King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:25 Mean?

Leviticus 6:25 in the King James Version says “Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 6:25 · KJV

Context

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.

26

The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation.

27

Whatsoever shall touch the flesh thereof shall be holy: and when there is sprinkled of the blood thereof upon any garment, thou shalt wash that whereon it was sprinkled in the holy place.

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 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. 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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
דַּבֵּ֤ר1 of 20

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶֽל2 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹן֙3 of 20

“unto Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶל4 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בָּנָ֣יו5 of 20

“and to 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

לֵאמֹ֔ר6 of 20

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זֹ֥את7 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֖ת8 of 20

“This is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַֽחַטָּאת֙9 of 20

“of the sin offering”

H2403

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

בִּמְק֡וֹם10 of 20

“In the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר֩11 of 20
H834

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

תִּשָּׁחֵ֤ט12 of 20

“be killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

הָֽעֹלָ֜ה13 of 20

“where the burnt offering”

H5930

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

תִּשָּׁחֵ֤ט14 of 20

“be killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

הַֽחַטָּאת֙15 of 20

“of the sin offering”

H2403

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

לִפְנֵ֣י16 of 20

“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

יְהוָ֔ה17 of 20

“the LORD”

H3068

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

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים18 of 20

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים19 of 20

“holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הִֽוא׃20 of 20
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

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 6:25 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 6:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:24Leviticus 1:11Leviticus 1:3Leviticus 4:29Leviticus 1:5Leviticus 4:2-21

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