Leviticus 6:9 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 6:9 mean?

Leviticus 6:9 gives Aaron and his sons an instruction about their care of the burnt offering. The offering is to remain on the altar throughout the night, with the altar fire burning until morning.

The command comes from the Lord through Moses, as the preceding verse shows. The picture is of an offering resting on the altar’s hearth through the dark hours, rather than being removed as soon as the day’s activity ends.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 6:9

• “law” — תּוֹרָה (torah): This word can mean instruction or direction. Here, it introduces a set of directions for handling the burnt offering.
• “burning” — מוֹקְדָה (moqedah): This word refers to a place of burning, often understood here as the altar’s hearth. It helps picture where the offering remains overnight.
• “offering” — עֹלָה (ʿolah): This word names the burnt offering. In this verse, the instruction concerns what happens to that offering after it has been placed on the altar.

Why Leviticus 6:9 matters

• The instruction is addressed to the priests who tend the altar. “Aaron and his sons” are the people being commanded, rather than the person bringing the offering.
• The later instructions show that the fire requires ongoing attention. Verses 12–13 speak of adding wood and keeping the fire burning, giving practical detail to the fire mentioned in verse 9.
• The burnt offering is treated differently from offerings that priests may eat. In Leviticus 6:26, part of a sin offering is given to the priest, while Leviticus 1:9 describes the burnt offering as going up in smoke on the altar.