King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:2 Mean?

“In the place where they kill the burnt offering shall they kill the trespass offering: and the blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon the altar.”

Context

Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy.

In the place where they kill the burnt offering shall they kill the trespass offering: and the blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon the altar.

And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2, 4) **In the place where they kill.**—That is, the north side of the altar (Leviticus 1:11). **Shall they kill the trespass offering.**—That is, the people who bring these sacrifices shall kill them, since the offerers themselves slaughtered the victim. (See Leviticus 1:5.) **The blood thereof shall he sprinkle.**—Better, *throw the blood. *(See Leviticus 1:5.) Unlike the sin offering, the blood of which was thrown upon the horns of the altar (Leviticus 4:25; Leviticus 4:30; Leviticus 4:34), that of the trespass offering was simply thrown upon the walls of the altar, or round about it. (See Leviticus 5:9.) During the second Temple there was a scarlet line or thread round the altar, exactly in the middle. The blood of the trespass offering and of the peace offering was thrown round about below the central line, whilst that of the whole burnt offering was thrown round about above the central line.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 7:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.