King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:16 Mean?

Leviticus 22:16 in the King James Version says “Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them. suffe...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them. suffer: or, lade themselves with the iniquity of trespass in their eating”

Leviticus 22:16 · KJV

Context

14

And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof unto it, and shall give it unto the priest with the holy thing.

15

And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer unto the LORD;

16

Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them. suffer: or, lade themselves with the iniquity of trespass in their eating

17

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

18

Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering;

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them.

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

The central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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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 sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהִשִּׂ֤יאוּ1 of 11

“Or suffer them to bear”

H5375

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

אוֹתָם֙2 of 11
H853

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

עֲוֹ֣ן3 of 11

“the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אַשְׁמָ֔ה4 of 11

“of trespass”

H819

guiltiness, a fault, the presentation of a sin-offering

בְּאָכְלָ֖ם5 of 11

“when they eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת6 of 11
H853

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

קָדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם7 of 11

“their holy things”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כִּ֛י8 of 11
H3588

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

אֲנִ֥י9 of 11
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 11

“for I the LORD”

H3068

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

מְקַדְּשָֽׁם׃11 of 11

“do sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

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 22:16 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 22:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 22:91 Peter 2:24Leviticus 20:8Leviticus 7:18Isaiah 53:11-12Psalms 38:4

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Leviticus 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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