Written by Paul J Bucknell on May, 09, 2026

A Book Study of Leviticus: An Overview of Leviticus

Someone recently asked whether she should read the Book of Leviticus. I understand her question. Would you? If someone in the 21st century began reading Leviticus, they might quickly lose interest when faced with unfamiliar people, ceremonies, and events.

The Important Placement of Leviticus

The Book of Leviticus, however, is essential. First, consider that it is God’s Word—it has a place in the Bible. God had His words recorded.

Second, Leviticus was not treated as a separate book but as the central section of a single large volume—the centerpiece of the Torah (Law)—the first five books of the Old Testament. (Another term, Pentateuch, comes from the Latin of two words: five and books.) The Jews treat the Torah as one book and would not be able to separate Leviticus and regard it as less important. So, although we esteem the creation, flood, and Exodus, and the giving of the Law as essential, we are presented with this book that is harder to understand. The chart below displays its prime placement.

A graphic of Leviticus' place in the Torah, highlighting its central importance.

People in the modern world demand relevance in their lives. However, the overwhelming amount of knowledge today can mislead our conclusions. We often dismiss things without understanding their impact, treating them as less important than watching a movie or chatting with a friend. Still, if God considers it essential, we should too—even if it’s harder to understand.

Leviticus highlights the moment when God establishes His relationship with humans, specifically with those who keep His covenant. I agree, the New Covenant, sealed with Jesus’ blood, makes Leviticus seem outdated and less relevant. In some ways, this is true. The New Testament surpasses the Old but does not dismiss the Old Testament scriptures (2 Tim 3:16-17).

The Ways Leviticus Helps Us

Treat what God declares holy as holy. Create a placeholder in your mind and in your life for the Book of Leviticus. It will serve you well in these ways:

Leviticus reveals what God considers most essential. The Torah’s theme is the development of a people for God. Because of their clear sinfulness, they need practical guidance to live rightly before God.
Leviticus offers the important background needed to properly understand and appreciate the New Testament. Without Leviticus, for example, we wouldn’t recognize sacrifices as so vital (even though they are mentioned elsewhere in the Law).
Leviticus’ prohibitions set boundaries for our lives: holy versus unholy, helping break through harmful, unholy mindsets and habits.
Leviticus deepens our respect for what Jesus has accomplished on the cross. We can only maintain a relationship with God through Jesus’ sacrifice, by which we are forgiven, and He calls us to live holy lives before Him. The central message of Leviticus is crucial. Besides the many details on the importance of living in community with God, the Lord provides key verses that shape our Christian lives.

Leviticus, Centered on Salvation

Leviticus, positioned in the more prominent Torah and following the formation of a people for God in Exodus, calls them holy and properly addresses their sins as God directs. Leviticus records God’s measures to keep His people holy and close to Him, despite their sins. In a sense, Leviticus pre-shadows Romans 3-5 and beyond, where God, through Christ, wonderfully cares for everything we could not accomplish through the Law and sacrifices.

“You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 22:32).

Think of the Book of Leviticus as a beautiful, sacred centerpiece. Holiness is essential because it explains how God keeps His people close without destroying them.

The priesthood, for example, can get closer to God only if they maintain certain rigorous life adjustments. The intimacy with God, however, no matter who they are, priests or not, needs prescribed sacrifices. Not only this, they are to live out their lives, not as the world but as God instructs them. Leviticus uses the root word sanctify seven times; the root word “holy” is used 76 times!

They are special to God, so He makes a way for them to live closer to His presence. In the New Testament, we learn about two teachings: justification and salvation. Justification focuses on how God uses Christ’s sacrifice to cleanse us of our sins. Sanctification describes the behavior needed to live close to God without suffering unnecessary harm.

The Book of Leviticus clearly states that the only way to maintain a relationship with God is through the instructions given in the Old Testament. It highlights the extra effort our Lord took to establish measures in Jewish society so they could know God and live under His blessing. The Jewish people could not have kept close to God without the priestly line and sacrifices. Similarly, today, without Christ, no one can live in fellowship with God (1 John 2:1-2).

Leviticus foreshadows the blessings in Messiah.

Assignment for Gaining an Overview of Leviticus

Read quickly through the Book of Leviticus. As you do, fill in the chart mentioned below.
Download the attached chart to help you focus on Leviticus’ content. (Copy as you wish.)
As you speedily read through the chapters, watch for any significant verses from Leviticus. These will help you remember its importance. You will find them repeated throughout the book.
In the large top section, under the appropriate chapter number, list the topics covered in each chapter or provide a chapter title. If none are available, feel free to skip that chapter. Don’t get hung up on this bottom section.
Lastly, write down one point of application or importance for each chapter in the bottom section. If it is a chapter about gaining forgiveness for a sin, then note that and thank the Lord for what He has done through Jesus the Messiah for you, whether you are Jewish or non-Jewish (i.e., Gentile, nations). In Christ, you have complete forgiveness without many offerings—Jesus is your one-time sacrifice. Reading the Book of Hebrews helps highlight this importance.

Summary for Leviticus

This understanding of Leviticus fosters an appreciation for God’s work on behalf of His undeserving people, enabling us to enjoy fellowship with the holy and living God.