King James Version

What Does Leviticus 22:7 Mean?

Leviticus 22:7 in the King James Version says “And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food.”

Leviticus 22:7 · KJV

Context

5

Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath;

6

The soul which hath touched any such shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water.

7

And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food.

8

That which dieth of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I am the LORD.

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.

Read Leviticus 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food.

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. Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּבָ֥א1 of 10

“is down”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ2 of 10

“And when the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וְטָהֵ֑ר3 of 10

“he shall be clean”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

וְאַחַר֙4 of 10

“and shall afterward”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יֹאכַ֣ל5 of 10

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִן6 of 10
H4480

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

הַקֳּדָשִׁ֔ים7 of 10

“of the holy things”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כִּ֥י8 of 10
H3588

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

לַחְמ֖וֹ9 of 10

“because it is his food”

H3899

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

הֽוּא׃10 of 10
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

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 22:7 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 22:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 21:22Deuteronomy 18:3-4Numbers 18:11-191 Corinthians 9:13-141 Corinthians 9:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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