King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:8 Mean?

Leviticus 19:8 in the King James Version says “Therefore every one that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 19:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.

10

And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאֹֽכְלָיו֙1 of 12

“Therefore every one that eateth”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

עֲוֹנ֣וֹ2 of 12

“his iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

יִשָּׂ֔א3 of 12

“it shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כִּֽי4 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶת5 of 12
H853

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

קֹ֥דֶשׁ6 of 12

“the hallowed thing”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

חִלֵּ֑ל8 of 12

“because he hath profaned”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה9 of 12

“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

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ10 of 12

“and that soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַהִ֖וא11 of 12
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

מֵֽעַמֶּֽיהָ׃12 of 12

“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 19:8 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 19:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 22:15Leviticus 5:1

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