Leviticus 7:7

KJV

As the sin offering [is], so [is] the trespass offering: [there is] one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

As the sin offering {H2403} is, so is the trespass offering {H817}: there is one {H259} law {H8451} for them: the priest {H3548} that maketh atonement {H3722} therewith shall have it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law governs them - it will belong to the cohen who uses it to make atonement.

Berean Standard Bible

The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it.

American Standard Version

As is the sin-offering, so is the trespass-offering; there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith, he shall have it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:7 succinctly articulates a crucial legal uniformity within the Israelite sacrificial system, specifically concerning the disposition of the sin offering and the trespass offering. It establishes that despite their distinct purposes in atoning for different types of transgressions, the portion designated for the officiating priest from both offerings was governed by a single, identical law. This provision underscored the divine sustenance for the Levitical priesthood, linking their livelihood directly to their sacred duty of facilitating atonement for the people of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:7 is situated within a detailed section of Leviticus (chapters 6-7) that provides specific instructions for the priests regarding the various offerings previously introduced in chapters 1-5. While the earlier chapters primarily focused on the worshipper's responsibilities and the general procedures for bringing offerings, chapters 6 and 7 delve into the intricate details of how the priests were to handle these sacrifices, including the specific portions they were permitted to consume. This verse immediately follows regulations concerning the sin offering in [Leviticus 6:24-30](/leviticus/6-24 "Leviticus 6:24-30 - Regulations for the Sin Offering") and precedes further details on the trespass offering in [Leviticus 7:1-6](/leviticus/7-1 "Leviticus 7:1-6 - Regulations for the Trespass Offering"). The placement of verse 7 serves as a summary statement, emphasizing a common rule for the priestly share of these two particular offerings, reinforcing the meticulous order and divine provision inherent in the sacrificial cult.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Levitical priesthood was a full-time, hereditary vocation, set apart for the service of God at the tabernacle and later the temple. Unlike other tribes who received a territorial inheritance, the Levites were to be supported by the offerings and tithes of the people, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). The sacrificial system was the central means by which Israel maintained covenant relationship with God, addressing sin and impurity. The sin offering (Hebrew: _chaṭṭāʾt_) was primarily for unintentional sins and ritual impurity, while the trespass offering (Hebrew: _ʾāšām_) addressed specific offenses involving restitution or desecration of holy things. The priest's consumption of a portion of these offerings was not merely sustenance but also a symbolic act, indicating their participation in the atonement process and bearing the iniquity of the people, as hinted in [Leviticus 10:17](/leviticus/10-17 "Leviticus 10:17 - Priests Bear Iniquity"). This verse, therefore, highlights both the divine provision for God's ministers and the precise, equitable nature of the Mosaic Law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (חַטָּאת, _chaṭṭāʾt'_):** This term, while often translated as "sin" in other contexts, here refers specifically to the sacrifice offered to atone for unintentional sins or to purify from ritual impurity. It was distinct from other offerings in its primary focus on cleansing and purification, often involving the sprinkling of blood on various parts of the tabernacle. The priest's portion was typically eaten in a holy place, emphasizing its sacred nature.
* **Trespass Offering (אָשָׁם, _ʾāšām'_):** This sacrifice addressed specific offenses, particularly those involving a breach of trust, misappropriation of holy things, or damage to a neighbor's property, often requiring restitution in addition to the offering. The _ʾāšām_ emphasized guilt and required compensation, highlighting the restorative aspect of atonement. Despite its distinct application from the _chaṭṭāʾt_, Leviticus 7:7 declares a shared rule for the priest's portion.
* **Maketh Atonement (כָּפַר, _kāpar'_):** This verb signifies "to cover," "to purge," or "to make propitiation." In the context of the sacrificial system, it describes the priest's essential role in mediating between God and humanity, facilitating the removal or covering of sin through the prescribed rituals. The priest's right to the offering was directly tied to this profound, sacred function of bringing reconciliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As the sin offering [is], so [is] the trespass offering:"** This clause establishes a direct parallel and equivalence between the two distinct offerings regarding a specific aspect. Despite their different purposes and procedures for the worshiper, the *disposition* of the priest's share from both was to be identical. It immediately signals a common rule about to be declared.
* **"[there is] one law for them:"** This phrase explicitly states the uniformity implied in the preceding clause. It emphasizes the divine consistency and precision within the Mosaic Law. For the priest's portion, the regulations governing the sin offering and the trespass offering were not separate or distinct but were unified under a single, overarching statute. This ensured clarity and prevented ambiguity regarding priestly entitlements.
* **"the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have [it]."** This final clause clarifies *who* receives the portion and *why*. The right to consume the offering is granted specifically to the priest who performs the atonement ritual. This directly links the priest's sustenance and privilege to his sacred duty of mediating reconciliation between God and the offerer. It underscores the profound responsibility and unique position of the priesthood in the Old Covenant system.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:7 primarily employs **Legal Precision** and **Parallelism**. The verse's concise structure and direct language exemplify the meticulous nature of Mosaic Law, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the priestly portion. The opening phrase, "As the sin offering [is], so [is] the trespass offering," is a clear instance of **Parallelism**, drawing an explicit comparison between the two offerings to highlight their identical treatment concerning the priest's share. This is immediately reinforced by the declarative statement, "there is one law for them," which functions as a legal **Summary Statement**, consolidating the rule. The verse's focus on the "priest that maketh atonement" also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the direct connection between sacred duty and divine provision, a recurring theme in the priestly codes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:7 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous provision for those consecrated to His service, ensuring that the priests, who had no tribal land inheritance, were sustained through the very system they administered. This highlights the principle that those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry are worthy of material support, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Furthermore, the "one law" for both sin and trespass offerings underscores the unified nature of God's justice and His consistent approach to dealing with human transgression, regardless of its specific manifestation. The priest's role in "making atonement" and then receiving a portion of the offering emphasizes the sacred, mediatorial function of the priesthood, a function that pointed forward to a greater reality.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the specific regulations for priestly portions, has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of Leviticus 7:7 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to recognize and support those who minister God's Word and serve the spiritual needs of the community, understanding that their dedication often requires material provision, just as the priests of old were sustained by the offerings. Moreover, the meticulousness of God's law, even in seemingly minor details like priestly portions, reminds us of His perfect order, justice, and concern for all aspects of life and worship. This should inspire us to approach our own service to God with diligence and integrity, trusting in His faithful provision and acknowledging the sacredness of His calling. We are also reminded that our spiritual sustenance comes from Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who offered Himself entirely for our atonement, requiring no portion for Himself but giving all for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of supporting those in ministry, as seen in Leviticus 7:7, apply to the church today?**
* **What does God's meticulousness in detailing these laws reveal about His character, and how should that impact our approach to obedience?**
* **In what ways does understanding the priest's role in "making atonement" deepen our appreciation for Christ's finished work on the cross?**

### FAQ
**Why were the sin offering and trespass offering treated the same for the priest's portion, even though their purposes were different?**

Answer: While the sin offering (_chaṭṭāʾt_) addressed unintentional sins and ritual impurity, and the trespass offering (_ʾāšām_) dealt with specific offenses requiring restitution, Leviticus 7:7 emphasizes that for the *priest's portion*, "there is one law for them." This uniformity underscored the consistency and precision of God's law regarding the support of the priesthood. Both offerings involved the priest's critical role in facilitating atonement and purification, and thus, the divine provision for their service was applied equally, regardless of the specific nature of the transgression being atoned for. It simplified the regulations for priestly sustenance and highlighted the overarching principle of divine provision for their sacred duties, as seen throughout [Leviticus 6-7](/leviticus/6 "Leviticus 6-7 - Priestly Instructions for Offerings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:7, with its focus on the priest receiving a portion of the sin and trespass offerings for making atonement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priests, by consuming a part of the offerings, symbolically bore the iniquity of the people and were sustained by the very system they served. This pointed forward to Christ, our great High Priest, who did not merely partake of the offering but *became* the offering Himself. 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"), serving as both the perfect Sin Offering and Trespass Offering. Unlike the Levitical priests who received a portion for their service, Christ offered His entire self, His [body once for all](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All"), making a complete and final atonement that requires no further sacrifice or priestly portion. His sacrifice cleanses us from all sin and guilt, not partially, but fully and eternally, as detailed in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). Through Him, we receive the full benefit of atonement, a spiritual sustenance that far surpasses any physical portion, for He is the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who sustains us eternally.

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 6:25

Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This [is] the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it [is] most holy.

Leviticus 6:26

The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 14:13

And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the holy place: for as the sin offering [is] the priest's, [so is] the trespass offering: it [is] most holy:

1 Corinthians 9:13

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?