Note: The “Broadly” and “By Sections” divisions of Leviticus are taken almost exclusively from The New American Commentary, Leviticus (2000) by Mark F. Rooker, Introduction.

Leviticus Broadly

  • Lev. 1-16 – Doctrine / “Love the LORD your God with all your heart” (Deut. 6:5)
    • Similar to Rom. 1-11; Eph. 1-3 – Christ’s work on our behalf (e.g. being “in Christ”)
  • Lev. 17-27 – Application / “Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Lev. 19:18)
    • Similar to Rom. 12-16; Eph. 4-6 – response to Christ’s work (e.g. “Christ in us”)

Leviticus By General Themes

  1. Laws Concerning Offerings and Sacrifices (1:1-7:38)
  2. Institution of Priesthood (8:1-10:20)
  3. Laws of Purity (11:1-15:33)
  4. Day of Atonement (16:1-34)
  5. Laws of Holiness (17:1-26:46)
  6. Vows and Tithes (27:1-34)

Leviticus By Chapter/Section

Chapter/SectionDescription/Meaning
Ch. 1Burnt Offering = Christ’s Death
Ch. 2Grain Offering = Christ’s Resurrection
Ch. 3Peace/Fellowship Offering = Recognition of peace you already have with God/others through Cross
4:1-5:13Sin Offering = Unknown sins that are covered by Christ’s sacrifice
5:14-6:7Trespass/Guilt Offering = Unknown sins where reparations are needed (must pay debt + ⅕).  Fulfilled in Christ who paid our debts and gave beyond what we owed in giving the Spirit as a downpayment.
6:8-7:36Priestly duties in offerings.  Focus on disposal/eating of offerings. 
Chs. 8-9Consecration of Priests = Preparing N.T. believers to be set apart for God’s service
Leviticus chapter/sections and their description/meaning.

Recommended Resource for Leviticus Study:

Rooker, M. F. (2000). Leviticus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture. Nashville, Tenn: Holman Reference.