Leviticus 6:22

KJV

And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: [it is] a statute for ever unto the LORD; it shall be wholly burnt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} of his sons {H1121} that is anointed {H4899} in his stead shall offer {H6213} it: it is a statute {H2706} for ever {H5769} unto the LORD {H3068}; it shall be wholly {H3632} burnt {H6999}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The anointed cohen who will take Aharon's place from among his descendants will offer it; it is a perpetual obligation. It must be entirely made to go up in smoke for ADONAI;

Berean Standard Bible

The priest, who is one of Aaron’s sons and will be anointed to take his place, is to prepare it. As a permanent portion for the LORD, it must be burned completely.

American Standard Version

And the anointed priest that shall be in his stead from among his sons shall offer it: by a statute for ever it shall be wholly burnt unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:22 delineates a specific and enduring regulation for the grain offering presented by the high priest, stipulating that this particular offering, unlike others, must be entirely consumed by fire on the altar. This divine ordinance, established as a perpetual statute, underscores the profound holiness, complete dedication, and unparalleled consecration required of the high priest, who serves as the primary mediator between God and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:22 is situated within a broader section of Leviticus (chapters 6-7) that provides detailed instructions for the priests regarding the various offerings. Specifically, it falls within the laws concerning the grain offering (minchah), which begin in [Leviticus 6:14](/leviticus/6-14 "Leviticus 6:14 - Law of the Grain Offering"). While [Leviticus 6:14-18](/leviticus/6-14-18 "Leviticus 6:14-18 - General Regulations for Grain Offerings") outlines the general rules for grain offerings, including the priests' right to eat a portion, verses [Leviticus 6:19-23](/leviticus/6-19-23 "Leviticus 6:19-23 - The High Priest's Grain Offering") introduce a unique and distinct regulation for the grain offering presented by the high priest. This particular offering, often understood as a daily or inaugural offering for the high priest himself, was to be "wholly burnt" (כָּלִיל, _kalil_), signifying a complete and unreserved dedication to the LORD. This distinction elevates the standard of consecration for the highest priestly office, setting it apart from other offerings and emphasizing the unique purity demanded of the high priest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sacrificial system, meticulously detailed in the Mosaic Law, formed the core of worship and atonement for ancient Israel. Within this system, the high priest held the preeminent and most sacred office, serving as the chief mediator between God and the Israelite nation. His appointment, as exemplified by [Aaron's consecration in Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests") and [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Aaron and His Sons Consecrated"), involved a special anointing that visibly and spiritually set him apart for unique holiness and duties. The phrase "a statute for ever" (חֹק עוֹלָם, _choq olam_) emphasized the enduring and unchangeable nature of God's commands within the Old Covenant, ensuring the continuity of the divinely appointed priestly line and the integrity of the sacrificial system across generations. The requirement for the high priest's personal offering to be "wholly burnt" (כָּלִיל, _kalil_) was a powerful visual and theological statement, symbolizing the unparalleled purity, total surrender, and absolute devotion expected of the one who bore the spiritual weight and represented the nation before God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, particularly as it applies to those who serve God directly. The high priest, by virtue of his office, was set apart for a higher degree of holiness, reflected in the unique treatment of his offering. This also highlights the theme of **Divine Authority and Enduring Ordinances**, as the command is declared a "statute for ever," emphasizing the immutability of God's law and the perpetual nature of the covenant requirements. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Complete Dedication and Atonement**, as the "wholly burnt" aspect symbolizes an unreserved offering to God, free from any human consumption, pointing to the need for total surrender in approaching a holy God. This foreshadows the ultimate, complete offering of Christ, which is explored more fully in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** The Hebrew word מָשִׁיחַ (_mâshîyach_) refers to one who has been consecrated or set apart by the pouring of oil. This act of anointing signified divine appointment and empowerment for a specific office or purpose, particularly for kings, prophets, and priests. In this context, it specifically designates the high priest as divinely chosen and endowed with spiritual authority, underscoring the sacredness and legitimacy of his mediatorial role before God.
* **Statute (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** The Hebrew word חֹק (_chôq_) denotes an enactment, ordinance, or decree. It refers to a fixed, established law or regulation, often with the implication of something prescribed or appointed. Here, it emphasizes the binding and authoritative nature of God's command regarding the high priest's offering, indicating that it is a non-negotiable and divinely instituted requirement.
* **Wholly burnt (Hebrew, _kâlîyl'_):** The Hebrew word כָּלִיל (_kâlîyl_) signifies completeness, entirety, or perfection. When applied to an offering, it means that the entire offering was consumed by fire on the altar, leaving no portion for human consumption. This term is crucial as it distinguishes the high priest's grain offering from others, symbolizing absolute dedication, total surrender, and complete acceptance by God's holy fire, representing the high priest's personal consecration and the unparalleled purity required in his service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it":** This clause establishes the continuity and legitimacy of the high priestly office. It specifies that the successor to the current high priest, who must be one of his sons and duly anointed (consecrated with sacred oil), is responsible for presenting this particular grain offering. This highlights the hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood and the critical importance of proper succession and anointing for the validity of the sacred rituals and the maintenance of the covenant.
* **"[it is] a statute for ever unto the LORD":** This declaration underscores the perpetual and unchanging nature of this specific command within the Mosaic covenant. The phrase "statute for ever" (חֹק עוֹלָם, _choq olam_) signifies that this regulation is a permanent fixture of God's law for Israel, binding upon all future high priests throughout their generations. It emphasizes the enduring divine authority behind the sacrificial system and the specific, immutable requirements for the high priestly office.
* **"it shall be wholly burnt":** This final and definitive clause specifies the unique destiny of this particular offering. Unlike other grain offerings, where a portion was consumed by the priests, the entire offering presented by the high priest must be consumed by fire on the altar. This command signifies the offering's unique purpose as a complete and unreserved dedication to God alone, symbolizing the high priest's total surrender, his personal purity, and the comprehensive nature of his consecration before the LORD, with no human benefit or consumption derived from it.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:22 effectively employs **Symbolism** and **Emphasis**. The central act described, the offering being "wholly burnt," is profoundly symbolic. It represents complete dedication, absolute surrender, and total consumption by divine fire, signifying that the offering is entirely for God and not for human benefit. This visual act communicates the unparalleled holiness and unique consecration demanded of the high priest. Furthermore, the phrase "a statute for ever" provides **Emphasis** on the enduring nature of God's commands and the perpetual continuity of the divinely ordained priestly line. This repetition of the theme of permanence reinforces the stability and authority of the covenant relationship and the foundational importance of the high priest's role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:22 deeply articulates the theological themes of divine appointment, the sanctity of priesthood, and the absolute necessity of complete dedication in worship. The mandate for the high priest's offering to be "wholly burnt" underscores that those who stand closest to God in service are held to the highest standard of purity and unreserved devotion. This statute reflects God's own perfect character and His demand for holiness from His chosen mediators. It teaches a fundamental principle of worship: true devotion involves holding nothing back, offering one's entire self and all that one possesses to the Lord, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and worthiness.

* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Daily Burnt Offerings and Consecration")
* [Hebrews 7:26-28](/hebrews/7-26-28 "Christ, Our Perfect High Priest")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient statute, though part of a superseded covenant, offers timeless and profound principles for our spiritual lives today. The high priest's "wholly burnt" offering serves as a potent reminder that our walk with God demands complete dedication and unreserved surrender. As believers in Christ, we are called to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God, which the Apostle Paul declares is our "spiritual act of worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). This means surrendering not just our actions, but our ambitions, desires, comforts, and even our very identities to His will, trusting that His plans for us are good and perfect. Just as the high priest's offering symbolized his complete identification with God's holiness and his total devotion, so too are we, as those indwelt by the Holy Spirit and united with Christ, called to live lives that reflect the holiness of our perfect High Priest. This isn't about earning favor, but about responding to the immense grace and redemption we have received, allowing every aspect of our being to be transformed and consumed by the refining fire of God's love and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently holding back from complete dedication and surrender to God?**
* **How does the concept of a "wholly burnt" offering challenge my understanding of what it means to truly worship and serve the Lord?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to offer myself more completely as a "living sacrifice" to God, aligning my will more fully with His?**

### FAQ
**Why was the high priest's grain offering "wholly burnt" when other grain offerings allowed priests to eat a portion?**

Answer: The distinction in the high priest's grain offering, mandating it to be "wholly burnt," underscored the unique and elevated holiness required of the high priest. Unlike general grain offerings, where a portion was typically given to the priests for their sustenance (symbolizing their participation in the offering and their right to live from the altar, as seen in [Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Leviticus 6:16 - Priests' Portion of Grain Offering")), the high priest's offering was a personal act of complete consecration. It symbolized his absolute dedication and purity before God, with no human benefit derived from it. This emphasized that the high priest, as the chief mediator for the nation, must be entirely devoted to the [LORD](/leviticus/6-22 "Leviticus 6:22 - The LORD"), holding nothing back, and that his personal offering was solely for God's consumption and pleasure, reflecting his unparalleled sacred office and the profound responsibility he bore.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:22, with its emphasis on the perpetually anointed high priest and his "wholly burnt" offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Levitical high priests, though divinely appointed and consecrated, were mortal and imperfect, requiring successors and offering sacrifices for their own sins before they could intercede for the people ([Hebrews 7:23-27](/hebrews/7-23-27 "Hebrews 7:23-27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). Jesus, however, is the eternal High Priest, "anointed" not with oil but with the Holy Spirit without measure ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed by the Holy Spirit")). His priesthood is "a statute for ever" in a far more profound sense, for He holds an unchangeable priesthood and lives forever to intercede for us ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood and Intercession")). The "wholly burnt" aspect of the high priest's offering powerfully foreshadows Christ's single, perfect, and complete sacrifice. Unlike the temporary and repeated offerings of the Old Covenant, Jesus "offered up Himself once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")), a sacrifice so complete and acceptable that it fully atoned for sin, requiring no successor or repetition. His entire life, death, and resurrection were a "wholly burnt" offering of perfect obedience and dedication to the Father's will, securing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Redemption")) and establishing a new and living way to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")).

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

Leviticus 4:3

If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

Isaiah 53:10

¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Hebrews 7:23

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

Exodus 29:22

Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and the right shoulder; for it [is] a ram of consecration:

Exodus 29:25

And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn [them] upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the LORD: it [is] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Leviticus 8:21

And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it [was] a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, [and] an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Deuteronomy 10:6

And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.