Leviticus 8:31 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 8:31 mean?

Leviticus 8:31 describes Moses instructing Aaron and his sons to boil the meat of their offering and eat it with the special bread at the entrance of the tabernacle, just as God had commanded. This meal was part of their consecration, marking their dedication to serve as priests.

In this verse, Moses is speaking directly to Aaron and his sons during their ordination ceremony. The setting is the entrance to the tabernacle, where the newly appointed priests are to eat specific foods as part of the ritual. The act of eating the boiled meat and bread from the "basket of consecrations" shows their obedience to God's instructions and symbolizes their new role and relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 8:31

• The word "Boil" (בָּשַׁל, bashal) means to cook by boiling, highlighting that the meat was to be prepared in a specific way, not roasted or raw, which was important for ritual purity.
• The word "consecrations" (מִלֻּאִים, millu'im) refers to things that fill or complete, here meaning the offerings or ceremonies that "fill the hands" of the priests, symbolizing their official installation into service.
• The word "tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ohel) means tent, and "congregation" (מוֹעֵד, mo'ed) means meeting or appointed place, together emphasizing that this was a public, communal event at the central place of worship.

Why Leviticus 8:31 matters

• Leviticus 8:31 clarifies that the priests' consecration involved specific actions and obedience to God's detailed instructions, not just a general dedication.
• The verse connects the act of eating with the idea of sharing in the holy things, showing that the priests' service was both a privilege and a responsibility.
• This instruction ties the priests' personal actions to the larger community's worship, reinforcing that their role was not private but central to Israel's relationship with God.