Bible Strands
Leviticus 9:8
So Aaron approached the altar and slaughtered the calf as a sin offering for himself.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses commands Aaron to approach the altar and execute sacrifices for atonement on behalf of himself and the congregation. Aaron then obeys this directive by stepping forward to perform the initial ritual.
The words — The verb וַ/יִּקְרַ֥ב (va/yiḳ.rav) denotes drawing near to a sacred space, while וַ/יִּשְׁחַ֛ט (va/yiś.chaṭ) specifies the physical act of slaughtering. These terms anchor the priestly action to the altar and the designated sin offering.
The thread — This sequence of approaching the altar and slaughtering a sin offering mirrors the ritual instructions in Leviticus 4:29 and anticipates the blood application described in Leviticus 9:9. The pattern of priestly mediation for atonement also echoes the laying of hands and slaughter outlined in Leviticus 1:4.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that atonement begins with the designated priest performing the prescribed ritual exactly as commanded. It establishes a procedural standard for mediation that demands strict obedience to specific boundaries.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 1:4 He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.
- Leviticus 4:1 Then the LORD said to Moses,
- Leviticus 4:29 He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering.