King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:10 Mean?

Leviticus 6:10 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.”

Leviticus 6:10 · KJV

Context

8

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

9

Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. because: or, for the burning

10

And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.

11

And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place.

12

And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.

This verse falls within the section on Priestly Instructions for Offerings. Detailed regulations for priests administering the sacrificial system, emphasizing holiness and proper handling of sacred things.

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.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Detailed regulations for priests administering the sacrificial system, emphasizing holiness and proper handling of sacred things. 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. 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. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
יִלְבַּ֣שׁ1 of 22

“shall he put”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן2 of 22

“And the priest”

H3548

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

מִדּ֣וֹ3 of 22

“garment”

H4055

properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet

בַד֮4 of 22

“and his linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

וּמִֽכְנְסֵי5 of 22

“breeches”

H4370

(only in dual) drawers (from concealing the private parts)

בַד֮6 of 22

“and his linen”

H906

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

יִלְבַּ֣שׁ7 of 22

“shall he put”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

עַל8 of 22
H5921

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

בְּשָׂרוֹ֒9 of 22

“upon his flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וְהֵרִ֣ים10 of 22

“and take up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

אֶת11 of 22
H853

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

הַדֶּ֗שֶׁן12 of 22

“the ashes”

H1880

the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices

אֲשֶׁ֨ר13 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֹּאכַ֥ל14 of 22

“hath consumed”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הָאֵ֛שׁ15 of 22

“which the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

אֶת16 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָֽעֹלָ֖ה17 of 22

“with the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

עַל18 of 22
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃19 of 22

“on the altar”

H4196

an altar

וְשָׂמ֕וֹ20 of 22

“and he shall put”

H7760

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

אֵ֖צֶל21 of 22

“them beside”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃22 of 22

“on the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 6:10 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 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:39-43Leviticus 16:4Exodus 39:27-29Psalms 37:20Numbers 16:21Revelation 19:8

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