King James Version

What Does Leviticus 6:9 Mean?

Leviticus 6:9 in the King James Version says “Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burn...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. because: or, for the burning”

Leviticus 6:9 · KJV

Context

7

And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.

8

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

9

Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. because: or, for the burning

10

And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.

11

And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place.

Read Leviticus 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it.

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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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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 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 understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
צַ֤ו1 of 23

“Command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶֽת2 of 23
H853

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

אַהֲרֹן֙3 of 23

“Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶת4 of 23
H853

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

בָּנָ֣יו5 of 23

“and 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 23

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

זֹ֥את7 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֖ת8 of 23

“This is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הָֽעֹלָ֡ה9 of 23

“It is the burnt offering”

H5930

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

הִ֣וא10 of 23
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

הָֽעֹלָ֡ה11 of 23

“It is the burnt offering”

H5930

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

עַל֩12 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֽוֹקְדָ֨ה13 of 23

“because of the burning”

H4169

fuel

עַל14 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ15 of 23

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

כָּל16 of 23
H3605

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

הַלַּ֙יְלָה֙17 of 23

“all night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

עַד18 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַבֹּ֔קֶר19 of 23

“unto the morning”

H1242

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

וְאֵ֥שׁ20 of 23

“and the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ21 of 23

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

תּ֥וּקַד22 of 23

“shall be burning”

H3344

to burn

בּֽוֹ׃23 of 23
H0

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:38-42Numbers 28:3Leviticus 6:12-13Leviticus 1:1-17Numbers 28:9

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