And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 3:11KJV
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Leviticus 3:11 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 3:11 mean?

Leviticus 3:11 describes how the priest is to burn a specific part of the offering on the altar as a food offering made by fire to the LORD. This act is part of the ritual instructions for presenting a sacrifice, showing that certain portions are set apart for God alone.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for the priests about the peace offering, a type of sacrifice brought by the Israelites. The priest’s role is to take the designated parts of the animal and burn them on the altar, which is seen as giving food to God in a symbolic sense. The focus is on the act of giving something valuable directly to God as part of worship.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 3:11

  • "Priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to the person set apart to serve in the sanctuary and perform the sacrifices. Only a kohen could carry out this part of the ritual.
  • "Burn" (קָטַר, qatar): This verb means to turn something into smoke on the altar, not just to destroy it by fire, but to send it up as a pleasing aroma to God.
  • "Altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): The altar is the special structure where offerings are made; it is the meeting point between God and the people.
  • "Food" (לֶחֶם, lechem): While this word usually means bread or food, here it refers to the portion of the sacrifice that is considered God’s "food," symbolizing His share of the offering.
  • "Fire" (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh): This term is often used for offerings that are completely burned, emphasizing that the sacrifice is dedicated wholly to God.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, showing that the offering is directed specifically to Him.

Why Leviticus 3:11 matters

  • Leviticus 3:11 clarifies that not all parts of a sacrifice were eaten by people; some were reserved for God alone, highlighting the sacredness of the act.
  • The verse shows the priest’s unique role as a mediator, carrying out rituals that connect the people to God.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the structure of Old Testament worship, where offerings were divided between God, the priests, and the worshippers, each with a specific portion.

Where else these words appear

“fire” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:18 All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy.
  • Leviticus 24:7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

“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 16:25 And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn 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.