King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:31 Mean?

Leviticus 8:31 in the King James Version says “And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there e...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.”

Leviticus 8:31 · KJV

Context

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.

31

And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.

32

And that which remaineth of the flesh and of the bread shall ye burn with fire.

33

And ye shall not go out of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation in seven days, until the days of your consecration be at an end: for seven days shall he consecrate you.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat 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 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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  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 · 26 words
לֵאמֹ֔ר1 of 26

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֜ה2 of 26

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַֽהֲרֹ֥ן4 of 26

“Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶל5 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּבָנָ֖יו6 of 26

“and his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בַּשְּׁל֣וּ7 of 26

“Boil”

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

אֶת8 of 26
H853

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

הַבָּשָׂר֮9 of 26

“the flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

פֶּ֣תַח10 of 26

“at the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֣הֶל11 of 26

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵד֒12 of 26

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וְשָׁם֙13 of 26
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יֹֽאכְלֻֽהוּ׃14 of 26

“and there eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֹת֔וֹ15 of 26
H853

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

וְאֶ֨ת16 of 26
H853

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

הַלֶּ֔חֶם17 of 26

“it with the bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אֲשֶׁ֖ר18 of 26
H834

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

בְּסַ֣ל19 of 26

“that is in the basket”

H5536

properly, a willow twig (as pendulous), i.e., an osier; but only as woven into a basket

הַמִּלֻּאִ֑ים20 of 26

“of consecrations”

H4394

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר21 of 26
H834

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

צִוֵּ֙יתִי֙22 of 26

“as I commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לֵאמֹ֔ר23 of 26

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַֽהֲרֹ֥ן24 of 26

“Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וּבָנָ֖יו25 of 26

“and his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יֹֽאכְלֻֽהוּ׃26 of 26

“and there eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 8:31 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 8:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:31-32John 6:33Deuteronomy 12:6-7Galatians 2:20Leviticus 7:15John 6:53-56

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