Old Testament

Leviticus 6:16

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Aaron and his sons shall eat the remainder with unleavened bread in the holy place; they shall eat it in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.

What Leviticus 6:16 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Leviticus 6:16, God instructs that the leftover portions of certain offerings should be consumed by Aaron and his sons, the priests, in a sacred area known as the holy place. This practice emphasizes the importance of holiness and reverence in worship. The use of unleavened bread signifies purity, as leaven often symbolizes sin or corruption in biblical texts. Eating in the court of the tabernacle highlights the communal aspect of worship, where the priests partake of the offerings in a designated sacred space. This act not only sustains the priests physically but also reinforces their role in mediating between God and the people. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the priests are set apart for service and are to maintain a lifestyle that reflects their holy calling. Overall, this verse illustrates the significance of proper conduct in worship and the importance of following God's instructions regarding sacred offerings.

How to apply Leviticus 6:16 to your life

This verse encourages us to honor our commitments to God and serve in our communities with integrity. Just as the priests were to partake of the offerings, we should engage in acts of service and worship that reflect our dedication to God and support those around us.

Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Esther

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shiloh

Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Leviticus 6:16

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Leviticus 6:16

At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Leviticus 6:16 mean?

Leviticus 6:16 instructs that leftover portions of certain offerings should be eaten by Aaron and his sons, the priests, in a holy area. This emphasizes the importance of holiness in worship and the role of priests in mediating between God and the people.

What is the significance of unleavened bread in Leviticus 6:16?

Unleavened bread in Leviticus 6:16 symbolizes purity, as leaven often represents sin or corruption in the Bible. Its use during the consumption of offerings highlights the need for holiness in worship.

Who is instructed to eat the offerings in Leviticus 6:16?

In Leviticus 6:16, it is specifically Aaron and his sons, the priests, who are instructed to eat the remainder of the offerings in a designated holy place.

What does Leviticus 6:16 teach about worship practices?

Leviticus 6:16 teaches that worship practices should be conducted with reverence and in accordance with God's instructions, highlighting the significance of the priests' role and the communal aspect of worship.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.