Leviticus 7:6

KJV

Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in the holy place: it [is] most holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every male {H2145} among the priests {H3548} shall eat {H398} thereof: it shall be eaten {H398} in the holy {H6918} place {H4725}: it is most {H6944} holy {H6944}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every male from a family of cohanim may eat it; it is to be eaten in a holy place; it is especially holy.

Berean Standard Bible

Every male among the priests may eat of it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy.

American Standard Version

Every male among the priests shall eat thereof: it shall be eaten in a holy place: it is most holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:6 establishes precise regulations for the consumption of the sin and trespass offerings, mandating that only consecrated male priests are permitted to eat of them, and exclusively within the sacred confines of the Tabernacle courtyard. This verse profoundly underscores the extreme sanctity of these particular sacrifices, designating them as "most holy," thereby emphasizing the transcendent holiness of God, the exclusive and indispensable role of the Aaronic priesthood, and the strict separation required in all approaches to the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:6 is situated within a detailed block of priestly instruction spanning [Leviticus 6:8-7:38](/leviticus/6-8-7-38 "Leviticus 6:8-7:38 - Laws for Priestly Portions of Offerings"). This section meticulously elaborates on the laws governing various sacrifices, with a particular focus on the portions designated for the priests as their sustenance and sacred duty. Specifically, verse 6 refers to the sin offering, whose regulations are outlined in [Leviticus 6:24-30](/leviticus/6-24-30 "Leviticus 6:24-30 - Laws of the Sin Offering"), and the trespass offering, detailed in [Leviticus 7:1-10](/leviticus/7-1-10 "Leviticus 7:1-10 - Laws of the Trespass Offering"). Unlike the peace offering, which allowed the offerer and their family to partake, the sin and trespass offerings were uniquely sacred. They dealt directly with atonement for sin and guilt, necessitating stringent rules for their handling and consumption, thereby highlighting their distinct status and profound purpose within the elaborate sacrificial system.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness") were delivered to Moses at Mount Sinai, establishing the foundational legal and ritual framework for the newly formed nation of Israel. As they prepared to enter the Promised Land, these laws were crucial for defining their covenant relationship with God. The Tabernacle, meticulously constructed according to divine specifications (as seen in [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8-9 "Exodus 25:8-9 - Command to Build the Tabernacle")), served as the central hub of worship and the tangible dwelling place of God's holy presence among His people. The priesthood, exclusively drawn from the descendants of Aaron, was divinely ordained to mediate between God and Israel, performing the intricate sacrificial rituals and instructing the people in God's statutes ([Leviticus 10:10-11](/leviticus/10-10-11 "Leviticus 10:10-11 - Priestly Duties of Discernment and Teaching")). The provision for priests to consume portions of certain offerings was God's appointed method of sustaining them, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without needing to engage in secular labor. The strict regulations concerning who could eat what, and where, powerfully reinforced the absolute holiness of God and the imperative of ritual purity in His presence, clearly distinguishing the sacred from the common within the Israelite community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"). Foremost among them is the **Holiness of God**, which permeates every aspect of the sacrificial system and priestly conduct. The designation "most holy" for these offerings underscores God's perfect and transcendent nature, demanding a meticulous approach. Closely related is the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, as these offerings directly address sin and guilt, providing a means for Israel to be reconciled to their holy God. The verse also highlights the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood**, emphasizing their unique and exclusive access to and responsibility for handling the most sacred elements of worship. Finally, the principle of **Separation and Consecration** is evident, as the strict rules for consumption define clear boundaries between the sacred and the profane, and between the consecrated priest and the common Israelite, reinforcing the idea that God's people are to be set apart for Him, as commanded in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Male (Hebrew, _zâkâr'_):** From the root meaning "remembered," this term properly refers to a male, often as the "most noteworthy sex." In [Leviticus 7:6](/leviticus/7-6 "Leviticus 7:6 - Priestly Consumption of Offerings"), its use specifically designates a male individual, highlighting the exclusive nature of who could partake in these particular offerings. Only the male priests, who were ritually clean and consecrated for service, were permitted this sacred privilege. This distinction underscored the specific roles and responsibilities within the Aaronic priesthood, emphasizing the unique mediatorial function assigned to them.
* **Holy Place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm qâdôwsh'_):** This phrase combines "place" (properly "a standing," widely used for a locality, H4725) and "holy" (sacred, ceremonially or morally, H6918). It refers to the sacred area within the Tabernacle complex, specifically the courtyard where the altar of burnt offering and the laver were located. It was not the Holy of Holies, but the designated consecrated space for priestly service and sacrificial rituals. The requirement that the offerings be eaten "in the holy place" emphasized the sanctity of the food itself and the environment in which it was consumed, preventing its defilement or casual handling outside the consecrated area. It reinforced the idea that these offerings were set apart for God and His service.
* **Most Holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh qôdesh_):** Derived from the root meaning "sacred" (H6944), this is a superlative expression, literally meaning "holiness of holinesses" or "a holy of holies." It signifies the highest possible degree of sacredness, reserved for items, places, or offerings that were intimately connected with God's direct presence and purposes. This designation was applied to the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 26:33-34](/exodus/26-33-34 "Exodus 26:33-34 - The Holy of Holies")), the Ark of the Covenant, and certain offerings like the sin and trespass offerings. For the offerings, being "most holy" meant they could not be taken outside the Tabernacle courtyard, nor could they be consumed by anyone other than the consecrated male priests, signifying their profound spiritual significance in atoning for sin and guilt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every male among the priests shall eat thereof":** This foundational clause establishes the strict exclusivity regarding who was permitted to partake in the sin and trespass offerings. The emphasis on "every male among the priests" highlights the specific lineage and gender requirements for participation, underscoring that this was not a general provision for all Israelites, nor even for female members of priestly families. It was a sacred privilege and solemn responsibility reserved solely for the consecrated male priests, serving both as a means of divine provision for their sustenance and a symbol of their unique access and mediatorial role.
* **"it shall be eaten in the holy place":** This specifies the precise, consecrated location where the consumption of these offerings was to occur. The "holy place" denotes the Tabernacle courtyard, the sacred area surrounding the altar of burnt offering. This stringent restriction underscored the extreme sanctity of the offerings themselves and prevented their casual handling or consumption in any common, unconsecrated environment. It reinforced the critical principle of separation between the sacred and the profane, ensuring that these offerings, being "most holy," were treated with the utmost reverence and consumed only within a divinely appointed and sanctified space.
* **"it [is] most holy":** This powerful declaration provides the theological rationale and ultimate justification for the preceding restrictions. The designation "most holy" (Hebrew: _qôdesh qôdesh_) signifies the highest possible degree of sacredness, indicating that these offerings—particularly the sin and trespass offerings—were uniquely set apart for God's purposes of atonement and reconciliation. Their extreme holiness demanded strict adherence to the rules of consumption, reflecting God's own perfect and unapproachable holiness, and emphasizing the profound gravity of sin and the deep spiritual nature of the atonement they represented.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:6 employs several impactful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Emphasis**, achieved through the precise and repeated use of terms related to holiness and exclusivity. The phrase "most holy" (_qôdesh qôdesh_) is a superlative expression, functioning as a form of **hyperbole** to underscore the extreme sanctity of the offerings and, by extension, the absolute holiness of God Himself. This declaration serves as the ultimate justification for the stringent regulations. **Exclusivity** is a central theme, highlighted by the precise stipulations "every male among the priests" and "in the holy place," which create a clear, divinely ordained boundary between the sacred and the common. This strict delineation functions as a powerful **symbolism**, where the physical separation and restricted access symbolize the spiritual separation between a perfectly holy God and sinful humanity, and the necessity of a consecrated mediator (the priest) to bridge that chasm. The concise, declarative nature of the verse also lends it an **authoritative tone**, typical of divine legal pronouncements throughout the Pentateuch, reinforcing the non-negotiable nature of these sacred commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:6 profoundly illustrates God's absolute holiness and the meticulous care required in approaching Him, even in the context of atonement. The "most holy" designation for the sin and trespass offerings signifies that the means by which sin is addressed must be utterly pure and set apart, reflecting the perfect character of God. This principle also underscores God's faithfulness in providing for His consecrated servants (the priests) through sacred means, enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their divine calling. Ultimately, these Old Testament rituals and their associated holiness point forward to a greater reality, revealing foundational truths about the gravity of sin, the necessity of sacrifice, and the very nature of true holiness that would be perfectly embodied in Christ.

* [Exodus 29:37](/exodus/29-37 "Altar Consecrated as Most Holy")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior and Perfect Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "Believers as a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 7:6, while rooted in the ancient sacrificial system, offers enduring principles for believers today. The extreme holiness of the sin and trespass offerings, and the strict regulations surrounding their consumption, serve as a powerful reminder of the profound seriousness of sin and the immense, divine cost of atonement. They compel us to reflect on the nature of God's holiness—a holiness that demands reverence, purity, and a clear distinction between the sacred and the common in our lives. For us, as New Covenant believers, who are called a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation," this verse challenges us to consider how we approach God in worship, how we partake in the spiritual provisions He offers (such as the Lord's Supper), and how we live out our consecrated lives. Our "spiritual sacrifices" of praise, service, and self-offering should be marked by the same reverence and dedication that characterized the ancient priests handling the "most holy" things, recognizing that we serve a God who is utterly holy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "most holy" nature of the sin and trespass offerings deepen your understanding of the gravity of sin and the ultimate cost of atonement in Christ?**
* **In what ways can believers today, as a "royal priesthood," apply the principle of "eating in the holy place" to their daily lives, spiritual practices, and corporate worship?**
* **What does the divine provision for the priests teach us about God's care for those dedicated to His service, and how might this influence our approach to ministry, stewardship, and vocational calling?**

### FAQ

**Why were only male priests allowed to eat these offerings?**

Answer: The restriction to "every male among the priests" underscored the specific and exclusive role of the consecrated Aaronic priesthood in mediating between God and Israel. This was not a matter of gender superiority, but of divinely ordained ritual purity and function within the Tabernacle system. Male priests were the ones who performed the sacrificial rites, and thus, they were the ones designated to partake of the most sacred portions, symbolizing their unique access and responsibility in God's presence. This also served as a practical means of provision for them, as they were set apart for full-time service, as seen in the broader context of [Leviticus 6-7](/leviticus/6-7 "Leviticus 6-7 - Laws of Offerings and Priestly Portions").

**What does "it is most holy" truly signify for these offerings?**

Answer: The phrase "most holy" (Hebrew: _qôdesh qôdesh_) is a superlative indicating the highest possible degree of sacredness. For the sin and trespass offerings, it meant they were utterly set apart for God and His purposes of atonement. This designation demanded strict protocols for their handling and consumption, signifying that they were not to be treated casually or commonly. Their extreme holiness reflected the perfect holiness of God Himself and the profound spiritual gravity of dealing with sin and guilt, pointing to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would one day come.

**Were there other "most holy" items in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: Yes, the designation "most holy" was applied to several key elements within the Tabernacle and its service. The inner sanctuary, known as the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, was considered "most holy" ([Exodus 26:33-34](/exodus/26-33-34 "Exodus 26:33-34 - The Holy of Holies")). The Ark of the Covenant itself, the altar of burnt offering after its anointing ([Exodus 29:37](/exodus/29-37 "Exodus 29:37 - Altar Consecrated as Most Holy")), and the anointing oil ([Exodus 30:29](/exodus/30-29 "Exodus 30:29 - Anointing Oil as Most Holy")) were also designated as "most holy." This shared designation emphasized their direct connection to God's presence, His divine purposes, and the sacredness of the covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:6, with its emphasis on the "most holy" nature of the sin and trespass offerings and their exclusive consumption by male priests in the holy place, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The sin and trespass offerings, though "most holy" in the Old Covenant, were but shadows pointing to the truly perfect, truly "most holy" sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose single offering of Himself on the cross was sufficient to atone for all sin, once and for all ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect and Final Sacrifice")). Furthermore, while the Old Covenant priesthood was exclusive to male descendants of Aaron, Christ is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest") after the order of Melchizedek, whose priesthood is eternal and accessible to all who believe. In Him, the "holy place" is no longer a physical tent but the very presence of God in heaven, into which believers now have bold access through Christ's shed blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access to God through Christ")). Moreover, under the New Covenant, all believers are constituted as a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Holy Priesthood")) and a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service, partaking spiritually in the benefits of Christ's "most holy" sacrifice, which has made us holy and acceptable before God.

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 6:29

All the males among the priests shall eat thereof: it [is] most holy.

Leviticus 2:3

And the remnant of the meat offering [shall be] Aaron's and his sons': [it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.

Numbers 18:9

This shall be thine of the most holy things, [reserved] from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, [shall be] most holy for thee and for thy sons.

Numbers 18:10

In the most holy [place] shalt thou eat it; every male shall eat it: it shall be holy unto thee.

Leviticus 6:16

And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.

Leviticus 6:18

All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. [It shall be] a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.