King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:3 Mean?

Leviticus 9:3 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Leviticus 9:3 · 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.

5

And they brought that which Moses commanded before the tabernacle of the congregation: and all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.

Read Leviticus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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.

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְאֶל1 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵֽי2 of 15

“And unto the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

תְּדַבֵּ֣ר4 of 15

“thou shalt speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 15

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

קְח֤וּ6 of 15

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׂעִיר7 of 15

“ye a kid”

H8163

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

עִזִּים֙8 of 15

“of the goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

לְחַטָּ֔את9 of 15

“for a sin offering”

H2403

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

וְעֵ֨גֶל10 of 15

“and a calf”

H5695

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

וָכֶ֧בֶשׂ11 of 15

“and a lamb”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

בְּנֵֽי12 of 15

“And unto the children”

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

שָׁנָ֛ה13 of 15

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תְּמִימִ֖ם14 of 15

“without blemish”

H8549

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

לְעֹלָֽה׃15 of 15

“for a burnt offering”

H5930

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

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 9:3 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 9:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 6:171 Peter 2:24Leviticus 4:23Revelation 5:9Titus 2:141 Peter 3:18

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