King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:21 Mean?

Leviticus 19:21 in the King James Version says “And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering.”

Leviticus 19:21 · KJV

Context

19

Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.

20

And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. betrothed: or, abused by any: Heb. reproached by (or, for) man she shall: or, they, etc: Heb. there shall be a scourging

21

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering.

22

And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.

23

And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised : three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
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

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). 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. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְהֵבִ֤יא1 of 10

“And he shall bring”

H935

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

אֶת2 of 10
H853

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

אָשָֽׁם׃3 of 10

“for a trespass offering”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

לַֽיהוָ֔ה4 of 10

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל5 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֶּ֖תַח6 of 10

“unto the door”

H6607

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

אֹ֣הֶל7 of 10

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד8 of 10

“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

אֵ֖יל9 of 10

“even a ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

אָשָֽׁם׃10 of 10

“for a trespass offering”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

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 19:21 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 19:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 6:6-7Leviticus 5:1-6Leviticus 5:15

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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