King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:14 Mean?

Leviticus 6:14 in the King James Version says “And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 6:14 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD.

16

And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before 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.
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 understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְזֹ֥את1 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֖ת2 of 12

“And this is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַמִּנְחָ֑ה3 of 12

“of the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

הַקְרֵ֨ב4 of 12

“shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֹתָ֤הּ5 of 12
H853

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

בְּנֵֽי6 of 12

“the 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

אַהֲרֹן֙7 of 12

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

פְּנֵ֖י8 of 12

“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

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל10 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פְּנֵ֖י11 of 12

“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

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃12 of 12

“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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:1-2Numbers 15:4John 6:32Numbers 15:6Numbers 15:9

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