Leviticus 7:35

KJV

¶ This [is the portion] of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, in the day [when] he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest's office;

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the portion of the anointing {H4888} of Aaron {H175}, and of the anointing {H4888} of his sons {H1121}, out of the offerings {H801} of the LORD {H3068} made by fire {H801}, in the day {H3117} when he presented {H7126} them to minister unto the LORD {H3068} in the priest's office {H3547};

Complete Jewish Bible

On the day when Aharon and his sons were presented to serve ADONAI in the office of cohen, this portion was set aside for him and his descendants from the offerings for ADONAI made by fire.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the portion of the offerings made by fire to the LORD for Aaron and his sons since the day they were presented to serve the LORD as priests.

American Standard Version

This is the anointing-portion of Aaron, and the anointing-portion of his sons, out of the offerings of Jehovah made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto Jehovah in the priest’s office;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:35 serves as a definitive concluding statement regarding the perpetual and divinely ordained provision for Aaron and his sons, the consecrated priests of Israel. It explicitly establishes that their rightful sustenance was to be derived from the "offerings of the LORD made by fire," a provision inextricably linked to the sacred act of their anointing and formal induction into the priestly office. This verse underscores God's meticulous care for His consecrated servants, ensuring their material needs were met so they could faithfully execute their holy duties without distraction, thereby upholding the sanctity and continuity of the Tabernacle service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:35 functions as a climactic summary and formal declaration within the broader legal framework of Leviticus, specifically concluding the detailed regulations concerning the priests' portions from various offerings. Chapters 1-5 meticulously outline the procedures for the five main types of sacrifices (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and trespass offerings), focusing on the worshiper's actions. Chapters 6-7 then shift focus to the priestly duties in handling these offerings and, crucially, their divinely appointed share of the sacrificial meals. Verse 35, alongside the subsequent verse, acts as a solemn pronouncement of the permanence and divine origin of these priestly provisions, tying them directly to the foundational act of their consecration. It solidifies the economic and theological framework that supported the Levitical priesthood, ensuring their ability to serve full-time without needing to engage in secular labor for sustenance, thus maintaining the integrity of their sacred office.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the tribe of Levi, and specifically the lineage of Aaron, was uniquely set apart by God for exclusive priestly service. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a territorial inheritance in the land of Canaan, as explicitly declared in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance"). Instead, the Lord Himself was proclaimed their inheritance, meaning their livelihood and sustenance were to come directly from the offerings brought by the people to the Tabernacle. This system was not merely practical but theological, emphasizing the priests' complete dependence on God's provision mediated through the community's worship. The "anointing" referenced in the verse points to the elaborate consecration ceremony detailed in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), where Aaron and his sons were washed, clothed, anointed with sacred oil, and offered sacrifices, formally initiating them into their sacred roles. This act of anointing was paramount, imparting a sacred status and authority, making the priests holy and thus worthy of receiving holy portions from the offerings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, emphasizing that the priests' right to sustenance stems directly from their being set apart for God's service through a sacred anointing. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in caring for those dedicated to Him, ensuring their needs are met so they can focus on their sacred duties. This principle is echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1-5 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - Priests' Inheritance and Portions"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, as their sustenance comes from the offerings, which are themselves acts of mediation between God and the people. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God establishes a perpetual statute for His priests, reflecting His enduring commitment to His covenant people and the institutions He establishes for their worship and well-being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anointing (Hebrew, _mishchâh'_):** From H4888, this term refers to the act of unction or consecration, typically by smearing or pouring oil. In the context of the priesthood, it signifies a divine appointment and endowment with sacred authority for service. It transforms the ordinary into the holy, marking Aaron and his sons as uniquely designated mediators between God and Israel. The repetition of "anointing" underscores that their right to these portions was not arbitrary but directly tied to their divinely mandated and consecrated status, established at their induction.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this word denotes a son, but in a broader sense, it refers to descendants or those who carry on the family name and legacy. Here, it specifically indicates Aaron's male descendants who would inherit the priestly office. The inclusion of "his sons" highlights the hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood and the perpetual nature of this divine provision, extending beyond Aaron himself to all future generations consecrated to this sacred role.
* **Offerings of the LORD made by fire (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** From H801, this phrase denotes a burnt-offering or any sacrifice made by fire, used in a liturgical sense. It encompasses various types of offerings (e.g., burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings) where specific parts were consumed by fire on the altar as an act of worship and atonement, producing a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord. The inclusion of this phrase highlights that the priests' sustenance came directly from the very acts of worship performed by the community, underscoring their integral and indispensable role in the sacrificial system and their dependence on God's provision through the community's devotion.
* **Minister (Hebrew, _kâhan'_):** From H3547, this primitive root means "to officiate as a priest" or "to perform priestly service." It encapsulates the full range of duties performed by Aaron and his sons, including offering sacrifices, making atonement, teaching the law, and blessing the people. The verse emphasizes that the provisions were given precisely "in the day when he presented them to minister," establishing a direct and inseparable correlation between their sacred duties and their divine provision, ensuring their ability to serve without material distraction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is the portion] of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons":** This opening clause formally declares that the specific provisions outlined in the preceding verses are the rightful and established share belonging to Aaron and his priestly descendants. The phrase "of the anointing" explicitly links this entitlement to their sacred consecration ceremony, signifying that their right to these portions is not merely a human arrangement or a temporary allowance, but a divine decree established at the very moment they were set apart for their holy office. It underscores the theological basis for their sustenance.
* **"out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire":** This clause precisely identifies the source of the priests' portion. Their sustenance was not to come from general taxation, personal wealth, or secular labor, but directly and exclusively from the offerings brought by the people to the Tabernacle and presented to the Lord through fire. This reinforces the idea that their provision was sacred, derived from holy things dedicated to God, and underscored their unique dependence on God's provision channeled through the community's worship and sacrificial system.
* **"in the day [when] he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest's office;":** This final clause pinpoints the timing and the ultimate purpose of this divine provision. It was established on the very day Aaron and his sons were formally presented, consecrated, and inducted into their priestly roles. This emphasizes the permanence, foundational nature, and immediate effect of this arrangement, ensuring that from the moment of their consecration, their livelihood was secured by God's decree. This enabled them to fully dedicate themselves to their sacred duties of mediating between God and His people, unburdened by worldly concerns.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:35, characteristic of the legal sections within the Pentateuch, primarily employs **Legal Language** and **Prescription**. The verse functions as a definitive and authoritative pronouncement, establishing a permanent statute regarding the priestly provisions. The repetition of "anointing" (Hebrew: _mishchah_) serves as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the foundational importance of their consecration as the non-negotiable basis for their rights and responsibilities. The structure of the verse, moving from the declaration of the portion to its divine source and then to its historical establishment, demonstrates a clear **Logical Progression**, typical of legal codes designed for clarity, enforceability, and theological grounding. Furthermore, the phrase "offerings of the LORD made by fire" uses **Metonymy**, where "fire" stands for the entire sacrificial act and the offerings themselves, emphasizing the divine acceptance and transformative power inherent in the offerings. The verse's declarative tone also contributes to its **Authoritative Voice**, signifying a divine mandate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:35 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and faithful care for those consecrated to His service, establishing a timeless divine principle of provision for ministry. It underscores that the sacred duties of the priesthood were to be unhindered by worldly concerns, as God Himself guaranteed their sustenance through the offerings of the people. This arrangement highlights the intrinsic link between divine calling, consecration, dedicated service, and God's faithful provision, emphasizing that those set apart for God's work are His direct responsibility and are to be honored and sustained through the community's support. It also reinforces the concept of the priesthood as a divinely instituted office, with specific rights and responsibilities flowing directly from their sacred anointing and commitment to the Lord. This principle extends beyond the Old Covenant, informing our understanding of how God provides for His servants in every age.

* [Numbers 18:8](/numbers/18-8 "Numbers 18:8 - Priests' Share of Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1 - Priests' Inheritance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:35, while rooted in the Old Covenant's sacrificial system, offers enduring principles for believers today, particularly concerning the support of those in full-time ministry. It reminds us that God is profoundly faithful to provide for those He calls and sets apart for His service. This divine provision enables ministers to focus wholeheartedly on their spiritual duties, free from the anxieties of worldly sustenance, thereby maximizing their effectiveness in serving God and His people. For the church community, this verse establishes a divine precedent for honoring and supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry, recognizing that their labor in the Lord is worthy of material support. As New Covenant believers, we are all part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, worship, and service. This verse challenges us to consider how we, individually and corporately, contribute to the support and flourishing of those God has called into full-time ministry, ensuring they can effectively "minister unto the LORD" in their respective callings, and how we ourselves live out our priestly calling through faithful stewardship and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Old Testament priests deepen our trust in His faithfulness to provide for His servants and His church today?**
* **In what tangible ways can the church community actively honor and financially support those who are set apart for full-time ministry, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their spiritual duties?**
* **As members of the "royal priesthood," how does our personal stewardship of time, talents, and resources reflect our commitment to God's work and our participation in His divine economy?**

### FAQ
**What does "anointing" signify in the context of the Old Testament priesthood?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, "anointing" (Hebrew: _mishchah_, H4888) was a sacred act involving the pouring of special consecrated oil upon a person or object. For the priesthood, as seen in the detailed account of their consecration in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), it signified their formal consecration and setting apart as holy and uniquely designated for divine service. It was a visible sign of God's Spirit empowering them for their office, conferring sacred authority, and making them fit to mediate between God and His people. This anointing was the fundamental basis for their rights, including the portions from the offerings, establishing their legitimacy and divine appointment.

**Why were the priests' portions specifically "out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire"?**

Answer: The priests' portions came from "offerings of the LORD made by fire" (Hebrew: _ʼishshâh_, H801) because these were the sacrifices brought by the people to the Tabernacle as acts of worship, atonement, and communion with God. By partaking of these holy offerings, the priests were sustained directly by God's provision channeled through the community's devotion. This system reinforced their unique status as God's representatives and underscored that their livelihood was intrinsically linked to the sacred worship life of Israel, emphasizing their dependence on God and their solemn role in handling holy things. It also distinguished their sustenance from common food, marking it as sacred provision for sacred service, ensuring their focus remained on their divine duties rather than secular pursuits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:35, with its emphasis on the divinely ordained provision for the anointed priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Anointed One, the Messiah (from the Hebrew _Mashiach_, "Anointed One"), upon whom the Spirit descended without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure")) and who was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed by God")). As our Great High Priest, consecrated not by oil but by an eternal oath from God Himself ([Hebrews 7:20-22](/hebrews/7-20-22 "Hebrews 7:20-22 - Jesus, a Priest Forever")), Christ perfectly fulfills and transcends the Old Testament priestly office. His entire life was a complete offering of obedience, and His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate "offering of the LORD made by fire," consuming sin and providing eternal atonement for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Just as the Old Testament priests were sustained by the offerings for their ministry, Christ, in His earthly ministry, was perfectly sustained by the Father's provision and will ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God")), enabling Him to flawlessly "minister unto the LORD" and accomplish our salvation. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are now incorporated into His priestly identity, becoming a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) and a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. God's faithfulness to provide for His Old Covenant priests foreshadows His abundant provision for His New Covenant people, empowering us by His Spirit to live out our priestly calling in the world, sustained by His grace and the spiritual nourishment of His completed work.

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 28:1

¶ And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

Isaiah 10:27

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

Exodus 29:21

And thou shalt take of the blood that [is] upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle [it] upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Exodus 29:1

¶ And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

1 John 2:20

¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.