Leviticus 3:8

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar.

And he shall lay {H5564} his hand {H3027} upon the head {H7218} of his offering {H7133}, and kill {H7819} it before {H6440} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}: and Aaron's {H175} sons {H1121} shall sprinkle {H2236} the blood {H1818} thereof round about {H5439} upon the altar {H4196}.

He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and the sons of Aharon are to splash its blood against all sides of the altar.

He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar.

and he shall lay his hand upon the head of his oblation, and kill it before the tent of meeting: and Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.

Commentary

Leviticus 3:8 KJV is part of the instructions for the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering or sacrifice of well-being), detailed in Leviticus chapter 3. This specific verse describes the actions of the offerer and the priests during this significant act of worship in ancient Israel.

Context

The book of Leviticus outlines the laws and rituals for the Israelite people, emphasizing holiness and the proper way to approach God. The peace offering, unlike the sin or burnt offerings, was typically voluntary and often given in thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or simply as an expression of communion with God. It was unique in that a portion of the offering was eaten by the offerer and the priests, symbolizing fellowship and shared peace between God and His people. The ritual described in verse 8, including the laying on of hands and the sprinkling of blood, was fundamental to all animal sacrifices, though their specific meanings varied slightly with the type of offering performed at the Tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Identification and Personal Involvement: The act of the offerer laying his hand upon the head of the animal signifies a personal connection and identification with the sacrifice. For a peace offering, it emphasizes the offerer's dedication and participation in bringing this gift to God. It highlights that worship is not merely an external act but involves the worshiper's very being.
  • The Sanctity of Life and Blood: The command to "kill it before the tabernacle" underscores the solemnity of the act and the sacredness of life, which is contained in the blood. The shedding of blood was central to making atonement and consecrating the offering. This principle points forward to the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
  • Priestly Mediation: "Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about upon the altar" demonstrates the indispensable role of the priests. They were the intermediaries between God and the people, performing specific ritual actions to ensure the offering was acceptable. The sprinkling of blood on the altar consecrated the offering and, in a broader sense, symbolized the life given back to God.
  • Communion and Fellowship: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire peace offering ritual, of which this verse is a part, emphasizes fellowship and communion with God and with fellow Israelites. The blood ritual is foundational to establishing and maintaining this peaceful relationship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lay his hand upon the head" (Hebrew: samak yad) denotes more than just a touch; it implies leaning or resting weight upon, signifying a deep connection or transfer. In the context of a sacrifice, it often implies identification with the animal or the transfer of something (like sins, or in the case of a peace offering, dedication and purpose) to the animal. The "sprinkling the blood" (Hebrew: zaraq dam) is a deliberate act, emphasizing the application of the blood for purification, consecration, and atonement, making the offering acceptable to God.

Related Scriptures

The foundational principle of blood for atonement is powerfully stated in Leviticus 17:11, which declares, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." These Old Testament sacrificial laws ultimately point to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses us from all sin, as explained in the book of Hebrews 10:10. He is our ultimate peace offering, reconciling us to God.

Practical Application

For believers today, while animal sacrifices are no longer required due to Christ's finished work, the principles behind Leviticus 3:8 remain relevant. We are called to offer ourselves as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1), identifying with Christ's death and resurrection. Our worship should be personal and intentional, not merely ritualistic. The role of the priest is fulfilled by Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), who has brought us into perfect peace and fellowship with God through His shed blood. This verse reminds us of the cost of our peace with God and the incredible grace received through faith in Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 1:5

    And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that [is by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Leviticus 3:2

    And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

  • Leviticus 3:5

    And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire: [it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Ephesians 3:12

    In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

  • Matthew 3:17

    And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

  • Isaiah 53:11

    He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

  • Isaiah 53:12

    Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
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