And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.

LEVITICUS 6:10KJV
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Leviticus 6:10 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 6:10 mean?

Leviticus 6:10 describes how the priest must put on special linen clothes and carefully remove the ashes left from the burnt offering on the altar, placing them beside the altar. This instruction shows the care and respect required in handling even the remains of sacrifices in Israel’s worship.

In this verse, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the priests, specifically about their duties in the tabernacle. The focus is on the priest’s clothing—linen garments and linen breeches—and the respectful handling of ashes from the burnt offering. These steps highlight the importance of order, cleanliness, and reverence in the daily routines of Israel’s worship life.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 6:10

  • The word for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) refers to the person set apart for sacred duties, emphasizing that only those chosen for this role could perform these actions.
  • "Linen" (בַּד, bad) and "garment" (מִדּוֹ, middō) point to simple, pure clothing, which often symbolizes holiness and separation from everyday things.
  • "Ashes" (דֶּשֶׁן, deshen) is the word used for the remains of the burnt offering, showing that even what is left over from a sacrifice is treated with care.
  • "Put" (לָבַשׁ, lavash) is used for putting on the garments, and again for placing the ashes, showing a deliberate, respectful action in both dressing and handling the remains.

Why Leviticus 6:10 matters

  • This verse clears up that even the ashes from sacrifices were considered significant and had to be handled in a specific, respectful way, not just discarded carelessly.
  • The emphasis on special linen garments shows that the priests’ work was set apart from ordinary tasks, highlighting the holiness of their service.
  • Leviticus 6:10 connects to the wider passage by showing that every part of the sacrificial process, from offering to cleanup, was part of Israel’s worship and obedience to God.

Where else these words appear

“breeches” Hebrew H4370 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
  • Exodus 39:28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,
  • Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

“garment” Hebrew H4055 · used in 12 verses

  • Judges 3:16 But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
  • 1 Samuel 17:38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
  • 2 Samuel 21:20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.

“ashes” Hebrew H1880 · used in 14 verses

  • Leviticus 1:16 And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:
  • 1 Kings 13:3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the LORD hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out.
  • Psalms 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

“linen” Hebrew H906 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
  • 1 Samuel 22:18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
  • Ezekiel 10:2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.