King James Version

What Does Leviticus 17:9 Mean?

Leviticus 17:9 in the King James Version says “And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.”

Leviticus 17:9 · KJV

Context

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,

9

And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.

10

And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

11

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Read Leviticus 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.

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.


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 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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאֶל1 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֜תַח2 of 13

“it not unto the door”

H6607

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

אֹ֤הֶל3 of 13

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵד֙4 of 13

“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

לֹ֣א5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְבִיאֶ֔נּוּ6 of 13

“And bringeth”

H935

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

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת7 of 13

“to offer”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹת֖וֹ8 of 13
H853

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה9 of 13

“it unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וְנִכְרַ֛ת10 of 13

“shall be cut off”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

הָאִ֥ישׁ11 of 13

“even that man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַה֖וּא12 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מֵֽעַמָּֽיו׃13 of 13

“from among his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 17:4

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