Leviticus 6:18
All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.
Leviticus 6:18 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the instruction is given that only the males among the descendants of Aaron, who was the high priest, are permitted to partake in a particular offering to the Lord. This offering is to be a perpetual statute throughout future generations. The significance of this directive lies in the idea of holiness and consecration. By allowing only the male descendants of Aaron to partake in this offering, it signifies a special status and level of purity that is required. Those who touch these offerings are considered holy, set apart for the service of the Lord. This ritual serves as a means of maintaining the sanctity of the offerings made by fire to the Lord and upholding the reverence and respect due to the Lord's commands. It reinforces the importance of following the regulations and decrees set forth by God in worship and sacrifice, ensuring that they are approached with the appropriate level of solemnity and obedience.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the command is given that only the males among the descendants of Aaron, the high priest, are to partake of the offerings made to the LORD by fire. This requirement highlights the significance of the priesthood and the special role that Aaron's male descendants had in the worship and service of God. The idea of 'eating' the offerings symbolizes a communion with God and a participation in the sacred rituals of worship. The emphasis on this statute being 'forever in your generations' underscores the perpetual nature of the priestly duties and the importance of maintaining the purity and holiness of the offerings. Additionally, the verse states that anyone who touches these offerings will be considered holy. This underscores the sanctity and purity of the offerings and the need for reverence and respect when approaching sacred things. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the special role of the priesthood in mediating between God and His people, as well as the importance of upholding holiness and reverence in worship.
Leviticus 6:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
Every male among the children of Aaron shall eat of it, as [his] portion for ever throughout your generations, from the offerings of Jehovah made by fire: whosoever toucheth them shall be holy.
World English Bible
Every male among the children of Aaron shall eat of it, as their portion forever throughout your generations, from the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. Whoever touches them shall be holy.’”
Douay-Rheims
The males only of the race of Aaron shall eat it. It shall be an ordinance everlasting in your generations concerning the sacrifices of the Lord: Every one that toucheth them shall be sanctified.
Geneva Bible (1599)
All the males among the children of Aaron shall eate of it: It shalbe a statute for euer in your generations concerning the offrings of the Lord, made by fire: whatsoeuer toucheth them shall be holy.