King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:37 Mean?

Leviticus 7:37 in the King James Version says “This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;”

Leviticus 7:37 · KJV

Peace

Context

35

This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest's office;

36

Which the LORD commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them, by a statute for ever throughout their generations.

37

This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;

38

Which the LORD commanded Moses in mount Sinai, in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblations unto the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;

This verse falls within the section on Further Offering Regulations. Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy things.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Additional laws concerning offerings, including prohibitions on eating fat and blood, establishing boundaries for holy 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  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 · 9 words
זֹ֣את1 of 9
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַתּוֹרָ֗ה2 of 9

“This is the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

לָֽעֹלָה֙3 of 9

“of the burnt offering”

H5930

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

לַמִּנְחָ֔ה4 of 9

“of the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וְלַֽחַטָּ֖את5 of 9

“and of the sin offering”

H2403

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

וְלָֽאָשָׁ֑ם6 of 9

“and of the trespass offering”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

וְלַ֨מִּלּוּאִ֔ים7 of 9

“and of the consecrations”

H4394

a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)

וּלְזֶ֖בַח8 of 9

“and of the sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

הַשְּׁלָמִֽים׃9 of 9

“of the peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

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 7:37 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 7:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:1Leviticus 1:1-5:6Leviticus 6:20-7:7Exodus 29:38-42Leviticus 6:9-18Leviticus 7:11-21

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