King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:7 Mean?

Leviticus 9:7 in the King James Version says “And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 9:7 · KJV

Context

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.

8

Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.

9

And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

Read Leviticus 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. 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.

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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. 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 · 25 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 25

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֜ה2 of 25

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶֽל3 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֗ן4 of 25

“unto Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

קְרַ֤ב5 of 25

“Go”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶל6 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙7 of 25

“unto the altar”

H4196

an altar

וַֽעֲשֵׂ֞ה8 of 25

“and offer”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת9 of 25
H853

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

חַטָּֽאתְךָ֙10 of 25

“thy sin offering”

H2403

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

וְאֶת11 of 25
H853

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

עֹ֣לָתֶ֔ךָ12 of 25

“and thy burnt offering”

H5930

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

וְכַפֵּ֣ר13 of 25

“and make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

בַּֽעַדְךָ֖14 of 25
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

וּבְעַ֣ד15 of 25
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

הָעָם֙16 of 25

“for thyself and for the people”

H5971

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

וַֽעֲשֵׂ֞ה17 of 25

“and offer”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת18 of 25
H853

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

קָרְבַּ֤ן19 of 25

“the offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

הָעָם֙20 of 25

“for thyself and for the people”

H5971

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

וְכַפֵּ֣ר21 of 25

“and make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

בַּֽעֲדָ֔ם22 of 25
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר23 of 25
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה24 of 25

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָֽה׃25 of 25

“for them as 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 9:7 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 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 5:3Hebrews 5:1Leviticus 4:3Hebrews 9:7Hebrews 7:27-28Leviticus 8:34

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