King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:2 Mean?

Leviticus 9:2 in the King James Version says “And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the LORD.”

Leviticus 9:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;

2

And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the LORD.

3

And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;

4

Also a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meat offering mingled with oil: for to day the LORD will appear unto you.

Read Leviticus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the LORD.

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 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 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. 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 15

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽל2 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֗ן3 of 15

“unto Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

קַח4 of 15

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְ֠ךָ5 of 15
H0
עֵ֣גֶל6 of 15

“calf”

H5695

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

בֶּן7 of 15
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

בָּקָ֧ר8 of 15

“thee a young”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

לְחַטָּ֛את9 of 15

“for a sin offering”

H2403

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

וְאַ֥יִל10 of 15

“and a ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

לְעֹלָ֖ה11 of 15

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

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

תְּמִימִ֑ם12 of 15

“without blemish”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

וְהַקְרֵ֖ב13 of 15

“and offer”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לִפְנֵ֥י14 of 15

“them before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃15 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 9:2 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 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:3Exodus 29:12 Corinthians 5:21Leviticus 8:18Leviticus 8:14Hebrews 10:10-14

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