King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:20 Mean?

Leviticus 6:20 in the King James Version says “This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.”

Leviticus 6:20 · KJV

Context

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,

20

This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.

21

In a pan it shall be made with oil; and when it is baken, thou shalt bring it in: and the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

22

And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: it is a statute for ever unto the LORD; it shall be wholly burnt.

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.

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 New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

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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 help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
זֶ֡ה1 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

קָרְבַּן֩2 of 19

“This is the offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן3 of 19

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּבָנָ֜יו4 of 19

“and of his 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

אֲשֶׁר5 of 19
H834

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

יַקְרִ֣יבוּ6 of 19

“which they shall offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַֽיהוָ֗ה7 of 19

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּיוֹם֙8 of 19

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִמָּשַׁ֣ח9 of 19

“when he is anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹת֔וֹ10 of 19
H853

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

עֲשִׂירִ֨ת11 of 19

“the tenth part”

H6224

tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part

הָֽאֵפָ֥ה12 of 19

“of an ephah”

H374

an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general

סֹ֛לֶת13 of 19

“of fine flour”

H5560

flour (as chipped off)

מִנְחָ֖ה14 of 19

“for a meat offering”

H4503

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

תָּמִ֑יד15 of 19

“perpetual”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וּמַֽחֲצִיתָ֖הּ16 of 19

“and half”

H4276

a halving or the middle

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר17 of 19

“of it in the morning”

H1242

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

וּמַֽחֲצִיתָ֖הּ18 of 19

“and half”

H4276

a halving or the middle

בָּעָֽרֶב׃19 of 19

“thereof at night”

H6153

dusk

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 6:20 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 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:2Exodus 16:36Hebrews 8:3-4Numbers 18:26-32Leviticus 2:1-16Numbers 28:3

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