And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: it is a statute for ever unto the LORD; it shall be wholly burnt.

LEVITICUS 6:22KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 6:22 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 6:22 mean?

Leviticus 6:22 explains that when a priest dies, his son who is anointed to take his place must offer a specific sacrifice, and this offering must be completely burned as a permanent rule before the LORD. This command is meant to continue for all generations of priests.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions about the priestly duties for offerings. The focus is on the succession of priests—specifically, that the anointed son (the new high priest) must carry out this ritual. The verse emphasizes that this is not a temporary practice but a lasting regulation, showing the importance of continuity and obedience in the priesthood.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 6:22

  • priest (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to the priestly role, highlighting that these instructions are specifically for those set apart for service in the sanctuary.
  • anointed (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This term means “anointed one,” pointing to the special status of the high priest, who is set apart by anointing oil.
  • statute (חֹק, choq): This word means a fixed, established rule or law, underlining that this command is not optional or temporary.
  • wholly (כָּלִיל, kalil): This word means “entirely” or “completely,” stressing that the offering is to be totally burned up, with nothing left over.

Why Leviticus 6:22 matters

  • Leviticus 6:22 clarifies that the priestly duties are passed on through generations, ensuring the continuity of worship and sacrifice as commanded by God.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of following God’s instructions exactly, especially for those in leadership roles like the priests.
  • By stating that the offering must be “wholly burnt,” the verse connects to the theme of total dedication and the unique role of certain sacrifices in Israel’s worship.

Where else these words appear

“wholly” Hebrew H3632 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 28:31 And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
  • Deuteronomy 13:16 And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.
  • Isaiah 2:18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish.

“anointed” Hebrew H4899 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 1 Samuel 26:16 This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the LORD liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the LORD'S anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his bolster.
  • Psalms 20:6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

“burnt” Hebrew H6999 · used in 112 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 16:25 And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

“statute” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.