King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:7 Mean?

Leviticus 24:7 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 24:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

Read Leviticus 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice. 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. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How can you develop greater spiritual discernment in distinguishing what honors God from what defiles?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥1 of 10

“And thou shalt put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל2 of 10
H5921

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

הַֽמַּעֲרֶ֖כֶת3 of 10

“upon each row”

H4635

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

לְבֹנָ֣ה4 of 10

“frankincense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

זַכָּ֑ה5 of 10

“pure”

H2134

clear

וְהָֽיְתָ֤ה6 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לַלֶּ֙חֶם֙7 of 10

“that it may be on the bread”

H3899

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

לְאַזְכָּרָ֔ה8 of 10

“for a memorial”

H234

a reminder; specifically remembrance-offering

אִשֶּׁ֖ה9 of 10

“even an offering made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

לַֽיהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“unto 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 24:7 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 24:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:2Revelation 8:3-4Hebrews 7:25Exodus 13:91 Corinthians 11:23-25Genesis 9:16

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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