King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:11 Mean?

Leviticus 22:11 in the King James Version says “But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of h...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat. with: Heb. with the purchase of his money”

Leviticus 22:11 · KJV

Context

9

They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.

10

There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.

11

But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat. with: Heb. with the purchase of his money

12

If the priest's daughter also be married unto a stranger , she may not eat of an offering of the holy things. a stranger: Heb. a man a stranger

13

But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof.

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.

This verse falls within the section on Acceptable Sacrifices. Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality.

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.
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

Requirements for acceptable sacrifices and those who may eat sacred offerings, maintaining sacrifice quality. 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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְכֹהֵ֗ן1 of 14

“But if the priest”

H3548

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

כִּֽי2 of 14
H3588

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

יִקְנֶ֥ה3 of 14

“buy”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

נֶ֙פֶשׁ֙4 of 14

“any 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

קִנְיַ֣ן5 of 14

“with”

H7075

creation, i.e., (concretely) creatures; also acquisition, purchase, wealth

כַּסְפּ֔וֹ6 of 14

“his money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

ה֖וּא7 of 14
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

יֹֽאכְל֥וּ8 of 14

“he shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בּ֑וֹ9 of 14
H0
וִילִ֣יד10 of 14

“of it and he that is born”

H3211

born

בֵּית֔וֹ11 of 14

“in his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הֵ֖ם12 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יֹֽאכְל֥וּ13 of 14

“he shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְלַחְמֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“of his meat”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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 22:11 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 22:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 17:13Numbers 18:11-13Exodus 12:44

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