King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:19 Mean?

Leviticus 8:19 in the King James Version says “And he killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.”

Leviticus 8:19 · KJV

Context

17

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

18

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

19

And he killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

20

And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

21

And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, and an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

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.
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

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. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּשְׁחָ֑ט1 of 8

“And he killed”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

וַיִּזְרֹ֨ק2 of 8

“sprinkled”

H2236

to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles)

מֹשֶׁ֧ה3 of 8

“it and Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת4 of 8
H853

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

הַדָּ֛ם5 of 8

“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

עַל6 of 8
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ7 of 8

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

סָבִֽיב׃8 of 8

“round about”

H5439

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

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 8:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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