King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:5 Mean?

Leviticus 9:5 in the King James Version says “And they brought that which Moses commanded before the tabernacle of the congregation: and all the congregation drew nea...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Leviticus 9:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.

Read Leviticus 9 full chapter

Commentary

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


Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. 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 understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?
  2. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּקְח֗וּ1 of 15

“And they brought”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵ֚ת2 of 15
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֣ה4 of 15

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֔ה5 of 15

“that which Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִפְנֵ֥י7 of 15

“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

אֹ֣הֶל8 of 15

“the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד9 of 15

“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

וַֽיִּקְרְבוּ֙10 of 15

“drew near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

כָּל11 of 15
H3605

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

הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה12 of 15

“and all the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ13 of 15

“and stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לִפְנֵ֥י14 of 15

“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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 19:171 Chronicles 15:32 Chronicles 5:2-3Deuteronomy 31:12Nehemiah 8:1

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