King James Version

What Does Leviticus 1:11 Mean?

Leviticus 1:11 in the King James Version says “And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle h...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.”

Leviticus 1:11 · KJV

Context

9

But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

10

And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

11

And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.

12

And he shall cut it into his pieces, with his head and his fat: and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:

13

But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Read Leviticus 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.

This verse falls within the section on Burnt Offerings. The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) represents complete consecration to God. Unlike other offerings, it was entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total dedication.

The Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice. Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) represents complete consecration to God. Unlike other offerings, it was entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total dedication. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְשָׁחַ֨ט1 of 17

“And he shall kill”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֹת֜וֹ2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַ֣ל3 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יֶ֧רֶךְ4 of 17

“it on the side”

H3409

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ5 of 17

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

צָפֹ֖נָה6 of 17

“northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

לִפְנֵ֣י7 of 17

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְזָֽרְק֡וּ9 of 17

“shall sprinkle”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

בְּנֵי֩10 of 17

“sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן11 of 17

“Aaron's”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֧ים12 of 17

“and the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶת13 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּמ֛וֹ14 of 17

“his blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

עַל15 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ16 of 17

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

סָבִֽיב׃17 of 17

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:5Leviticus 9:12-14Leviticus 1:7-9Ezekiel 8:5Exodus 40:22Leviticus 7:2

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