King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:21 Mean?

Leviticus 8:21 in the King James Version says “And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt sacrifice ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 8:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

23

And he slew it; and Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְאֶת1 of 24
H853

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

הַקֶּ֥רֶב2 of 24

“the inwards”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְאֶת3 of 24
H853

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

הַכְּרָעַ֖יִם4 of 24

“and the legs”

H3767

the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual)

רָחַ֣ץ5 of 24

“And he washed”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

בַּמָּ֑יִם6 of 24

“in water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיַּקְטֵר֩7 of 24

“burnt”

H6999

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃8 of 24

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת9 of 24
H853

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

כָּל10 of 24
H3605

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

הָאַ֜יִל11 of 24

“the whole ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

הַמִּזְבֵּ֗חָה12 of 24

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

עֹלָ֨ה13 of 24

“it was a burnt sacrifice”

H5930

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

ה֤וּא14 of 24
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

לְרֵֽיחַ15 of 24

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֙חַ֙16 of 24

“for a sweet”

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

אִשֶּׁ֥ה17 of 24

“and an offering made by fire”

H801

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

הוּא֙18 of 24
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

יְהוָ֖ה19 of 24

“as the LORD”

H3068

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר20 of 24
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה21 of 24

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה22 of 24

“as the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת23 of 24
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃24 of 24

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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 8:21 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 8:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:2Exodus 29:18Leviticus 2:9Leviticus 1:17Genesis 8:21

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