King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:17 Mean?

Leviticus 9:17 in the King James Version says “And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice o...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Leviticus 9:17 · KJV

Context

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,

19

And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver:

Read Leviticus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning.

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 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

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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

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. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּקְרֵב֮1 of 12

“And he brought”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת2 of 12
H853

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

הַמִּנְחָה֒3 of 12

“the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

וַיְמַלֵּ֤א4 of 12

“and took”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

כַפּוֹ֙5 of 12

“an handful”

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-

מִמֶּ֔נָּה6 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וַיַּקְטֵ֖ר7 of 12

“thereof and burnt”

H6999

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

עַל8 of 12
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ9 of 12

“it upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

מִלְּבַ֖ד10 of 12

“beside”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

עֹלַ֥ת11 of 12

“the burnt sacrifice”

H5930

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

הַבֹּֽקֶר׃12 of 12

“of the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

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 9:17 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 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 2:1-2Leviticus 9:1John 6:53Galatians 2:20Leviticus 3:5Exodus 29:38-42

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 9 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes