And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 17:6KJV
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Leviticus 17:6 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 17:6 mean?

Leviticus 17:6 describes how the priest was to sprinkle the blood of a sacrifice on the altar at the entrance of the tabernacle and burn the fat as an offering that would be pleasing to the LORD. This verse explains a key part of the sacrificial process in Israel’s worship, showing how offerings were handled in a way that honored God.

In this section of Leviticus, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about proper worship practices. The focus is on making sure sacrifices are brought to the tabernacle, not offered elsewhere, and that the priests perform the rituals as prescribed. The actions described—sprinkling blood and burning fat—were central to showing respect for God’s holiness and following the covenant laws.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 17:6

  • The word for "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) refers to those specially chosen to serve in the tabernacle, highlighting that only authorized people could perform these sacred duties.
  • "Sprinkle" (זָרַק, zarak) means to scatter or throw, emphasizing that the blood was not just poured but deliberately applied to the altar as part of the ritual.
  • "Fat" (חֵלֶב, khelev) was considered the best part of the animal, and burning it (קָטַר, qatar) as a "sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach) means it was thought of as a pleasing aroma to the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH), symbolizing acceptance of the offering.

Why Leviticus 17:6 matters

  • Leviticus 17:6 clarifies that sacrifices were not just private acts but had to be done publicly at the tabernacle, under priestly supervision, to prevent unauthorized worship.
  • The verse helps explain why the blood and fat were treated with special care, highlighting their role in making the offering acceptable to God.
  • This instruction connects to the larger theme in Leviticus of holiness and proper worship, showing that every detail of the sacrificial system was meant to honor God’s presence among the people.

Where else these words appear

“sprinkle” Hebrew H2236 · used in 33 verses

  • Exodus 9:8 And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.
  • Leviticus 3:13 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.
  • 2 Kings 16:15 And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.

“sweet” Hebrew H5207 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 6:21 In a pan it shall be made with oil; and when it is baken, thou shalt bring it in: and the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 28:6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

“savour” Hebrew H7381 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 29:6 Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

“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.