Leviticus 7:7

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].

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.

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.

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

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

Leviticus 7:7 is a concise verse detailing a specific regulation concerning the priest's portion from the sin and trespass offerings within the Israelite sacrificial system. It emphasizes a uniformity in the law governing the disposition of these particular offerings to the officiating priest.

Context

This verse is found within a section of Leviticus (chapters 6-7) that provides detailed instructions for the priests regarding the various offerings previously introduced (chapters 1-5). While chapters 1-5 focus on the worshipper's responsibilities, chapters 6-7 clarify the procedures, the handling of the sacrificial elements, and crucially, the specific portions designated for the priests. The sin offering (chatta't) dealt with unintentional sins and purification from ritual impurity, while the trespass offering (asham) addressed specific offenses against God's holy things or against a neighbor, often requiring restitution. Leviticus 7:7 clarifies that despite their distinct purposes, the priest's share from both offerings followed the same rule.

Key Themes

  • Priestly Provision: The verse highlights the system of divine provision for the Levitical priests. Their livelihood was sustained through designated portions of the offerings, underscoring their full-time dedication to God's service. This principle is echoed elsewhere in the Old Testament, such as in Numbers 18:8, and later applied to ministers in the New Testament.
  • Uniformity of Law: "There is one law for them." This phrase emphasizes that while the sin and trespass offerings addressed different types of transgressions, the regulations concerning the priest's share were identical. This speaks to the order and precision of God's law, ensuring fairness and clarity in the sacrificial system.
  • Atonement and Privilege: The phrase "the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have it" directly links the priest's benefit to his sacred duty of facilitating atonement. It underscores the profound responsibility and unique privilege of the priesthood in mediating between God and man under the Old Covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sin offering" is chatta't (Χ—Φ·Χ˜ΦΈΦΌΧΧͺ), often translated as 'sin' but in the context of offerings, it refers to the sacrifice made for sin. The "trespass offering" is asham (אָשָׁם), which can also mean 'guilt' or 'offense.' While distinct in their application, this verse makes it clear that for the priest's portion, they were treated identically, signifying the importance of the priest's role in both types of purification and reconciliation.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind these laws offer timeless insights:

  • Support for Ministry: Just as the priests were supported by the offerings, there is a biblical principle of supporting those who minister God's Word and serve the spiritual needs of the community. 1 Corinthians 9:14 reflects this New Testament application.
  • God's Meticulousness: The detailed nature of these laws, even down to the priest's portion, reveals God's orderly character and His concern for justice and fairness in all things, including the provision for those who serve Him.
  • The Ultimate Atonement: These offerings, and the priest's role in them, ultimately point to the perfect and final atonement made by Jesus Christ. Unlike the Old Testament priests who received a portion, Christ offered Himself as the spotless Lamb (John 1:29), and His sacrifice benefits believers fully, without any earthly mediator receiving a portion.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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?
← Back