King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:28 Mean?

Leviticus 6:28 in the King James Version says “But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken: and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scour... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 6:28 · KJV


Context

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.

29

All the males among the priests shall eat thereof: it is most holy.

30

And no sin offering, whereof any of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile withal in the holy place, shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בִּכְלִ֤י1 of 13

pot

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

חֶ֛רֶשׂ2 of 13

But the earthen

H2789

a piece of pottery

אֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 13
H834

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

בֻּשָּׁ֔לָה4 of 13

and if it be sodden

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

בּ֖וֹ5 of 13
H0
יִשָּׁבֵ֑ר6 of 13

shall be broken

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְאִם7 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בִּכְלִ֤י8 of 13

pot

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

נְחֹ֙שֶׁת֙9 of 13

in a brasen

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

בֻּשָּׁ֔לָה10 of 13

and if it be sodden

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

וּמֹרַ֥ק11 of 13

it shall be both scoured

H4838

to polish; by implication, to sharpen; also to rinse

וְשֻׁטַּ֖ף12 of 13

and rinsed

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

בַּמָּֽיִם׃13 of 13

in water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen


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 6:28 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 6:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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