This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.

LEVITICUS 6:20KJV
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Leviticus 6:20 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 6:20 mean?

Leviticus 6:20 describes a special grain offering that Aaron and his sons, the priests, must bring to the LORD on the day one of them is anointed for service. The offering is a tenth of an ephah of fine flour, divided in half—half given in the morning and half at night—as a continual practice.

God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions about priestly duties in the tabernacle. This verse sets out a daily ritual for newly anointed priests, showing that their service begins and continues with an act of dedication. The specific amount and timing of the offering highlight the ongoing, daily nature of the priests’ commitment to God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 6:20

  • "offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban): This word means something brought near or presented, emphasizing that the priests' act is about drawing close to God.
  • "anointed" (מָשַׁח, mashach): This word refers to being set apart or consecrated with oil, marking the start of a priest’s special role.
  • "perpetual" (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word means continual or ongoing, showing that this offering is not a one-time event but a lasting requirement for every new priest.

Why Leviticus 6:20 matters

  • Leviticus 6:20 clarifies that the priests themselves needed to make offerings, not just the people, showing their own need for dedication and purity.
  • The verse connects the act of being anointed (set apart for God’s service) with a daily, repeated act of worship, underlining the seriousness and constancy of the priestly role.
  • By specifying both morning and evening, the verse ties the priests’ service to the daily rhythm of worship in Israel, linking their personal dedication to the community’s ongoing relationship with God.