Leviticus 7 8

Leviticus 7:8 kjv

And the priest that offereth any man's burnt offering, even the priest shall have to himself the skin of the burnt offering which he hath offered.

Leviticus 7:8 nkjv

And the priest who offers anyone's burnt offering, that priest shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering which he has offered.

Leviticus 7:8 niv

The priest who offers a burnt offering for anyone may keep its hide for himself.

Leviticus 7:8 esv

And the priest who offers any man's burnt offering shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering that he has offered.

Leviticus 7:8 nlt

In the case of the burnt offering, the priest may keep the hide of the sacrificed animal.

Leviticus 7 verses

Leviticus 7 8 Meaning

Leviticus 7:8 stipulates a specific provision for the officiating priest regarding the burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah). When an individual presents a burnt offering, which is typically entirely consumed by fire on the altar, the priest who performs the sacrificial rite is explicitly entitled to receive and keep the hide or skin of the sacrificed animal. This unique exception within the complete dedication of the olah ensured a practical means of support and income for the priests, who were set apart for ministry and did not inherit land for their sustenance.

Leviticus 7 8 Context

Leviticus Chapter 7 concludes the detailed regulations concerning the various sacrifices outlined in previous chapters (burnt, grain, sin, trespass, and peace offerings). Specifically, verses 1-10 of this chapter address the priestly portions of the offerings, building upon the instructions given for each type of sacrifice. This verse, Leviticus 7:8, stands out because the burnt offering (olah) is unique in being wholly consumed on the altar as a pleasing aroma to God, unlike other offerings from which priests or offerers would eat specific parts. The context clarifies an exception: despite the complete combustion of the olah, its valuable hide was designated as a material asset for the officiating priest. Historically, this aligns with the establishment of the Levitical priesthood at Mount Sinai, where detailed laws for their service, livelihood, and conduct were laid out as part of the Mosaic Covenant, following the construction of the Tabernacle. This divine provision ensured the sustained financial well-being of the priests who dedicated their lives to the service of God and did not receive tribal land inheritance like the other Israelites.

Leviticus 7 8 Word analysis

• And (וְ, ve): A connective particle, simply linking this instruction to previous or implied regulations.
• the priest (הַכֹּהֵן, hakohen): Refers to the male individual, a descendant of Aaron, appointed by God to serve in the Tabernacle. The definite article emphasizes a specific, recognized priestly figure.
• who offers (הַמַּקְרִיב, hammaqriv): A participle, "the one who causes to draw near" or "the one who presents." It emphasizes the priest's active role in bringing the sacrifice to the altar and presenting it to the Lord. Derived from the verb qarab (קרב), meaning "to come near, approach."
• any man's (אִישׁ, ish): Meaning "a man" or "an individual." This clarifies that the regulation applies to a burnt offering brought by a private citizen, not exclusively to communal or official offerings.
• burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah): Derived from the root 'alah (עלה), "to ascend" or "go up." This particular offering symbolized complete dedication, atonement for general sin, and worship. Its defining characteristic was that the entire animal (excluding specified exceptions like this hide) was consumed by fire on the altar, ascending to God in smoke.
• that priest (הַכֹּהֵן, hakohen): The repetition of "the priest" emphasizes that the specific priest who performs the act of offering is the one entitled to the skin. It removes any ambiguity regarding whose claim it is.
• shall have for himself (תִּהְיֶה־לּוֹ, tihyeh-llo): Literally "it shall be to him." This phrase legally bestows ownership. It's a divine declaration of entitlement and a mandatory provision, not merely a suggestion.
• the skin (עוֹר, 'or): This is the hide or outer covering of the animal. In ancient societies, animal skins were a valuable commodity. They were used for clothing, tents, containers, parchment, and as a medium of trade. The value of the hide was considerable.
• of the burnt offering (הָעֹלָה, ha'olah): Clarifies that it is specifically the skin from a burnt offering, which is usually fully burnt, making this provision distinct.
• which he has offered (אֲשֶׁר הִקְרִיב, asher hiqriv): Literally "which he brought near." This again connects the priestly service directly to the specific reward, emphasizing that the benefit accrues to the individual priest who performed the designated ritual. The completed action signifies earned compensation.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• And the priest who offers: Establishes the subject (the priest) and his role in the ritual, creating the condition for entitlement. This highlights that active service warrants recompense.
• any man's burnt offering: Defines the type of offering (a common person's olah) for which this rule applies, differentiating it from other sacrifices or community offerings.
• that priest shall have for himself the skin: This phrase unequivocally declares the entitlement. The repetition of "that priest" strongly emphasizes the connection between the acting priest and his personal reward, reinforcing divine approval for the provision.
• the skin of the burnt offering which he has offered: Clearly specifies the valuable part to be taken and reiterates that it must come from an offering personally presented by that specific priest. This links the material benefit directly to the sacred duty performed.

Leviticus 7 8 Bonus section

The economic significance of animal skins in ancient agrarian societies cannot be overstated. Beyond being raw material for crafting essential items like footwear, containers, or even sections of the Tabernacle itself, hides could serve as a form of currency or bartering item due to their durability and versatile uses. By allocating the hide of the burnt offering to the priest, God established a sustainable and dignifying source of income, preventing the priests from needing to engage in other labor that might detract from their sacred duties. This also illustrates a broader divine principle that while ultimate devotion is owed to God (represented by the fully burnt sacrifice), practical needs are met for those who serve Him faithfully, distinguishing true worship from mere material offerings without consideration for those who facilitate it.

Leviticus 7 8 Commentary

Leviticus 7:8, though brief, is significant in several ways. Firstly, it clarifies the practical remuneration for the Aaronic priests. As they possessed no territorial inheritance among the tribes of Israel, their livelihood depended directly on the offerings presented by the people and portions ordained by God. The hide of an animal was a valuable commodity, providing material for clothing, shelters, or trade, thereby securing the priest's economic stability.

Secondly, this verse highlights the meticulousness of God's law. Even for the olah, a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire, there was a specific, practical exception made to ensure the sustainability of His ministers. This contrasts with practices in many pagan religions where the officiant's livelihood might depend more on unpredictable human largesse or illicit practices. The divine ordinance provided clear, reliable provision, preventing exploitation and maintaining priestly dignity.

Finally, it underscores a fundamental principle woven throughout Scripture: those who dedicate themselves to God's service are to be sustained by the means provided through that service. While the Old Covenant sacrificial system is fulfilled in Christ, the New Testament church maintains a parallel principle of supporting those who preach the Gospel (1 Cor 9:13-14). This Old Testament provision, even for something seemingly minor like an animal hide, laid foundational economic principles for a dedicated clergy within God's people.