King James Version

What Does Leviticus 12:7 Mean?

Leviticus 12:7 in the King James Version says “Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.”

Leviticus 12:7 · KJV

Context

5

But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.

6

And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: of the first: Heb. a son of his year

7

Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

8

And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean. she be: Heb. her hand find not sufficiency of

Read Leviticus 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

This verse falls within the section on Purification After Childbirth. Regulations for ritual purification following childbirth, acknowledging both the blessing of life and effects of the fall.

The Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence. 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

Regulations for ritual purification following childbirth, acknowledging both the blessing of life and effects of the fall. Chapters 11-15 address ritual purity, teaching Israel to distinguish clean from unclean. These laws served multiple purposes: promoting health, teaching spiritual lessons about sin's defilement, and separating Israel from pagan practices. Archaeological evidence shows Canaanite worship involved practices Israel's laws explicitly prohibited. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהִקְרִיב֞וֹ1 of 14

“Who shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לִפְנֵ֤י2 of 14

“it 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

יְהוָה֙3 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וְכִפֶּ֣ר4 of 14

“and make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלֶ֔יהָ5 of 14
H5921

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

וְטָֽהֲרָ֖ה6 of 14

“for her and she shall be cleansed”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

מִמְּקֹ֣ר7 of 14

“from the issue”

H4726

properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);

דָּמֶ֑יהָ8 of 14

“of her 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

זֹ֤את9 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַת֙10 of 14

“This is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַיֹּלֶ֔דֶת11 of 14

“for her that hath born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לַזָּכָ֖ר12 of 14

“a male”

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

א֥וֹ13 of 14
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

לַנְּקֵבָֽה׃14 of 14

“or a female”

H5347

female (from the sexual form)

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 12:7 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 12:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 14:4Leviticus 4:26Hebrews 9:12-14Leviticus 4:35Leviticus 4:20Romans 3:26

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