King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:4 Mean?

Leviticus 9:4 in the King James Version says “Also a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meat offering mingled with oil: for to...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 9:4 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

6

And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.

Read Leviticus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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 · 14 words
וְשׁ֨וֹר1 of 14

“Also a bullock”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וָאַ֜יִל2 of 14

“and a ram”

H352

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

לִשְׁלָמִ֗ים3 of 14

“for peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

לִזְבֹּ֙חַ֙4 of 14

“to sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לִפְנֵ֣י5 of 14

“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

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וּמִנְחָ֖ה7 of 14

“and a meat offering”

H4503

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

בְּלוּלָ֣ה8 of 14

“mingled”

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

בַשָּׁ֑מֶן9 of 14

“with oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

כִּ֣י10 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הַיּ֔וֹם11 of 14

“for to day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

נִרְאָ֥ה13 of 14

“will appear”

H7200

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

אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃14 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:43Ezekiel 43:2Leviticus 9:6Leviticus 9:23Numbers 16:19Numbers 15:3-9

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