King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:6 Mean?

Leviticus 7:6 in the King James Version says “Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it is most holy. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 7:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

And the priest that offereth any man's burnt offering, even the priest shall have to himself the skin of the burnt offering which he hath offered.


Commentary

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

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 central theme of Leviticus is God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy. The Hebrew word qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'set apart' or 'sacred,' emphasizing both separation from sin and consecration to God's purposes. 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.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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 Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's holiness, as revealed in this verse, shape your understanding of worship, obedience, and daily living?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כָּל1 of 10
H3605

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

זָכָ֥ר2 of 10

Every male

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

בַּכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים3 of 10

among the priests

H3548

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

יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל4 of 10

shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְּמָק֤וֹם5 of 10

place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

קָדוֹשׁ֙6 of 10

in the holy

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל7 of 10

shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים8 of 10

holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים9 of 10

holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

הֽוּא׃10 of 10
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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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