King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:16 Mean?

Leviticus 9:16 in the King James Version says “And he brought the burnt offering, and offered it according to the manner. manner: or, ordinance — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 9:16 · KJV


Context

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

18

He slew also the bullock and the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people: and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he brought the burnt offering, and offered it according to the manner.

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.
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

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. 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. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיַּקְרֵ֖ב1 of 5

And he brought

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת2 of 5
H853

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

הָֽעֹלָ֑ה3 of 5

the burnt offering

H5930

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

וַֽיַּעֲשֶׂ֖הָ4 of 5

and offered

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃5 of 5

it according to the manner

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind


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 9:16 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 9:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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