Leviticus 1:16 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 1:16 mean?

Leviticus 1:16 describes how the person offering a bird as a burnt offering must remove the bird’s crop and feathers and place them beside the altar, on the east side, where the ashes from previous offerings are kept. This instruction is part of the detailed process for preparing a bird sacrifice in Israel’s worship.

In this verse, God is giving Moses specific instructions for the priests and people about how to handle a bird offering at the Tabernacle. The “crop” is the part of the bird’s throat where food is stored, and the “feathers” likely refer to the refuse or unwanted parts. Placing these parts on the east side, by the ashes, keeps the altar area clean and organized, showing care and respect for the sacrificial process.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 1:16

• The word for “crop” is מֻרְאָה (mur’ah), which refers to the part of the bird’s throat that stores food. Removing it prevents anything unclean or undigested from being burned on the altar.
• “Feathers” uses the word נֹצָה (notzah), which can mean feathers or refuse. This shows that not everything from the bird was burned; only select parts were offered.
• “Cast” is שָׁלַךְ (shalakh), meaning to throw or place. The action is deliberate, not careless, emphasizing order in the ritual.
• “Ashes” is דֶּשֶׁן (deshen), the residue from previous sacrifices. The east side was the designated spot for these remains, keeping the main altar area pure for offerings.

Why Leviticus 1:16 matters

• This verse clarifies that not every part of the animal was suitable for burning on the altar, highlighting the care taken in worship practices.
• The instruction to place the removed parts by the ashes on the east side shows a practical approach to cleanliness and order in the Tabernacle.
• Understanding these details helps make sense of the broader sacrificial system in Leviticus, where even small actions had meaning and purpose in Israel’s relationship with God.