King James Version

What Does Leviticus 17:6 Mean?

Leviticus 17:6 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, an...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 17:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,

Read Leviticus 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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

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. 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְזָרַ֨ק1 of 15

“shall sprinkle”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

הַכֹּהֵ֤ן2 of 15

“And the priest”

H3548

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

אֶת3 of 15
H853

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

הַדָּם֙4 of 15

“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

עַל5 of 15
H5921

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

מִזְבַּ֣ח6 of 15

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָֽה׃7 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

פֶּ֖תַח8 of 15

“at the door”

H6607

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

אֹ֣הֶל9 of 15

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד10 of 15

“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

וְהִקְטִ֣יר11 of 15

“and burn”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

הַחֵ֔לֶב12 of 15

“the fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

לְרֵ֥יחַ13 of 15

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ14 of 15

“for a sweet”

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

לַֽיהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 17:6 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 17:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:17Leviticus 3:2Leviticus 4:31Exodus 29:18Leviticus 3:8Leviticus 3:13

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

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