King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:2 Mean?

Leviticus 24:2 in the King James Version says “Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to bur...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. to cause: Heb. to cause to ascend”

Leviticus 24:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. to cause: Heb. to cause to ascend

3

Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.

4

He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.

Read Leviticus 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.

This verse falls within the section on Oil, Bread, and Blasphemy. Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name.

Ritual purity laws taught Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, holy and common, training them in discernment and reverence for God's presence.
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

Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name. 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 can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
צַ֞ו1 of 14

“Command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת2 of 14
H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 14

“the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל4 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

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

וְיִקְח֨וּ5 of 14

“that they bring”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֜יךָ6 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שֶׁ֣מֶן7 of 14

“oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

זַ֥יִת8 of 14

“olive”

H2132

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

זָ֛ךְ9 of 14

“unto thee pure”

H2134

clear

כָּתִ֖ית10 of 14

“beaten”

H3795

beaten, i.e., pure (oil)

לַמָּא֑וֹר11 of 14

“for the light”

H3974

properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli

לְהַֽעֲלֹ֥ת12 of 14

“to burn”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

נֵ֖ר13 of 14

“to cause the lamps”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

תָּמִֽיד׃14 of 14

“continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

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 24:2 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 24:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:6Ephesians 5:8-14Exodus 27:20-21John 8:12Philippians 2:15-16Acts 26:18

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