The Book of Leviticus: A Catholic Guide to Its Meaning
Quick answer
Leviticus is the third book of the Bible. It sets out Israel's sacrifices, priesthood, purity laws and feasts, teaching a people how to live with a holy God. Its central command is "Be holy, because I am holy." Christians read it in the light of Christ, whose sacrifice fulfills what it foreshadows.
Key takeaways
- Leviticus deals with worship, priesthood, purity and holiness.
- The Day of Atonement in chapter 16 stands at its center.
- The command to love your neighbor as yourself comes from Leviticus 19:18.
- The Letter to the Hebrews shows Christ as the fulfillment of its priesthood and sacrifices.
Many people who set out to read the Bible from the beginning get stuck at Leviticus. With a little help, this ancient book opens up in remarkable ways, and it leads straight to Jesus.
What Is Leviticus?
Leviticus is the third of the five books of the Pentateuch. Its name refers to the tribe of Levi, from which Israel’s priests came. It picks up at Mount Sinai, just after God has come to dwell in the tabernacle.
Its question is simple: how can a sinful people live close to a holy God?
How the Book Is Organized
| Chapters | Subject |
|---|---|
| 1–7 | Offerings and sacrifices |
| 8–10 | The priesthood of Aaron and his sons |
| 11–15 | Clean and unclean |
| 16 | The Day of Atonement |
| 17–26 | The call to holiness in daily life |
| 27 | Vows and offerings |
The Day of Atonement
Chapter 16 is the heart of the book. Once a year, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people’s sins. The Letter to the Hebrews sees this as a sign of Christ, who entered heaven itself with His own blood, once and for all (Hebrews 9:11-12).
“Be Holy”
The second half of the book repeats God’s great command: “Be ye holy, because I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2, Douay-Rheims). Holiness here touches ordinary life. It covers fair wages, honest weights, care for the poor and respect for the elderly and the foreigner.
The most famous verse is found right here: “Thou shalt love thy friend as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18, Douay-Rheims). Jesus called this the second great commandment (Matthew 22:39).
Chapter 25 describes the Jubilee, when debts were forgiven and land restored every fiftieth year. The Church’s Holy Years take their name and inspiration from it.
How Should Christians Read It?
The Church distinguishes between the different kinds of law in the Old Testament. Its moral teaching remains, and it is summed up in the Ten Commandments (CCC 1961-1964). Its ceremonial and food regulations prepared the way for Christ and were fulfilled in Him. The early Church decided that Gentile Christians were not bound by them (Acts 15).
So, when we meet a strange regulation, we can ask: what was God teaching His people here about holiness, about mercy and about their need for a Savior?
A Prayer for Holiness (Original Prayer)
Holy God, You came to dwell with Your people. Make me holy in my daily life, in my work, my speech and my dealings with others. Teach me to love my neighbor as myself. Amen.
Continue Reading
See our guide to the Catholic Bible, or try reading the Bible in chronological order.
Frequently asked questions
Do Catholics have to follow the laws in Leviticus?
The moral law continues to bind us, but its ceremonial and dietary laws were fulfilled in Christ and do not bind Christians (Acts 15; CCC 1967-1968, 582).
What is the main message of Leviticus?
God is holy and wants to dwell among His people, and they are called to be holy as well (Leviticus 19:2).
Why does Leviticus describe so many animal sacrifices?
Sacrifice expressed worship, thanksgiving and the need for forgiveness. Christians see these offerings as preparing for the one perfect sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9-10).
Sources
- Leviticus 16; 19:2, 19:18; 25; Matthew 22:39; Hebrews 9-10
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 582, 1961-1964, 1967-1968, 2097-2100
