King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:23 Mean?

Leviticus 9:23 in the King James Version says “And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

Leviticus 9:23 · KJV


Context

21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

22

And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.

23

And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

24

And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

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 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. 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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיָּבֹ֨א1 of 16

went

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֤ה2 of 16

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽהֲרֹן֙3 of 16

and Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶל4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹ֣הֶל5 of 16

into the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֔ד6 of 16

of the congregation

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וַיֵּ֣צְא֔וּ7 of 16

and came out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַֽיְבָרֲכ֖וּ8 of 16

and blessed

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֶת9 of 16
H853

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

הָעָֽם׃10 of 16

the people

H5971

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

וַיֵּרָ֥א11 of 16

appeared

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כְבוֹד12 of 16

and the glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל14 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל15 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָֽם׃16 of 16

the people

H5971

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


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 9:23 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 9:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study