King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:15 Mean?

Leviticus 8:15 in the King James Version says “And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purifi...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.”

Leviticus 8:15 · KJV

Context

13

And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the LORD commanded Moses. put bonnets: Heb. bound bonnets

14

And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.

15

And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

16

And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.

17

But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

This verse falls within the section on Consecration of Aaron and Sons. The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice. Leviticus 17:11 declares 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' establishing blood's sacred role in atonement, pointing to Christ's blood shed for redemption.
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

The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood. Chapters 8-10 describe the priesthood's consecration and early ministry. Aaron and his sons received special anointing for their mediatorial role between God and Israel. The tragic account of Nadab and Abihu (ch. 10) demonstrates that approaching God requires reverence and obedience. 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. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיִּשְׁחָ֗ט1 of 23

“And he slew”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

וַיִּקַּ֨ח2 of 23

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֤ה3 of 23

“it and Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת4 of 23
H853

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

הַדָּ֗ם5 of 23

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

וַ֠יִּתֵּן6 of 23

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל7 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

קַרְנ֨וֹת8 of 23

“it upon the horns”

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ9 of 23

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

סָבִיב֙10 of 23

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

בְּאֶצְבָּע֔וֹ11 of 23

“with his finger”

H676

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

וַיְחַטֵּ֖א12 of 23

“and purified”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אֶת13 of 23
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ14 of 23

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

וְאֶת15 of 23
H853

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

הַדָּ֗ם16 of 23

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

יָצַק֙17 of 23

“and poured”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

אֶל18 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְס֣וֹד19 of 23

“at the bottom”

H3247

a foundation (literally or figuratively)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ20 of 23

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

וַֽיְקַדְּשֵׁ֖הוּ21 of 23

“and sanctified”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

לְכַפֵּ֥ר22 of 23

“it to make reconciliation”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָֽיו׃23 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 8:15 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 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:7Leviticus 4:30Hebrews 9:18-232 Chronicles 29:24Romans 5:102 Corinthians 5:18-21

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