King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:18 Mean?

Leviticus 22:18 in the King James Version says “Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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;

Leviticus 22:18 · KJV


Context

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;

19

Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

20

But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
דַּבֵּ֨ר1 of 29

Speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶֽל2 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֜ן3 of 29

unto Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶל4 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י5 of 29

and to his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֶל֙6 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל7 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 29

and to his sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל9 of 29

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֖10 of 29

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֑ם11 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִישׁ֩12 of 29

unto them Whatsoever he be

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִישׁ֩13 of 29

unto them Whatsoever he be

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִבֵּ֨ית14 of 29

of the house

H1004

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

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל15 of 29

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּמִן16 of 29
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגֵּ֣ר17 of 29

or of the strangers

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל18 of 29

in Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁ֨ר19 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַקְרִ֥יבוּ20 of 29

that will offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

קָרְבָּנוֹ֙21 of 29

his oblation

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

לְכָל22 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נִדְרֵיהֶם֙23 of 29

for all his vows

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

וּלְכָל24 of 29
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נִדְבוֹתָ֔ם25 of 29

and for all his freewill offerings

H5071

properly (abstractly) spontaneity, or (adjectively) spontaneous; also (concretely) a spontaneous or (by inference, in plural) abundant gift

אֲשֶׁר26 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַקְרִ֥יבוּ27 of 29

that will offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַֽיהוָ֖ה28 of 29

unto the LORD

H3068

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

לְעֹלָֽה׃29 of 29

for a burnt offering

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)


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 22:18 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 22:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study