King James Version

What Does Leviticus 17:5 Mean?

Leviticus 17:5 in the King James Version says “To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they ma...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them for peace offerings unto the LORD.”

Leviticus 17:5 · KJV

Peace

Context

3

What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,

4

And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer an offering unto the LORD before the tabernacle of the LORD; blood shall be imputed unto that man; he hath shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people:

5

To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them for peace offerings unto the LORD.

6

And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

7

And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.

Read Leviticus 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest, and offer them for peace offerings unto the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Sanctity of Blood. Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement.

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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Regulations prohibiting consumption of blood and requiring proper slaughter, emphasizing blood's sacred role in atonement. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. 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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
לְמַעַן֩1 of 26
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 26
H834

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

וֶֽהֱבִיאֻ֣ם3 of 26

“even that they may bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 26

“To the end that the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל5 of 26

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶֽת6 of 26
H853

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

זִבְחֵ֧י7 of 26

“offerings”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 26
H834

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

הֵ֣ם9 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְזָ֨בְח֜וּ10 of 26

“and offer”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

עַל11 of 26
H5921

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

פְּנֵ֣י12 of 26

“in the open”

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

הַשָּׂדֶה֒13 of 26

“field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וֶֽהֱבִיאֻ֣ם14 of 26

“even that they may bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה15 of 26

“them unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל16 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֛תַח17 of 26

“unto the door”

H6607

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

אֹ֥הֶל18 of 26

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֖ד19 of 26

“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

אֶל20 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵ֑ן21 of 26

“unto the priest”

H3548

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

וְזָ֨בְח֜וּ22 of 26

“and offer”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

זִבְחֵ֧י23 of 26

“offerings”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

שְׁלָמִ֛ים24 of 26

“them for peace”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

לַֽיהוָ֖ה25 of 26

“them unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אוֹתָֽם׃26 of 26
H853

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

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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 28:4Genesis 22:131 Kings 14:232 Kings 16:4Genesis 21:33Genesis 22:2

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 17 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes