King James Version

What Does Leviticus 5:12 Mean?

Leviticus 5:12 in the King James Version says “Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering.”

Leviticus 5:12 · KJV

Context

10

And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. manner: or, ordinance

11

But if he be not able to bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then he that sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering; he shall put no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankincense thereon: for it is a sin offering.

12

Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering.

13

And the priest shall make an atonement for him as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him: and the remnant shall be the priest's, as a meat offering.

14

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Read Leviticus 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shall he bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even a memorial thereof, and burn it on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: it is a sin offering.

This verse falls within the section on Guilt Offerings. The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) addressed specific trespasses requiring both sacrifice and restitution, emphasizing sin's relational damage.

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.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) addressed specific trespasses requiring both sacrifice and restitution, emphasizing sin's relational damage. 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. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וֶֽהֱבִיאָהּ֮1 of 17

“Then shall he bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן׀3 of 17

“and the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְקָמַ֣ץ4 of 17

“shall take”

H7061

to grasp with the hand

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן׀5 of 17

“and the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מִ֠מֶּנָּה6 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

מְל֨וֹא7 of 17

“his handful”

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

קֻמְצ֜וֹ8 of 17
H7062

a grasp, i.e., handful

אֶת9 of 17
H853

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

אַזְכָּֽרָתָהּ֙10 of 17

“of it even a memorial”

H234

a reminder; specifically remembrance-offering

וְהִקְטִ֣יר11 of 17

“thereof and burn”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה12 of 17

“it on the altar”

H4196

an altar

עַ֖ל13 of 17
H5921

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

אִשֵּׁ֣י14 of 17

“according to the offerings made by fire”

H801

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

יְהוָ֑ה15 of 17

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

חַטָּ֖את16 of 17

“it is a sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

הִֽוא׃17 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 5:12 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 5:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:35Leviticus 2:9Leviticus 2:2Leviticus 6:15Acts 10:4Leviticus 1:13

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