King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:15 Mean?

Leviticus 9:15 in the King James Version says “And he brought the people's offering, and took the goat, which was the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and off...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 9:15 · KJV

Context

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

17

And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning. took: Heb. filled his hand out of it

Read Leviticus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.
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

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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  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 · 13 words
וַיַּקְרֵ֕ב1 of 13

“And he brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵ֖ת2 of 13
H853

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

קָרְבַּ֣ן3 of 13

“offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

לָעָ֔ם4 of 13

“for the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּקַּ֞ח5 of 13

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת6 of 13
H853

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

שְׂעִ֤יר7 of 13

“the goat”

H8163

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

הַֽחַטָּאת֙8 of 13

“which was the sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 13
H834

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

לָעָ֔ם10 of 13

“for the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּשְׁחָטֵ֥הוּ11 of 13

“and slew”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

וַֽיְחַטְּאֵ֖הוּ12 of 13

“it and offered it for sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

כָּֽרִאשֽׁוֹן׃13 of 13

“as the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

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 9:15 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 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:27-31Hebrews 5:3Hebrews 2:17Leviticus 9:3Numbers 28:1-29Titus 2:14

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