King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:6 Mean?

Leviticus 19:6 in the King James Version says “It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burn...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire.”

Leviticus 19:6 · KJV

Context

4

Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.

5

And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will.

6

It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire.

7

And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable; it shall not be accepted.

8

Therefore every one that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  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
י֣וֹם1 of 10

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

זִבְחֲכֶ֛ם2 of 10

“ye offer”

H2077

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

יֵֽאָכֵ֖ל3 of 10

“It shall be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּמִֽמָּחֳרָ֑ת4 of 10

“it and on the morrow”

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

וְהַנּוֹתָר֙5 of 10

“and if ought remain”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

עַד6 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

י֣וֹם7 of 10

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י8 of 10

“until the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

בָּאֵ֖שׁ9 of 10

“in the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

יִשָּׂרֵֽף׃10 of 10

“it shall be burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

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 19:6 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 19:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 7:11-17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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