.