Leviticus 3:16
Leviticus 3:16 in Multiple Translations
Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.
And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the LORD’s.
And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a sweet savor; all the fat is Jehovah’s.
That it may be burned by the priest on the altar; it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet smell: all the fat is the Lord's.
Then the priest is to burn this on the altar as a food offering, an offering to the Lord using fire. All the fat is for the Lord.
So the Priest shall burne them vpon the altar, as the meate of an offering made by fire for a sweete sauour: all the fatte is the Lordes.
and the priest hath made them a perfume on the altar — bread of a fire-offering, for sweet fragrance; all the fat [is] Jehovah's.
The priest shall burn them on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma; all the fat is the LORD’s.
And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savor: all the fat is the LORD'S.
And the priest shall burn them upon the altar, for the food of the fire, and of a most sweet savour. All the fat shall be the Lord’s.
The priest will burn those things on the altar to be an offering to Yahweh; it will be as though they will be a special food given to Yahweh. And the aroma while it burns will be pleasing to Yahweh. All the fat of the animals that are sacrificed belongs to Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 3:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Leviticus 3:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִקְטִירָ֥/ם
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ/ה
לֶ֤חֶם
אִשֶּׁה֙
לְ/רֵ֣יחַ
נִיחֹ֔חַ
כָּל
חֵ֖לֶב
לַ/יהוָֽה
וְ/הִקְטִירָ֥/ם
qâṭar
H6999
to offer
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ/ה
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms | Suff
לֶ֤חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
אִשֶּׁה֙
ʼishshâh
H801
food offering
N-ms
לְ/רֵ֣יחַ
rêyach
H7381
aroma
Prep | N-ms
נִיחֹ֔חַ
nîychôwach
H5207
soothing
N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
חֵ֖לֶב
cheleb
H2459
fat
N-ms
לַ/יהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 3:16
וְ/הִקְטִירָ֥/ם
qâṭar
H6999
"to offer"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms | Suff
This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.
Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חָ/ה
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms | Suff
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
לֶ֤חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
אִשֶּׁה֙
ʼishshâh
H801
"food offering"
N-ms
An ishshah is a food offering or sacrifice given to God, often by fire or eaten by priests, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: food offering, offering given to God by fire or eaten by priests, sacrificial offering
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (offering, sacrifice), (made) by fire. See also: Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 21:6; 1 Samuel 2:28.
לְ/רֵ֣יחַ
rêyach
H7381
"aroma"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pleasant aroma or fragrance, often associated with sacrifices to God. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe the soothing smell of offerings, and appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) scent, fragrance, aroma, odour 1a) scent, odour 1b) odour of soothing (technical term for sacrifice to God) Aramaic equivalent: re.ach (רֵיחַ "smell" H7382)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: savour, scent, smell. See also: Genesis 8:21; Numbers 15:14; Jeremiah 48:11.
נִיחֹ֔חַ
nîychôwach
H5207
"soothing"
N-ms
A soothing or pleasant feeling, like the peace that comes from trusting in God. In the Bible, it is used to describe the sweet smell of incense or the delight of being in God's presence.
Definition: soothing, quieting, tranquillising Aramaic equivalent: ni.cho.ach (נִיחוֹחַ "soothing" H5208)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: sweet (odour). See also: Genesis 8:21; Numbers 15:3; Ezekiel 20:41.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חֵ֖לֶב
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
N-ms
In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.
Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.
לַ/יהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Leviticus 3:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 3:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 3:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 3:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 3:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 3:16
- Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 3:16
- Sermons on Leviticus 3:16
Context — Laws for Peace Offerings
14And from his offering he shall present a food offering to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,
15both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.
16Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.
17This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 7:23–25 | “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat. The fat of an animal found dead or mauled by wild beasts may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it. If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which an offering made by fire may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people. |
| 2 | Matthew 22:37 | Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ |
| 3 | Isaiah 53:10 | Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 2:15–16 | Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!” |
| 5 | Leviticus 9:24 | Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. |
| 6 | Exodus 29:13 | Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. |
| 7 | Leviticus 3:9–11 | And from the peace offering he shall bring an offering made by fire to the LORD consisting of its fat: the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then the priest is to burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD. |
| 8 | Leviticus 3:3–5 | From the peace offering he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. |
| 9 | Leviticus 3:14–15 | And from his offering he shall present an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. |
| 10 | Leviticus 4:31 | Then he is to remove all the fat, just as it is removed from the peace offering, and the priest is to burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven. |
Leviticus 3:16 Summary
[Leviticus 3:16 teaches us that the best parts of our lives belong to God, and we should offer them to Him as a sacrifice. This means giving Him our first and best, just like the Israelites offered the fat of their animals to God. As we surrender our lives to God, we can trust that He will accept our offerings and find them pleasing, just as He accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:2). By giving God our best, we can experience a deeper relationship with Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1-2).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of burning the fat on the altar in Leviticus 3:16?
The burning of the fat on the altar represents the offering of the best parts of our lives to God, as seen in the concept of firstfruits in Deuteronomy 26:1-11. This act symbolizes our surrender and dedication to Him.
Why does the verse say 'All the fat is the LORD's'?
This statement emphasizes that the fat, which was considered the richest and most valuable part of the animal, belongs to God. This highlights God's claim on the best of our resources, as also seen in Malachi 3:10, where we are encouraged to give our best to Him.
How does this verse relate to the idea of sacrifice in the Bible?
The concept of sacrifice in Leviticus 3:16 points to the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as an offering to God on our behalf, as described in Ephesians 5:2. This verse foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that would be made for our redemption.
What does the phrase 'a pleasing aroma' signify in this context?
The phrase 'a pleasing aroma' indicates that the sacrifice is acceptable and pleasing to God, much like the sacrifice of Christ, which is described as a 'fragrant offering' in Ephesians 5:2. This emphasizes the importance of our offerings being acceptable and pleasing to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'fats' in my life that I need to surrender to God, and how can I offer them to Him as a pleasing sacrifice?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of giving God my best, just as the fat was considered the best part of the animal?
- How does the concept of sacrifice in this verse challenge me to rethink my priorities and devotion to God?
- What does it mean for me to present my life as an 'offering made by fire' to God, and how can I live out this reality in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 3:16
And the priest shall burn them upon the altar,.... Which shows that not the fat only, but the inwards and the kidneys, were burnt also; so Maimonides says (l), that the priest salted the parts, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 3:16
And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 3:16
The priest shall burn them, the parts mentioned, among which the tail is not one, as it was in the sheep, because that in goats is a refuse part. All the fat: this is to be limited, 1. To those beasts which were offered or might be offered in sacrifice, as it is explained and restrained ,25. 2. To that kind of fat which is here above mentioned, and required to be offered, which was separated, or easily separable, from the flesh; for the fat which was here and there mixed with the flesh they might eat, .
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 3:16
(16) Shall burn them.—That is, the fat pieces which have thus been specified (see Leviticus 4:35), because they constitute the bread of Jehovah; they are to ascend in a sweet-smelling savour to heaven. (See Leviticus 1:9). All the fat is the Lord’s.—This part of the verse is intimately connected with the following verse. As the fat belongs to the Lord, it is therefore enacted as a perpetual statute that it must never be eaten.
Barnes' Notes on Leviticus 3:16
Rather, as food of an offering made by fire for a sweet savour, shall all the fat be for Yahweh.
Sermons on Leviticus 3:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Honey - Water - Oil and Rocks by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of water as a universal element found in all living things. He refers to Ezekiel 47, where water flows from under the thresho |
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"He Being Dead Yet Speaketh" by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of deep intimacy with God as the foundation of faith that pleases Him, drawing from the example of Abel in Hebrews 11. He explains that tru |
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Hells Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his approach to sharing the gospel with others. He starts by engaging in casual conversation about everyday topics like weather and sports to |
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Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli |
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(Biblical Manhood) -Evening Banquet by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the upbringing of his young children and acknowledges his own shortcomings. He emphasizes the importance of studying and |
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Testimony - Part 1 by Gladys Aylward | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experience of being the only missionary in a heathen government and their journey of spreading the Gospel in South Shansey. Desp |
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A Spirit Hath Not Flesh and Bones by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of Easter, which is that by uniting with Jesus Christ, believers will miss out on nothing. He encourages the congregation to rel |