King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:26 Mean?

Leviticus 6:26 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 6:26 · KJV

Context

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.

28

But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken: and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 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 · 10 words
הַכֹּהֵ֛ן1 of 10

“The priest”

H3548

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

הַֽמְחַטֵּ֥א2 of 10

“that offereth it for sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אֹתָ֖הּ3 of 10
H853

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

תֵּֽאָכֵ֔ל4 of 10

“shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְּמָק֤וֹם5 of 10

“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)

קָדֹשׁ֙6 of 10

“it in the holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

תֵּֽאָכֵ֔ל7 of 10

“shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בַּֽחֲצַ֖ר8 of 10

“in the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

אֹ֥הֶל9 of 10

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃10 of 10

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 6:26 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 6:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 10:17-18Ezekiel 44:28-29Ezekiel 46:20Ezekiel 42:13Hosea 4:8Numbers 18:9-10

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