King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:14 Mean?

Leviticus 9:14 in the King James Version says “And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar. — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.

Leviticus 9:14 · KJV


Context

12

And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.

13

And they presented the burnt offering unto him, with the pieces thereof, and the head: and he burnt them upon the altar.

14

And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.

15

And he brought the people's offering, and took the goat, which was the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.

16

And he brought the burnt offering, and offered it according to the manner. manner: or, ordinance


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.

This verse falls within the section on Priests Begin Their Ministry. Aaron's first official sacrifices as high priest, culminating in God's glory appearing and fire consuming the offerings.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Aaron's first official sacrifices as high priest, culminating in God's glory appearing and fire consuming the offerings. 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. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיִּרְחַ֥ץ1 of 9

And he did wash

H7364

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

אֶת2 of 9
H853

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

הַקֶּ֖רֶב3 of 9

the inwards

H7130

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

וְאֶת4 of 9
H853

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

הַכְּרָעָ֑יִם5 of 9

and the legs

H3767

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

וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר6 of 9

and burnt

H6999

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

עַל7 of 9
H5921

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

הָֽעֹלָ֖ה8 of 9

them upon the burnt offering

H5930

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

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃9 of 9

on the altar

H4196

an altar


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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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