Leviticus 6:10

KJV

And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall put {H3847} on his linen {H906} garment {H4055}, and his linen {H906} breeches {H4370} shall he put {H3847} upon his flesh {H1320}, and take up {H7311} the ashes {H1880} which the fire {H784} hath consumed {H398} with the burnt offering {H5930} on the altar {H4196}, and he shall put {H7760} them beside {H681} the altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the fire has consumed the burnt offering on the altar, the cohen, having put on his linen garment and covered himself with his linen shorts, is to remove the ashes and put them beside the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

And the priest shall put on his linen robe and linen undergarments, and he shall remove from the altar the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed and place them beside it.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh; and he shall take up the ashes whereto the fire hath consumed the burnt-offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:10 details a specific, daily duty of the priest within the Tabernacle cultus: the removal of ashes from the altar of burnt offering. This instruction, part of the larger priestly code, emphasizes the meticulous ritual purity and reverence required for all sacred service. It outlines the specific attire—linen garments and breeches—the priest must wear for this task, ensuring modesty and holiness, and dictates the careful collection and temporary placement of the consumed remnants of the sacrifice. This seemingly mundane chore underscores the profound sanctity of the altar and the offerings, highlighting the priest's role in maintaining the order and cleanliness of God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:10 is situated within a section (Leviticus 6:8-7:38) that elaborates on the laws of the five main offerings previously introduced in Leviticus 1-5, but from the perspective of the priests' duties and portions. Specifically, verses 8-13 detail the "Law of the Burnt Offering" (`torat ha'olah`), providing instructions for its continuous burning and the daily removal of ashes. Following this, the text moves to the grain offering (`minchah`), sin offering (`chatta't`), guilt offering (`asham`), and peace offering (`shelamim`), each with specific priestly responsibilities. This precise ordering underscores the foundational nature of the burnt offering as a complete dedication to God, and the subsequent ash removal ritual in verse 10 signifies the ongoing maintenance and purity required for the Tabernacle's sacred space. The daily nature of this task reinforces the perpetual need for atonement and communion with God under the Old Covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Leviticus 6:10 were given to Moses during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, immediately after the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle. This period marked the establishment of Israel as a covenant nation, with God dwelling in their midst. The detailed regulations for priestly garments and duties were crucial for maintaining the holiness of God's presence among a sinful people. The use of specific linen garments (as also commanded in [Exodus 28:42](/exodus/28-42 "Exodus 28:42 - Priestly Garments for Modesty")) ensured modesty and prevented any potential for indecency or ritual impurity that could desecrate the sacred space or the priest himself. The disposal of ashes, far from being a mere janitorial task, was a sacred act. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the remnants of sacrifices often held ritual significance, and their proper handling was essential to the integrity of the worship system. The "ashes" represented the complete consumption of the offering, signifying its acceptance by God and the completion of the sacrificial act. The placement "beside the altar" before being taken "without the camp" (as elaborated in [Leviticus 6:11](/leviticus/6-11 "Leviticus 6:11 - Disposal of Ashes Outside the Camp")) further emphasized the distinction between the holy and the common, and the need for ritual purity within the sacred precinct.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Linen Garment (Hebrew, _bad'_):** This term refers to fine, white linen, a material distinct from wool or other fabrics. Linen was exclusively prescribed for priestly attire and certain Tabernacle furnishings due to its association with purity, cleanliness, and holiness. Unlike wool, which could come from an animal that died naturally or was diseased, linen was derived from plants, symbolizing a 'clean' origin. Its white color further emphasized the purity and righteousness required for those who ministered in God's presence.
* **Breeches (Hebrew, _miknasayim'_):** These were undergarments, specifically short trousers, designed for modesty. The command to wear them (also found in [Exodus 28:42](/exodus/28-42 "Exodus 28:42 - Priestly Garments for Modesty")) was to prevent the priests from exposing their nakedness when ascending the altar's ramp, thereby avoiding defilement of the holy space and themselves. This detail underscores God's meticulous concern for holiness, even in seemingly minor aspects of ritual, ensuring that all aspects of worship were conducted with utmost reverence and decorum.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _'olah'_):** Literally meaning "that which goes up" or "ascending offering," the _'olah_ was a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with no portion reserved for the priest or offerer. It symbolized complete dedication, atonement for unintentional sin, and a pleasing aroma ascending to God. The ashes were the final physical remnants of this total consumption, signifying the completion and acceptance of the sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall put on his linen garment,"**: This initial command establishes the specific attire required for the priest before performing the duty of ash removal. The emphasis on "linen garment" highlights the necessity of ritual purity and holiness for any interaction with the sacred altar and its remnants. This was not a casual task but a sacred duty demanding appropriate, sanctified dress.
* **"and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh,"**: This clause further specifies the required attire, emphasizing modesty and preventing any exposure of the priest's body. The breeches were an essential component of the priestly uniform, ensuring that the priest's nakedness was covered, thereby preventing defilement of the holy space and upholding the sanctity of the divine presence.
* **"and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar,"**: This is the core instruction of the verse: the priest's responsibility to remove the ashes. The phrase "which the fire hath consumed" emphasizes that the ashes are the complete remnants of the burnt offering, signifying that the sacrifice has been fully accepted and processed by the divine fire. This act of "taking up" was not merely disposal but a careful, ritualistic collection of sacred remnants.
* **"and he shall put them beside the altar."**: This final clause specifies the temporary placement of the collected ashes. They were not immediately taken outside the camp (that instruction follows in [Leviticus 6:11](/leviticus/6-11 "Leviticus 6:11 - Disposal of Ashes Outside the Camp")), but first placed "beside the altar." This interim placement likely served to maintain the ritual purity of the immediate altar area, distinguishing the active sacrificial space from the accumulated remnants, while still keeping the ashes within the sacred precinct before their final removal.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Prescriptive Narrative** is evident, as the verse provides a detailed, step-by-step instruction for a sacred ritual, embedding theological principles within practical commands. The specific attire—the linen garment and breeches—functions as powerful **Symbolism**. The white linen symbolizes purity, holiness, and righteousness, essential qualities for those approaching a holy God. The breeches symbolize modesty and the prevention of defilement, underscoring God's meticulous concern for every detail of worship. The "ashes" themselves serve as a **Metonymy** for the completed burnt offering; they are the physical residue that stands for the entire sacrificial act, signifying its consumption and acceptance. Furthermore, the entire ritual of daily ash removal, though seemingly mundane, is an act of **Ritual Purity**, constantly reinforcing the need for cleanliness and order in the Tabernacle, reflecting the perfect order and holiness of God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:10, though part of an ancient sacrificial system, reveals enduring theological truths about God's holiness, the nature of worship, and the necessity of purity in approaching Him. It underscores that even the seemingly menial tasks in God's service are sacred and demand reverence and proper preparation. The meticulousness required for handling the remnants of the sacrifice speaks to the profound value God places on the offerings made to Him and the sanctity of the space where He dwells. This passage reminds us that our service to God, regardless of its perceived importance, should always be marked by intentionality, purity, and profound respect for His divine majesty.

* [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")
* [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Worship with Reverence and Awe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal act of removing ashes from a physical altar is no longer practiced by believers today, the spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 6:10 remain profoundly relevant. As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), we are called to approach God with a profound sense of reverence and purity, not in outward garments, but in the internal disposition of our hearts and the integrity of our lives. This verse challenges us to consider how we "dress" ourselves spiritually for worship and service—do we put on humility, sincerity, and a desire for holiness? It also reminds us that no task in God's kingdom is too small or too mundane to be performed with utmost care and intentionality. Just as the priest meticulously handled the ashes, we are to be diligent and respectful in all our spiritual disciplines, our service to others, and our daily walk, recognizing that every aspect of our lives can be an act of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I "put on" spiritual garments of purity and reverence before engaging in worship or service to God?**
* **How does the meticulousness of the priest's duty in Leviticus 6:10 challenge my own approach to seemingly mundane tasks within my spiritual life or ministry?**
* **What "ashes" or remnants of past spiritual sacrifices (e.g., struggles, lessons learned, answered prayers) do I need to handle with greater reverence and intentionality in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why were linen garments specifically required for the priests?**

Answer: Linen garments were required for the priests primarily because of their association with purity, cleanliness, and holiness. Unlike wool, linen is derived from plants and was considered a "clean" material, suitable for ministering in the presence of a holy God. The white color of the linen further symbolized the purity and righteousness demanded of those who served in the Tabernacle. Additionally, the specific design of the garments, including the "linen breeches" mentioned in [Leviticus 6:10](/leviticus/6-10 "Leviticus 6:10 - Priestly Garments and Ash Removal") and detailed in [Exodus 28:42](/exodus/28-42 "Exodus 28:42 - Priestly Garments for Modesty"), ensured modesty and prevented any indecency or ritual impurity when the priests performed their duties, especially when ascending the altar. This meticulous attention to attire underscored the profound reverence required in God's sacred space.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:10, with its detailed instructions for the priest's attire and the meticulous handling of the burnt offering's ashes, finds its profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The linen garments, symbolizing purity and righteousness, foreshadow the sinless perfection of Christ, our great High Priest, who needed no purification for Himself but was "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest")). Unlike the Old Testament priests who daily removed the ashes of imperfect, animal sacrifices, signifying the ongoing need for atonement, Christ offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")) as the ultimate burnt offering. His sacrifice was so complete and effective that it left no "ashes" of sin or guilt for us to manage or for a priest to continually remove. Through His perfect, self-consuming sacrifice, He fully satisfied God's righteous demands, rendering all subsequent sacrifices obsolete. We, as believers, no longer approach a physical altar with animal offerings, but through Christ, we have direct access to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The finished work of Christ means that the "fire" of God's judgment has consumed sin completely in Him, and we are left with the glorious reality of His resurrection and our new life in Him, free from the burden of managing sin's remnants.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 28:39

And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre [of] fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle [of] needlework.

Exodus 28:43

And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy [place]; that they bear not iniquity, and die: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

Leviticus 16:4

He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these [are] holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and [so] put them on.

Ezekiel 44:17

¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.

Ezekiel 44:18

They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird [themselves] with any thing that causeth sweat.

Exodus 39:27

And they made coats [of] fine linen [of] woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

Exodus 39:29

And a girdle [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, [of] needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.