King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:6 Mean?

Leviticus 24:6 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.”

Leviticus 24:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.

7

And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

8

Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

Read Leviticus 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to 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. 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 can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥1 of 11

“And thou shalt set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אוֹתָ֛ם2 of 11
H853

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

שְׁתַּ֥יִם3 of 11

“them in two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מַֽעֲרָכ֖וֹת4 of 11

“rows”

H4634

an arrangement; concretely, a pile; specifically a military array

שֵׁ֣שׁ5 of 11

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

הַֽמַּעֲרָ֑כֶת6 of 11

“on a row”

H4635

an arrangement, i.e., (concretely) a pile (of loaves)

עַ֛ל7 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֥ן8 of 11

“table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

הַטָּהֹ֖ר9 of 11

“upon the pure”

H2889

pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)

לִפְנֵ֥י10 of 11

“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

יְהוָֽה׃11 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 24:6 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 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:48Exodus 25:23-242 Chronicles 4:19Hebrews 9:22 Chronicles 13:11Exodus 37:10-16

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