Leviticus 9:14 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 9:14 mean?

Leviticus 9:14 describes how the priest washed the inner organs and legs of the animal sacrifice before burning them on the altar, as part of the burnt offering ritual. This verse shows the careful steps taken to prepare the offering according to God’s instructions.

In this scene, Moses is overseeing Aaron and his sons as they perform their first official sacrifices as priests. The “inwards” and “legs” refer to specific parts of the animal that needed to be cleaned before being placed on the altar. This careful washing and burning were part of the detailed procedures for offerings described in the laws given to Israel.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 9:14

• wash (רָחַץ, rachats): This word means to wash or cleanse, often in a ritual sense. Here, it emphasizes the need for cleanliness and preparation before presenting something to God.
• inwards (קֶרֶב, qerev): This refers to the inner organs of the animal, which were to be washed before burning. This detail shows the thoroughness required in the sacrificial process.
• legs (רֶגֶל, regel): The legs, especially the lower parts, would be dirty from the animal’s life. Washing them before burning highlights the importance of presenting a clean offering.
• burnt (קָטַר, qatar): This word means to burn or offer up in smoke, specifically as an act of worship. It points to the act of giving the entire animal to God by burning it on the altar.
• offering (עֹלָה, olah): This is the standard term for a burnt offering, which was completely consumed by fire as a symbol of dedication to God.
• altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): The altar was the central place for sacrifices, and every detail of what went on it was significant in Israel’s worship.

Why Leviticus 9:14 matters

• Leviticus 9:14 shows that even the less visible parts of the sacrifice, like the inner organs and legs, had to be treated with care and respect, underlining the seriousness of approaching God.
• This verse highlights the attention to ritual purity and order in Israel’s worship, helping readers understand the high standards set for the priests and offerings.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the priests learning and following God’s instructions exactly, which was essential for their new role and for the people’s relationship with God.