This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest's office;

LEVITICUS 7:35KJV
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Leviticus 7:35 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 7:35 mean?

Leviticus 7:35 explains that a specific portion from the offerings made by fire to the LORD was set aside for Aaron and his sons as part of their anointing to serve as priests. This verse highlights that these portions were given to them on the day they were officially appointed to minister in the priestly office.

In context, Leviticus is recording the instructions God gave to Moses for the Israelites about worship and sacrifices. Here, God is clarifying that Aaron (the first high priest) and his sons receive a share of certain sacrifices as part of their role. This verse marks the official recognition and provision for the priests’ service, connecting their anointing with their ongoing support from the offerings.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 7:35

  • "anointing" (מָשְׁחָה, mashchah): This word refers to the special ceremony of setting apart Aaron and his sons for priestly service. It carries the sense of being chosen and empowered for a sacred duty.
  • "offerings" and "fire" (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh): This word is used for offerings that are burned on the altar, emphasizing that these gifts are given up to God through fire. The priests’ portion comes from these specific offerings, not just any sacrifice.
  • "presented" (קָרַב, qarav): This verb means to bring near or present, underlining that Aaron and his sons were brought before the LORD for this special appointment.

Why Leviticus 7:35 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priests’ share of the offerings was not a personal privilege but a God-given provision tied to their official role and anointing.
  • It connects the act of anointing with practical support, showing that spiritual service in Israel came with real-life responsibilities and needs.
  • Leviticus 7:35 helps explain the ongoing relationship between the priests, the offerings, and the worship of Israel, showing how each part fit together in the life of the community.

Where else these words appear

“office” Hebrew H3547 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
  • Exodus 31:10 And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,
  • Numbers 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

“anointing” Hebrew H4888 · used in 24 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 8:10 And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.

“offerings” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • Leviticus 24:7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.