Every male among the priests may eat of it.This phrase indicates the specific group permitted to partake in the consumption of the offering, highlighting the exclusivity of the priestly role. In the Levitical system, priests were set apart for sacred duties, and their consumption of the offering symbolized their participation in the holiness of the sacrificial system. The restriction to males reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where priestly duties were inherited through the male lineage of Aaron. This exclusivity underscores the sanctity and order within the priesthood, as seen in other passages like
Exodus 28:1, where Aaron and his sons are appointed to serve as priests.
It must be eaten in a holy place;
The requirement for the offering to be consumed in a holy place emphasizes the sanctity of the sacrificial system. The holy place refers to the tabernacle or later the temple, where God's presence dwelt among His people. This stipulation ensures that the act of eating the offering remains within the context of worship and reverence. The holy place serves as a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him, as seen inLeviticus 10:10, which calls for distinguishing between the holy and the common.
it is most holy.
The designation of the offering as "most holy" signifies its elevated status among the sacrifices. This term is used for offerings that are entirely dedicated to God, such as the sin offering and the guilt offering. The phrase underscores the seriousness and reverence required in handling such offerings, as they are set apart for God alone. This concept of holiness is central to the book of Leviticus, which repeatedly calls for the Israelites to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). The "most holy" status of the offering also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the sinless Lamb of God, fulfilled the requirements of the law and provided a way for believers to be reconciled to God (Hebrews 10:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PriestsThe descendants of Aaron, chosen by God to perform the sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. They were responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the worship practices.
2.
Holy PlaceThis refers to the designated area within the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) where sacred activities were conducted. It was a space set apart for worship and the presence of God.
3.
Sacrificial OfferingsThe context of this verse is the consumption of certain portions of the sacrificial offerings, specifically those deemed "most holy," which were reserved for the priests.
Teaching Points
Holiness in ServiceThe requirement for the priests to eat in a holy place underscores the importance of maintaining holiness in our service to God. As believers, we are called to live lives set apart for His purposes.
Priestly Privileges and ResponsibilitiesJust as the priests had the privilege of partaking in the offerings, they also bore the responsibility of maintaining the sanctity of their service. Believers today share in the blessings of Christ but are also called to uphold His standards.
Sacred ConsumptionThe act of eating the offering in a holy place symbolizes the internalization of God's provision and grace. We are reminded to spiritually "consume" and internalize God's Word and His promises.
Community and WorshipThe communal aspect of the priestly duties highlights the importance of community in worship. As a body of believers, we are to support and uphold one another in our spiritual walk.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 7:6?
2.What does Leviticus 7:6 teach about the holiness of priestly consumption?
3.How does Leviticus 7:6 emphasize the importance of sacred spaces and actions?
4.How does this verse connect to New Testament teachings on priesthood?
5.What can modern believers learn about reverence from Leviticus 7:6?
6.How should the principles in Leviticus 7:6 influence our worship practices today?
7.What is the significance of priests eating offerings in Leviticus 7:6?
8.How does Leviticus 7:6 reflect the holiness required of priests?
9.Why are only males allowed to eat the offerings in Leviticus 7:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 7?
11.Numbers 18:8–19 outlines specific offerings for priests; are there non-biblical records confirming such detailed allocation of sacrificial portions?
12.In Leviticus 22:10, does the exclusion of non-priests from eating sacred offerings conflict with later biblical themes of inclusivity?
13.How should holiness be maintained in religious practices?
14.(Leviticus 6:10-11) Why would such specific rituals for removing and disposing of ashes be necessary, and do these instructions align with or contradict known ancient practices?What Does Leviticus 7:6 Mean
Every male among the priests• The Lord restricted the privilege of eating this offering to the males descended from Aaron (Exodus 28:1;Numbers 18:1–3).
• By limiting participation, God preserved the order He had established and underscored the seriousness of approaching Him (Leviticus 10:1–3).
• This phrase highlights that access to God’s holy things is never casual; it is granted only to those He appoints and prepares (Hebrews 5:1–4).
may eat of it• Eating the sacrifice signified sharing in the altar’s holiness and enjoying fellowship with God (Leviticus 2:3; 6:18).
• The portion given to the priest served as his sustenance, reminding Israel that those who minister spiritually are supported materially (Numbers 18:8–11;1 Corinthians 9:13–14).
• By granting this food, God demonstrated His care for His servants while teaching Israel that sin and peace offerings met both spiritual and practical needs.
It must be eaten in a holy place• The courtyard of the tabernacle was designated for consuming such offerings (Leviticus 6:16; 6:26;Numbers 18:10).
• God fenced off the sacred from the common, instructing His people that holiness affects location as well as action (Psalm 24:3–4).
• The setting reinforced reverence; even the priest’s meal became an act of worship when kept within God’s prescribed boundaries.
it is most holy• “Most holy” (Leviticus 6:25;Exodus 30:29) marked the highest level of sanctity, belonging exclusively to the Lord.
• Anything in this category was never to leave its sacred sphere or be treated as ordinary (Leviticus 27:28).
• Ultimately, these stringent rules foreshadowed Christ, “made holy” and offered once for all, granting believers direct access to God while still calling us to reverence (Hebrews 10:10, 19–22).
summaryLeviticus 7:6 reminds us that God controls who partakes of His holy things, how they partake, where they partake, and why the items are set apart. By reserving the offering for Aaron’s sons, requiring it to be eaten within the tabernacle, and labeling it “most holy,” the Lord teaches that access to Him is a privilege, not a right. He supplies for His servants, protects His holiness, and invites His people into ordered fellowship—a pattern perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, our great High Priest.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Everyכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everymaleזָכָ֥ר(zā·ḵār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2145:Remembered, a maleamong the priestsבַּכֹּהֲנִ֖ים(bak·kō·hă·nîm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548:Priestmay eat of it.יֹאכְלֶ֑נּוּ(yō·ḵə·len·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eatIt must be eatenיֵאָכֵ֔ל(yê·’ā·ḵêl)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eatin a holyקָדוֹשׁ֙(qā·ḏō·wōš)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuaryplace;בְּמָק֤וֹם(bə·mā·qō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionit [is]הֽוּא׃(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, aremostקֹ֥דֶשׁ(qō·ḏeš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityholy.קָֽדָשִׁ֖ים(qā·ḏā·šîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctity
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 7:6 Every male among the priests may eat (Le Lv Lev.) 
