Leviticus 7:8

And the priest that offereth any man's burnt offering, [even] the priest shall have to himself the skin of the burnt offering which he hath offered.

And the priest {H3548} that offereth {H7126} any man's {H376} burnt offering {H5930}, even the priest {H3548} shall have to himself the skin {H5785} of the burnt offering {H5930} which he hath offered {H7126}.

"'The cohen who offers someone's burnt offering will possess the hide of the burnt offering which he has offered.

As for the priest who presents a burnt offering for anyone, the hide of that offering belongs to him.

And the priest that offereth any manโ€™s burnt-offering, even the priest shall have to himself the skin of the burnt-offering which he hath offered.

Commentary

Leviticus 7:8 is a specific regulation concerning the burnt offering (Hebrew: olah, meaning "that which ascends") within the Mosaic Law. This verse highlights a particular provision for the priests who ministered in the Tabernacle.

Context

This verse is found within a section of Leviticus (chapters 6-7) that provides detailed instructions regarding the priests' portions from the various sacrifices. While the initial chapters (1-5) outlined how the people were to present their offerings, chapters 6-7 focus on the procedural aspects and, crucially, how the priests were to be sustained through their service. The burnt offering was unique because the entire animal (except the skin) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion and atonement for sin. Unlike other sacrifices where portions of meat were eaten by the offerer or the priests, the burnt offering was wholly given to God. However, the skin was an exception, providing a valuable resource for the priestly family.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision for Ministry: God meticulously outlined how the priests, who had no tribal land inheritance, would be supported. The allocation of the animal's skin from the burnt offering was a practical means of sustenance, as skins were valuable for clothing, shelter, and other necessities in ancient Israel. This underscores God's care for those dedicated to His service, a principle echoed in other parts of Scripture concerning the support of the priesthood.
  • Meticulousness of God's Law: The specific detail regarding the skin demonstrates the comprehensive and precise nature of God's commands. Every aspect of worship and daily life under the covenant was carefully regulated, leaving no ambiguity.
  • Value in the Whole Offering: Even though the meat of the burnt offering was entirely consumed, the skin, a byproduct, was still deemed valuable and allocated, signifying that every part of the sacrifice and its associated duties had purpose and worth in God's eyes.

Linguistic Insights

The term for "burnt offering" is olah (ืขึนืœึธื”), which literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends," referring to the smoke and aroma ascending to God. This emphasizes the complete dedication and acceptance of the sacrifice. The "skin" is or (ืขื•ึนืจ), a common Hebrew word for animal hide, but its specific destination here is a key detail of the law.

Practical Application

Leviticus 7:8, while dealing with ancient sacrificial law, offers timeless principles. It reminds us of the importance of providing for those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service and ministry, as God Himself established this pattern. It also teaches us about the meticulousness and wisdom of God in His provisions and commands, demonstrating that even seemingly small details have significant purpose within His divine plan. Ultimately, it points to God's foresight and care for His people and His servants.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 19:5

    And [one] shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:

  • Genesis 3:21

    ยถ Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

  • Exodus 29:14

    But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it [is] a sin offering.

  • Leviticus 1:6

    And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

  • Leviticus 4:11

    And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung,

  • Romans 13:14

    But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].
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