King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:17 Mean?

Leviticus 6:17 in the King James Version says “It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.”

Leviticus 6:17 · KJV

Context

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.

17

It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.

18

All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.

19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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 God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹ֤א1 of 12
H3808

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

תֵֽאָפֶה֙2 of 12

“It shall not be baken”

H644

to cook, especially to bake

חָמֵ֔ץ3 of 12

“with leaven”

H2557

ferment, (figuratively) extortion

חֶלְקָ֛ם4 of 12

“it unto them for their portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

נָתַ֥תִּי5 of 12

“I have given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹתָ֖הּ6 of 12
H853

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

מֵֽאִשָּׁ֑י7 of 12

“of my offerings made by fire”

H801

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

קָֽדָשִׁים֙8 of 12

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִׁים֙9 of 12

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הִ֔וא10 of 12
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

כַּֽחַטָּ֖את11 of 12

“as is the sin offering”

H2403

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

וְכָֽאָשָֽׁם׃12 of 12

“and as the trespass offering”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

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 6:17 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 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:9-10Leviticus 2:11Leviticus 6:25Leviticus 2:3Exodus 29:33-34Leviticus 7:1

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