Which the LORD commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them, by a statute for ever throughout their generations.

LEVITICUS 7:36KJV
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Leviticus 7:36 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 7:36 mean?

Leviticus 7:36 explains that God commanded the Israelites to give certain portions to the priests on the day they were anointed, establishing this as a permanent rule for all their generations. This verse highlights that these priestly portions were not a temporary arrangement but a lasting statute.

In context, Leviticus records instructions given by God (the LORD) to Moses for the people of Israel. This verse refers to the special portions from sacrifices that were to be set aside for the priests, beginning from the day they were officially set apart (anointed) for their service. The verse emphasizes that this command was not just for one time but was to be observed by every generation of Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 7:36

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, underscoring that the command comes directly from God, not from human authority.
  • anointed (מָשַׁח, mashach): This word means to pour or smear oil, marking someone as chosen for a special role. Here, it refers to the priests being set apart for their duties.
  • statute (חֻקָּה, chuqqah): This word means a fixed, established rule or ordinance. Its use here stresses that the giving of these portions to the priests is not optional or temporary, but a binding and ongoing requirement.
  • ever (עוֹלָם, olam): This word often means “forever” or “for an indefinite future.” It signals that this command is meant to last through all generations, not just for a limited period.

Why Leviticus 7:36 matters

  • Leviticus 7:36 clarifies that the priestly portions were not just a one-time gift but a permanent part of Israel’s worship system, rooted in God’s command.
  • The verse connects the giving of these portions directly to the priests’ anointing, showing that their special role was recognized and supported from the very start of their service.
  • By stating this is a statute “for ever throughout their generations,” the verse highlights the continuity and seriousness of God’s instructions for worship and leadership among the Israelites.

Where else these words appear

“anointed” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 7:1 And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
  • 1 Kings 1:39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

“statute” Hebrew H2708 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 9:3 In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.
  • 2 Kings 23:3 And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.

“generations” Hebrew H1755 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 15:23 Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and henceforward among your generations;
  • Psalms 85:5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?