Leviticus 5:8

Leviticus 5:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He is to bring them to the priest, who shall first present the one for the sin offering. He is to twist its head at the front of its neck without severing it;

King James Version KJV

And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder:

American Standard Version ASV

And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin-offering first, and wring off its head from its neck, but shall not divide it asunder:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And let him take them to the priest, who will first give the sin-offering, twisting off its head from its neck, but not cutting it in two;

Free Bible Version FBV

You are to take them to the priest, who shall present the first one as the sin offering. He is to wring its head from the neck without removing it completely.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So he shall bring them vnto the Priest, who shall offer the sinne offring first, and wring the necke of it a sunder, but not plucke it cleane off.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he hath brought them in unto the priest, and hath brought near that which [is] for a sin-offering first, and hath wrung off its head from its neck, and doth not separate [it],

World English Bible WEB

He shall bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one which is for the sin offering. He shall wring off its head from its neck, but shall not sever it completely.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he shall bring them to the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin-offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he shall give them to the priest: who shall offer the first for sin, and twist back the head of it to the little pinions, so that it stick to the neck, and be not altogether broken off.

Translation for Translators T4T

You must bring them to the priest. First he will offer one of them to be an offering for your sin. He will wring/twist its neck to kill it, but he must not pull off its head completely.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 5:8

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 5:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הֵבִ֤יא אֹתָ/ם֙ אֶל הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן וְ/הִקְרִ֛יב אֶת אֲשֶׁ֥ר לַ/חַטָּ֖את רִאשׁוֹנָ֑ה וּ/מָלַ֧ק אֶת רֹאשׁ֛/וֹ מִ/מּ֥וּל עָרְפּ֖/וֹ וְ/לֹ֥א יַבְדִּֽיל

וְ/הֵבִ֤יא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

אֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

וְ/הִקְרִ֛יב qârab H7126 to present Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לַ/חַטָּ֖את chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin Prep | N-fs

רִאשׁוֹנָ֑ה riʼshôwn H7223 first Adj

וּ/מָלַ֧ק mâlaq H4454 to nip Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

רֹאשׁ֛/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff

מִ/מּ֥וּל mûwl H4136 opposite Prep | Prep

עָרְפּ֖/וֹ ʻôreph H6203 neck N-ms | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יַבְדִּֽיל bâdal H914 to separate V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 5:8

וְ/הֵבִ֤יא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

וְ/הִקְרִ֛יב qârab H7126 "to present" Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms

To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.

Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present

Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לַ/חַטָּ֖את chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" Prep | N-fs

This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.

Definition: sin, sinful thing

Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.

רִאשׁוֹנָ֑ה riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

וּ/מָלַ֧ק mâlaq H4454 "to nip" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

This word means to quickly snap or crack something, like wringing a bird's neck. It is used in Leviticus 5:8 to describe preparing a bird for sacrifice.

Definition: (Qal) to nip, nip off (head of a bird)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wring off. See also: Leviticus 1:15; Leviticus 5:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֹאשׁ֛/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

מִ/מּ֥וּל mûwl H4136 "opposite" Prep | Prep

This word means opposite or in front of, often used to describe location or direction. In Exodus 14:2, the Israelites camped in front of Pi-ha-hiroth, facing the sea. It provides a sense of spatial awareness and orientation in biblical contexts.

Definition: 1) front 1a) front 1b) in the opposite direction prep 2) in front of 2a) in front of 2b) (with prefix) 2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of 2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with. See also: Exodus 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:30; Micah 2:8.

עָרְפּ֖/וֹ ʻôreph H6203 "neck" N-ms | Suff

The neck or back of the neck represents a turning point, like the back of a fleeing enemy or a stubborn person with a stiff neck.

Definition: 1) neck, back of the neck, back 1a) back of the neck 1a1) of fleeing foe 1a2) of apostasy (fig.) 1b) stiff of neck, obstinate (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). See also: Genesis 49:8; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Psalms 18:41.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יַבְדִּֽיל bâdal H914 "to separate" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.

Study Notes — Leviticus 5:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 5:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 5:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 5:8
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 5:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 5:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 5:8
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 5:8
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 5:8
Sermons on Leviticus 5:8

Context — Sins Requiring a Sin Offering

6and he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD for the sin he has committed: a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering. And the priest will make atonement for him concerning his sin. 7If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as restitution for his sin two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.

8He is to bring them to the priest, who shall first present the one for the sin offering. He is to twist its head at the front of its neck without severing it;

9then he is to sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar, while the rest of the blood is drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. 10And the priest must prepare the second bird as a burnt offering according to the ordinance. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 1:15	Then the priest shall bring it to the altar, twist off its head, and burn it on the altar; its blood should be drained out on the side of the altar.
2	Leviticus 1:17	He shall tear it open by its wings, without dividing the bird completely. And the priest is to burn it on the altar atop the burning wood. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
3	Romans 4:25	He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.
4	1 Peter 3:18	For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

Leviticus 5:8 Summary

[Leviticus 5:8 teaches us that when we sin, we need to bring our sin to God through a symbol of our repentance, like the bird offering, and trust in His mercy for forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and Romans 5:8. The priest's role in presenting the offering and performing the ritual highlights the importance of mediation and atonement. By studying this verse, we can understand better the significance of Jesus Christ as our ultimate sin offering and mediator, who took our place and bore the penalty of our sins, as explained in Hebrews 7:25 and 1 Timothy 2:5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the priest twisting the head of the bird without severing it in Leviticus 5:8?

This act represents a partial death, symbolizing the penalty of sin without actually taking the life of the bird, as seen in the context of Leviticus 5:6-10, and foreshadowing the later sacrifice of Jesus Christ in Romans 3:25.

Why did the priest need to present the sin offering first, as stated in Leviticus 5:8?

The presentation of the sin offering first emphasizes the need for atonement of sin before any other offerings can be made, highlighting the importance of dealing with sin, as also seen in Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9.

What can we learn from the use of birds as sin offerings in Leviticus 5:7-8?

The use of birds as sin offerings, particularly for those who could not afford a lamb, demonstrates God's provision for all people, regardless of their economic status, to have a means of atonement, reflecting His desire for all to come to Him, as expressed in 2 Peter 3:9.

How does the ritual in Leviticus 5:8 relate to the New Testament concept of Jesus as our sin offering?

The ritual of the sin offering in Leviticus 5:8 points forward to Jesus Christ, who became our sin offering, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21, where He took upon Himself the penalty of our sins, providing forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Reflection Questions

What does the act of bringing the offering to the priest, as mentioned in Leviticus 5:8, teach us about our role in seeking forgiveness and atonement?
How does the specific detail of twisting the bird's head without severing it speak to the nature of sin and its consequences, and what does this teach us about God's character?
In what ways can we apply the principle of presenting our sin offerings to God first, before other aspects of our lives, to our daily walk with Him?
What does the provision of less expensive offerings, like birds, say about God's heart for the poor and the marginalized, and how should this influence our ministry and outreach?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 5:8

And he shall bring them unto the priest,.... Either two turtledoves, or two young pigeons: who shall offer [that] which [is] for the sin [offering] first; that which is chosen for it, as the Targum

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 5:8

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 5:8

Leviticus 5:8 And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer [that] which [is] for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide [it] asunder:Ver. 8. For the sin offering first.] For till sin be expiated, no sacrifice or service can be accepted. Therefore "Wash you, cleanse you," and then, "Come, and let us reason."

Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 5:8

(8) And wring off his head.—For the manner in which this was performed see Leviticus 1:15. It will be seen that it is here distinctly ordered that in this operation the head of the bird is not to be severed from its body. Herein it differed from the burnt offering in Leviticus 1:15. At the time of the second Temple, the priest went to the south-west horn of the altar, held the two feet of the bird between two fingers, and the two wings between two fingers, stretched out the neck of the victim to the breadth of his two fingers, and cut it with the nail of his thumb, breaking open the great blood-vessel at the neck.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 5:8

Verse 8. But shall not divide it] See Clarke on Leviticus 1:16.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 5:8

8. and wring off] as in Leviticus 1:15. It has been thought that the last clause of the v. refers still to the neck, indicating that in this case the head of the bird was not to be wholly separated from the body. But it seems better to take that clause to have the same reference as in Leviticus 1:17, and to mean that the body was not to be divided.

Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 5:8

8. The sin offering first — This direction is important, as it determines the order of the sacrifices. See Introduction, (5.)

Sermons on Leviticus 5:8

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 24:59-67 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Rebekah and Isaac from the Bible. Rebekah asks the servant to tell her about Isaac again, specifically about his birth and how his f
	Confidence by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God as the great pilot who can bring things into existence and command the hosts of heaven. The preacher encourag
	The Reality of Human Action and the Power of Contrary Choice by John Murray	In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising and blessing God for His greatness and the hope found in Jesus Christ. The sermon then delves into the topic of freedom and the relat
	The Cross of Christ - Part 3 by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker uses an ancient Greek cultural reference to illustrate the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ. He describes a scenario where a small, powerless nation rece
	What Is the Gospel? - Part 2 by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the love of God in the context of our own sin and darkness. He uses a simple illustration of giving a piece
	(Genesis) Major Divisions by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the last part of the Bible, which focuses on man, nation, and the person of Jesus Christ. He highlights that God values in
	(Pdf Book) Perfect Security by Bakht Singh	Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of recognizing the Lord as our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, and God, illustrating how these attributes provide spiritual security and strength