King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:12 Mean?

Leviticus 6:12 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 6:12 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

13

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

14

And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar.

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
The holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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 · 20 words
וְהָאֵ֨שׁ1 of 20

“And the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

עַל2 of 20
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֤חַ3 of 20

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

תּֽוּקַד4 of 20

“shall be burning”

H3344

to burn

בּוֹ֙5 of 20
H0
לֹ֣א6 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִכְבֶּ֔ה7 of 20

“in it it shall not be put out”

H3518

to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

וּבִעֵ֨ר8 of 20

“shall burn”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

עָלֶ֧יהָ9 of 20
H5921

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

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן10 of 20

“and the priest”

H3548

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

עֵצִ֖ים11 of 20

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

בַּבֹּ֑קֶר12 of 20

“on it every morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

בַּבֹּ֑קֶר13 of 20

“on it every morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְעָרַ֤ךְ14 of 20

“in order”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙15 of 20
H5921

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

הָֽעֹלָ֔ה16 of 20

“and lay the burnt offering”

H5930

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

וְהִקְטִ֥יר17 of 20

“upon it and he shall burn”

H6999

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

עָלֶ֖יהָ18 of 20
H5921

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

חֶלְבֵ֥י19 of 20

“thereon the fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

הַשְּׁלָמִֽים׃20 of 20

“of the peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

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 6:12 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 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 9:24Exodus 29:38-42Leviticus 3:3-5Nehemiah 13:31Leviticus 3:9-11Leviticus 1:7-9

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