Leviticus 1:13 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 1:13 mean?

Leviticus 1:13 describes how, during a burnt offering, the person bringing the animal must wash its inner organs and legs with water before the priest places the whole animal on the altar to be completely burned as a pleasing offering to the LORD. This verse gives specific instructions about preparing the sacrifice so it is acceptable.

In this verse, God is giving Moses detailed directions for the Israelites about how to present a burnt sacrifice, which is a type of offering where the entire animal is consumed by fire. The focus on washing the "inwards" and "legs" shows the importance of ritual cleanliness. The priest's role is to arrange and burn the offering, which is described as producing a "sweet savour"—meaning it is pleasing or acceptable to God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 1:13

• "inwards" (קֶרֶב, qerev): This word refers to the inner organs of the animal. The instruction to wash these parts highlights the care for ritual purity and thoroughness in the offering.
• "legs" (כְּרָעַיִם, kera‘ayim): This word means the lower legs of the animal. Washing the legs would remove any dirt, again emphasizing cleanliness before the offering is made.
• "burn" (קָטַר, qatar): This verb means to burn or turn into smoke, especially in the context of burning incense or sacrifices. Here, it means the whole animal is burned up on the altar, not just a part.
• "sweet savour" (נִיחוֹחַ, niḥoach; רֵיחַ, reiach): These words together mean a "pleasing aroma" or "fragrant smell." This phrase is often used in Leviticus to show that the offering is accepted by God.

Why Leviticus 1:13 matters

• Leviticus 1:13 shows that the process of sacrifice was not just about killing an animal, but about careful preparation and ritual purity, which mattered to God and the community.
• The verse clarifies that the entire animal was to be burned, not just a part, which sets the burnt offering apart from other types of sacrifices in Leviticus.
• The description of the offering as a "sweet savour" helps explain why these rituals were meaningful in ancient Israel—they were understood as something that pleased God when done according to His instructions.