King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:28 Mean?

Leviticus 8:28 in the King James Version says “And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations f...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”

Leviticus 8:28 · KJV

Context

26

And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that was before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put them on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:

27

And he put all upon Aaron's hands, and upon his sons' hands, and waved them for a wave offering before the LORD.

28

And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

29

And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before the LORD: for of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.

30

And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

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.
The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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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. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 16

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֤ה2 of 16

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֹתָם֙3 of 16
H853

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

מֵעַ֣ל4 of 16
H5921

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

כַּפֵּיהֶ֔ם5 of 16

“them from off their hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר6 of 16

“and burnt”

H6999

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חָה7 of 16

“them on the altar”

H4196

an altar

עַל8 of 16
H5921

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

הָֽעֹלָ֑ה9 of 16

“upon the burnt offering”

H5930

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

מִלֻּאִ֥ים10 of 16

“they were consecrations”

H4394

a fulfilling (only in plural), i.e., (literally) a setting (of gems), or (technically) consecration (also concretely, a dedicatory sacrifice)

הֵם֙11 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לְרֵ֣יחַ12 of 16

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֔חַ13 of 16

“for a sweet”

H5207

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

אִשֶּׁ֥ה14 of 16

“it is an offering made by fire”

H801

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

ה֖וּא15 of 16
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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃16 of 16

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

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 8:28 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 8:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:25Psalms 22:13-14Hebrews 10:14-22Zechariah 13:7

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