King James Version

What Does Leviticus 3:8 Mean?

Leviticus 3:8 in the King James Version says “And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaro...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.”

Leviticus 3:8 · KJV

Context

6

And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

7

If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the LORD.

8

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

9

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

10

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

Read Leviticus 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

This verse falls within the section on Peace Offerings. The peace offering (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) celebrated fellowship with God and community, with portions shared between God, priests, and worshipers.

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 five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice. Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The peace offering (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) celebrated fellowship with God and community, with portions shared between God, priests, and worshipers. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְסָמַ֤ךְ1 of 19

“And he shall lay”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

אֶת2 of 19
H853

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

יָדוֹ֙3 of 19

“his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עַל4 of 19
H5921

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

רֹ֣אשׁ5 of 19

“upon the head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

קָרְבָּנ֔וֹ6 of 19

“of his offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

וְשָׁחַ֣ט7 of 19

“and kill”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֹת֔וֹ8 of 19
H853

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

לִפְנֵ֖י9 of 19

“it 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

אֹ֣הֶל10 of 19

“the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד11 of 19

“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

וְ֠זָֽרְקוּ12 of 19

“shall sprinkle”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

בְּנֵ֨י13 of 19

“sons”

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֧ן14 of 19

“and Aaron's”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת15 of 19
H853

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

דָּמ֛וֹ16 of 19

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

עַל17 of 19
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ18 of 19

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

סָבִֽיב׃19 of 19

“thereof round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 1:5Ephesians 2:18Leviticus 4:151 Peter 2:24Hebrews 10:19-22Leviticus 4:4

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 3 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes