King James Version

What Does Leviticus 1:5 Mean?

Leviticus 1:5 in the King James Version says “And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the bl...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.”

Leviticus 1:5 · KJV

Context

3

If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

4

And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

5

And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

6

And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

7

And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire:

Read Leviticus 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְשָׁחַ֛ט1 of 22

“And he shall kill”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶת2 of 22
H853

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

בְּנֵ֨י3 of 22

“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

הַבָּקָ֖ר4 of 22
H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

לִפְנֵ֣י5 of 22

“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

יְהוָ֑ה6 of 22

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וְ֠הִקְרִיבוּ7 of 22

“shall bring”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

בְּנֵ֨י8 of 22

“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

אַֽהֲרֹ֤ן9 of 22

“Aaron's”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙10 of 22

“and the priests”

H3548

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

אֶת11 of 22
H853

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

הַדָּ֤ם12 of 22

“the 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

וְזָֽרְק֨וּ13 of 22

“and sprinkle”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

אֶת14 of 22
H853

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

הַדָּ֤ם15 of 22

“the 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

עַל16 of 22
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙17 of 22

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

סָבִ֔יב18 of 22

“round about”

H5439

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

אֲשֶׁר19 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פֶּ֖תַח20 of 22

“that is by the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֥הֶל21 of 22

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃22 of 22

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:11Leviticus 3:8Leviticus 3:2Hebrews 12:241 Peter 1:22 Chronicles 35:11

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