Book of Leviticus — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 27 · Written by: Moses · Approximate date: c. 1440 BC · Theme: Holiness & Pure Worship

Summary of the Book of Leviticus

Leviticus provides detailed instructions for Israel's worship, sacrifices, and priestly duties — all centered on Jehovah's call to his people to be holy because he is holy, foreshadowing the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The book of Leviticus is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 27 chapters. It was written by Moses approximately c. 1440 BC. The central theme running throughout Leviticus is holiness & pure worship — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Leviticus

  • Lev 19:2
  • Lev 17:11

Notable Passages in Leviticus

Leviticus 19:2

Jehovah's call to holiness — 'You should be holy, because I, Jehovah your God, am holy' — sets the moral standard for all who bear his name.

Leviticus 17:11

The declaration that 'the life of the flesh is in the blood' establishes the sanctity of blood and underpins JW understanding of the blood issue.

Leviticus 16:30

The annual Day of Atonement provided national cleansing, foreshadowing Jesus Christ's superior sacrifice as High Priest on behalf of all humanity.

Study Questions for Leviticus

As you read the book of Leviticus, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Jehovah's repeated call to holiness — 'Be holy, for I am holy' — mean for Jehovah's Witnesses today?
  2. How do the various animal sacrifices in Leviticus foreshadow the superior sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
  3. What does the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) teach about the need for atonement, and how was it fulfilled in Jesus Christ as High Priest?
  4. How did the dietary and purity laws set Israel apart from surrounding nations, and what principle of separation from the world applies to Christians?
  5. What does the Jubilee Year teach about Jehovah's care for the poor and his plan for restoring what was lost?

How to Study Leviticus with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 27 chapters of Leviticus in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Leviticus as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Leviticus

The book of Leviticus is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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