King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:38 Mean?

Leviticus 7:38 in the King James Version says “Which the LORD commanded Moses in mount Sinai, in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblati... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Leviticus 7:38 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.


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

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אֲשֶׁ֨ר1 of 18
H834

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

צַוֹּת֜וֹ2 of 18

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לַֽיהוָ֖ה3 of 18

Which the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת4 of 18
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֖ה5 of 18

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּהַ֣ר6 of 18

in mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

סִינָֽי׃7 of 18

Sinai

H5514

sinai, mountain of arabia

בְּי֨וֹם8 of 18

in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

צַוֹּת֜וֹ9 of 18

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת10 of 18
H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י11 of 18

the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל12 of 18

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְהַקְרִ֧יב13 of 18

to offer

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת14 of 18
H853

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

קָרְבְּנֵיהֶ֛ם15 of 18

their oblations

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

לַֽיהוָ֖ה16 of 18

Which the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּמִדְבַּ֥ר17 of 18

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

סִינָֽי׃18 of 18

Sinai

H5514

sinai, mountain of arabia


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 7:38 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 7:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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