King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:3 Mean?

Leviticus 24:3 in the King James Version says “Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 24:3 · 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.

5

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
מִחוּץ֩1 of 17

Without

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לְפָרֹ֨כֶת2 of 17

the vail

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

הָֽעֵדֻ֜ת3 of 17

of the testimony

H5715

testimony

בְּאֹ֣הֶל4 of 17

in the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֗ד5 of 17

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

יַֽעֲרֹךְ֩6 of 17

order

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

אֹת֨וֹ7 of 17
H853

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֜ן8 of 17

shall Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

מֵעֶ֧רֶב9 of 17

it from the evening

H6153

dusk

עַד10 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּ֛קֶר11 of 17

unto the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

לִפְנֵ֥י12 of 17

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

תָּמִ֑יד14 of 17

continually

H8548

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

חֻקַּ֥ת15 of 17

it shall be a statute

H2708

a statute

עוֹלָ֖ם16 of 17

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃17 of 17

in your generations

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling


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 24:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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