King James Version

What Does Leviticus 7:8 Mean?

Leviticus 7:8 in the King James Version says “And the priest that offereth any man's burnt offering, even the priest shall have to himself the skin of the burnt offer...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 7:8 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And all the meat offering that is baken in the oven, and all that is dressed in the fryingpan, and in the pan, shall be the priest's that offereth it. in the pan: or, on the flat plate or, slice

10

And every meat offering, mingled with oil, and dry, shall all the sons of Aaron have, one as much as another.

Read Leviticus 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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 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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לַכֹּהֵ֖ן1 of 12

“And the priest”

H3548

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

הִקְרִ֔יב2 of 12

“that offereth”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת3 of 12
H853

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

הָֽעֹלָה֙4 of 12

“burnt offering”

H5930

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

אִ֑ישׁ5 of 12

“any man's”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

ע֤וֹר6 of 12

“shall have to himself the skin”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

הָֽעֹלָה֙7 of 12

“burnt offering”

H5930

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 12
H834

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

הִקְרִ֔יב9 of 12

“that offereth”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לַכֹּהֵ֖ן10 of 12

“And the priest”

H3548

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

ל֥וֹ11 of 12
H0
יִֽהְיֶֽה׃12 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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 7:8 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 7:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:14Genesis 3:21Leviticus 4:11Numbers 19:5Romans 13:14Leviticus 1:6

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