And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.

LEVITICUS 9:12KJV
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Leviticus 9:12 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 9:12 mean?

Leviticus 9:12 describes how Aaron and his sons carried out the ritual for the burnt offering: Aaron killed the animal, and his sons brought him the blood, which he then sprinkled all around the altar. This verse shows the specific roles Aaron and his sons played in the sacrificial ceremony as part of their priestly duties.

This event takes place during the dedication of the Tabernacle, when Moses is instructing Aaron and his sons on how to perform the sacrifices God commanded. The verse highlights the teamwork between Aaron, the high priest, and his sons, who assist him by handling the blood and presenting it for the ritual act of sprinkling on the altar.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 9:12

  • "slew" (שָׁחַט, shachat): This word means to slaughter or kill, specifically in the context of ritual sacrifice. It emphasizes that the animal was killed in a prescribed, sacred way.
  • "offering" (עֹלָה, olah): This term refers to a burnt offering, which was entirely consumed by fire on the altar. It was a central act of worship, symbolizing dedication to God.
  • "sprinkled" (זָרַק, zarak): This word means to scatter or throw, often used for the ritual act of splashing or sprinkling blood on the altar. The act marked the altar as set apart and was a key part of the atonement process.

Why Leviticus 9:12 matters

  • Leviticus 9:12 clarifies the division of responsibilities among the priests, showing that Aaron performed the main ritual act while his sons assisted, reflecting the order and structure God established for worship.
  • The verse highlights the importance of the blood in the sacrificial system, as it was not simply disposed of but purposefully sprinkled around the altar, underlining its role in atonement.
  • This moment is part of the first official sacrifices in the Tabernacle, connecting the actions of Aaron and his sons to the larger theme of God’s presence dwelling among the people through proper worship.

Where else these words appear

“sprinkled” Hebrew H2236 · used in 33 verses

  • Exodus 9:8 And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.
  • Leviticus 3:13 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.
  • 2 Kings 16:15 And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.

“slew” Hebrew H7819 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
  • Leviticus 9:8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
  • 2 Kings 10:14 And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.