King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:23 Mean?

Leviticus 6:23 in the King James Version says “For every meat offering for the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For every meat offering for the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten.

Leviticus 6:23 · KJV


Context

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.

23

For every meat offering for the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten.

24

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

25

Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it is most holy.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For every meat offering for the priest shall be wholly burnt: it shall not be eaten.

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.
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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְכָל1 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִנְחַ֥ת2 of 7

For every meat offering

H4503

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

כֹּהֵ֛ן3 of 7

for the priest

H3548

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

כָּלִ֥יל4 of 7

shall be wholly burnt

H3632

complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully

תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה5 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לֹ֥א6 of 7
H3808

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

תֵֽאָכֵֽל׃7 of 7

it shall not be eaten

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)


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 6:23 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 6:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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