Leviticus 6:13
Leviticus 6:13 in Multiple Translations
The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.
The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.
Fire shall be kept burning upon the altar continually; it shall not go out.
Let the fire be kept burning on the altar at all times; it is never to go out.
The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually—don't let it go out.
The fire shall euer burne vpon the altar, and neuer go out.
fire is continually burning on the altar, it is not quenched.
Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.
The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.
This is the perpetual fire which shall never go out on the altar.
The fire on the altar must be kept burning continually; the priest must not allow it to go out.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 6:13
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 6:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֶ֡ה
קָרְבַּן֩
אַהֲרֹ֨ן
וּ/בָנָ֜י/ו
אֲשֶׁר
יַקְרִ֣יבוּ
לַֽ/יהוָ֗ה
בְּ/יוֹם֙
הִמָּשַׁ֣ח
אֹת֔/וֹ
עֲשִׂירִ֨ת
הָ/אֵפָ֥ה
סֹ֛לֶת
מִנְחָ֖ה
תָּמִ֑יד
מַחֲצִיתָ֣/הּ
בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר
וּ/מַחֲצִיתָ֖/הּ
בָּ/עָֽרֶב
זֶ֡ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
קָרְבַּן֩
qorbân
H7133
offering
N-ms
אַהֲרֹ֨ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וּ/בָנָ֜י/ו
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יַקְרִ֣יבוּ
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
לַֽ/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/יוֹם֙
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
הִמָּשַׁ֣ח
mâshach
H4886
to anoint
V-Niphal-Inf-a
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
עֲשִׂירִ֨ת
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
tenth
Adj
הָ/אֵפָ֥ה
ʼêyphâh
H374
ephah
Art | N-fs
סֹ֛לֶת
çôleth
H5560
fine flour
N-fs
מִנְחָ֖ה
minchâh
H4503
offering
N-fs
תָּמִ֑יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
מַחֲצִיתָ֣/הּ
machătsîyth
H4276
half
N-fs | Suff
בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
Prep | N-ms
וּ/מַחֲצִיתָ֖/הּ
machătsîyth
H4276
half
Conj | N-fs | Suff
בָּ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
evening
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 6:13
זֶ֡ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
קָרְבַּן֩
qorbân
H7133
"offering"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an offering or sacrifice brought near to the altar, and is used in the Bible to describe the sacrifices made by the Israelites. In Leviticus 1:2, it describes the burnt offering presented to God.
Definition: offering, oblation Also means: qur.ban (קֻרְבָּן "offering" H7133B)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: oblation, that is offered, offering. See also: Leviticus 1:2; Numbers 7:3; Ezekiel 40:43.
אַהֲרֹ֨ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
וּ/בָנָ֜י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
יַקְרִ֣יבוּ
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
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.
לַֽ/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּ/יוֹם֙
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הִמָּשַׁ֣ח
mâshach
H4886
"to anoint"
V-Niphal-Inf-a
To anoint means to rub oil on someone or something, often to set them apart for a special purpose, like when Samuel anointed David as king in 1 Samuel 16:13. It's a way of showing respect and consecrating someone or something.
Definition: 1) to smear, anoint, spread a liquid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smear 1a2) to anoint (as consecration) 1a3) to anoint, consecrate 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: anoint, paint. See also: Genesis 31:13; 1 Samuel 16:3; Psalms 45:8.
אֹת֔/וֹ
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.
עֲשִׂירִ֨ת
ʻăsîyrîy
H6224
"tenth"
Adj
The Hebrew word for 'tenth' is used to describe a tenth part of something, like a tenth of one's income. It can also refer to the tenth month of the year. In English Bibles, it is often translated as 'tenth' or 'tenth part'.
Definition: 1) ordinal number 1a) a tenth
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part). See also: Genesis 8:5; 1 Chronicles 25:17; Isaiah 6:13.
הָ/אֵפָ֥ה
ʼêyphâh
H374
"ephah"
Art | N-fs
An ephah was a unit of measurement in the Old Testament, equivalent to about 9 gallons, used to quantify dry goods like grain, as mentioned in the books of Leviticus and Ruth.
Definition: 1) ephah 1a) a dry measure of quantity, equal to 3 seahs, 10 omers; the same as the liquid measure bath; (about 9 imperial gallons (40 l), rabbinical writings give sizes of one-half this amount) 1b) the receptacle for measuring or holding that amount
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: ephah, (divers) measure(-s). See also: Exodus 16:36; Ezekiel 45:10; Proverbs 20:10.
סֹ֛לֶת
çôleth
H5560
"fine flour"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to fine flour, often used in baking and as an offering. It is translated as 'fine flour' or 'meal' in the KJV Bible, and is mentioned in various books, including Leviticus.
Definition: fine flour
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: (fine) flour, meal. See also: Genesis 18:6; Numbers 7:61; Ezekiel 46:14.
מִנְחָ֖ה
minchâh
H4503
"offering"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
תָּמִ֑יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
מַחֲצִיתָ֣/הּ
machătsîyth
H4276
"half"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to something that is divided in half or the middle of something, like in 1 Kings 16:21 where the kingdom is divided. It can also refer to the middle of the day or noon, as in Acts 22:6.
Definition: 1) half, middle 1a) half 1b) middle, midday, noon
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: half (so much), mid(-day). See also: Exodus 30:13; Numbers 31:42; Nehemiah 8:3.
בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
וּ/מַחֲצִיתָ֖/הּ
machătsîyth
H4276
"half"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to something that is divided in half or the middle of something, like in 1 Kings 16:21 where the kingdom is divided. It can also refer to the middle of the day or noon, as in Acts 22:6.
Definition: 1) half, middle 1a) half 1b) middle, midday, noon
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: half (so much), mid(-day). See also: Exodus 30:13; Numbers 31:42; Nehemiah 8:3.
בָּ/עָֽרֶב
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
Study Notes — Leviticus 6:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Leviticus 6:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 6:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 6:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 6:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 6:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 6:13
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 6:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 6:13
Context — The Burnt Offering
11Then he must take off his garments, put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place.
12The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it.
13The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.
14Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron’s sons shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar. 15The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.Leviticus 6:13 Summary
[The verse Leviticus 6:13 teaches us about the importance of keeping our connection with God burning brightly, just like the fire on the altar. This means prioritizing our relationship with Him and making time for worship and praise, as seen in Psalm 95:1-7. By doing so, we can experience God's presence and acceptance in our lives, just like the Israelites did when they followed God's instructions for worship. As we reflect on this verse, let's consider how we can keep the 'fire of worship' burning in our own hearts, and how this can impact our daily lives and relationships.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the fire on the altar in Leviticus 6:13?
The fire on the altar represents God's presence and acceptance of the sacrifices, as seen in Leviticus 9:24 where fire comes out from the Lord and consumes the burnt offering, and in Deuteronomy 4:24 where God is described as a consuming fire.
Why was it important for the fire to be kept burning continually?
The continuous burning of the fire symbolizes the ongoing nature of worship and the need for constant connection with God, as expressed in Psalm 84:1-4 where the psalmist longs to dwell in God's presence continually.
How does this verse relate to the New Testament concept of worship?
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice and our worship is no longer limited to a physical altar, but rather it is a spiritual sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, as seen in Hebrews 13:15 and Romans 12:1-2.
What can we learn from the priest's responsibility to maintain the fire in Leviticus 6:13?
The priest's duty to maintain the fire teaches us about the importance of diligence and faithfulness in our own spiritual lives, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 4:7 and 2 Timothy 4:2, where we are called to be disciplined and persistent in our walk with God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can keep the 'fire of worship' burning in my own heart, even in the midst of daily challenges and distractions?
- How can I prioritize my relationship with God, making sure to nurture it continually, just like the priest tended to the altar fire?
- In what ways can I offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God, as described in Hebrews 13:15, and how can I make this a regular part of my devotion?
- What are some things in my life that might be 'extinguishing' my passion for God, and how can I remove them or overcome them to keep the fire of my faith burning brightly?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 6:13
The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar,.... This was what first fell from heaven, Leviticus 9:24 and which in after ages was maintained by constant fuel put unto it, there being every day
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 6:13
And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 6:13
Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.Ver. 13. The fire shall ever be burning.] The Gentiles, by an apish imitation hereof, had their vestal fire, salted meal, and many other sacred rites. Basil chargeth the devil as "a thief of the truth," in that he had decked his crows with her feathers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 6:13
(13) The fire shall ever be burning.—This fire, which first came down from heaven (Leviticus 9:24), was to be continually fed with the fuel especially provided by the congregation, and with the daily burnt offerings. During the second Temple, this perpetual fire consisted of three parts or separate piles of wood on the same altar: on the largest one the daily sacrifice was burnt; the second, which was called the pile of incense, supplied the fire for the censers to burn the morning and evening incense; and the third was the perpetual fire from which the other two portions were fed. It never was quenched till the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. Indeed, we are positively assured that the pious priests who were carried captives into Persia concealed it in a pit, where it remained till the time of Nehemiah, when it was restored to the altar (2Ma 1:19-22). The authorities in the time of Christ, however, assure us that the perpetual fire was one of the five things wanting in the second Temple.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 6:13
Verse 13. The fire shall ever be burning] See on Leviticus 6:9 and Leviticus 6:20. In imitation of this perpetual fire, the ancient Persian Magi, and their descendants the Parsees, kept up a perpetual fire; the latter continue it to the present day. This is strictly enjoined in the Zend Avesta, which is a code of laws as sacred among them as the Pentateuch is among the Jews. A Sagnika Brahmin preserves the fire that was kindled at his investiture with the poita, and never suffers it to go out, using the same fire at his wedding and in all his burnt-offerings, till at length his body is burnt with it. - WARD's Customs.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 6:13
The fire shall ever be burning - This was a symbol of the never-ceasing worship which Yahweh required of His people. It was essentially connected with their acts of sacrifice.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 6:13
13. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar — This altar-fire was of a supernatural origin, (Leviticus 9:24,) as the fire of love to God in a fallen soul is not spontaneously ignited, but is a spark dropped from above.