King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:5 Mean?

Leviticus 7:5 in the King James Version says “And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a trespass offering. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a trespass offering.

Leviticus 7:5 · KJV


Context

3

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

4

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:

5

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a trespass offering.

6

Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy.

7

As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a trespass offering.

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 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.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. 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 can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְהִקְטִ֨יר1 of 8

shall burn

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

אֹתָ֤ם2 of 8
H853

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

הַכֹּהֵן֙3 of 8

And the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה4 of 8

them upon the altar

H4196

an altar

אִשֶּׁ֖ה5 of 8

for an offering made by fire

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

לַֽיהוָ֑ה6 of 8

unto the LORD

H3068

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

אָשָׁ֖ם7 of 8

it is a trespass offering

H817

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

הֽוּא׃8 of 8
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


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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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