And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.

LEVITICUS 16:25KJV
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Leviticus 16:25 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 16:25 mean?

Leviticus 16:25 says that the fat from the sin offering must be burned on the altar. This instruction is part of the detailed procedures for the Day of Atonement, showing how every part of the sacrifice was handled according to God’s directions.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving him specific commands for Aaron, the high priest, about what to do with the fat from the animal offered as a sin offering. The fat was not to be eaten or discarded elsewhere but was to be burned as an act of worship on the altar, setting it apart as belonging to God. This detail fits into the larger context of Leviticus 16, which outlines the rituals for making atonement for the people of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 16:25

  • The word for "fat" is חֵלֶב (chelev), which refers to the specific fatty portions of the animal considered the best part and reserved for God in sacrificial rituals. This highlights that the most valued parts were given to God, not kept for human use.
  • The word for "offering" is חַטָּאָה (chatta’ah), meaning "sin offering." This term points to a sacrifice made to address sin and restore the relationship between the people and God.
  • The verb "burn" is קָטַר (qatar), which often means to burn something as an offering that produces a pleasing aroma to God. This is not just disposal by fire but a ritual act of giving something to God.
  • The word for "altar" is מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach), the designated place for sacrifices in the Tabernacle, emphasizing that this act happened in a sacred space set apart for worship.

Why Leviticus 16:25 matters

  • Leviticus 16:25 clarifies that not all parts of the sacrifice were treated the same; the fat was specifically burned as an offering to God, showing careful obedience to God’s instructions.
  • This verse helps readers see the seriousness and orderliness of the Day of Atonement rituals, where every detail had meaning and purpose.
  • By connecting the burning of the fat to the altar, Leviticus 16:25 ties this act to the broader theme of holiness and dedication in Israel’s worship practices, reinforcing that certain things were set apart for God alone.

Where else these words appear

“fat” Hebrew H2459 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • Leviticus 7:23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
  • 1 Samuel 2:15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

“burn” Hebrew H6999 · used in 112 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 9:20 And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
  • 2 Chronicles 28:4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.