And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the LORD'S.

LEVITICUS 3:16KJV
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Leviticus 3:16 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 3:16 mean?

Leviticus 3:16 explains that the priest is to burn certain parts of the offering—specifically the fat—on the altar as food for God, and that all the fat belongs to the LORD. This act is described as producing a pleasing aroma to God, showing that the offering is accepted.

In this verse, God is giving instructions to Moses for the Israelites about how to present fellowship or peace offerings. The focus here is on the priest’s role and what is to be done with the fat from the animal. The burning of the fat is described as “the food of the offering made by fire,” which means it is set apart for God alone, not for human consumption.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 3:16

  • חֵלֶב (chelev, "fat"): This word refers to the best or richest part of the animal, which was considered especially valuable. By saying all the fat is the LORD’s, the verse emphasizes that the best portions are reserved for God.
  • מַאֲכָל (ma’akhal, "food"): This term is used here to describe what is offered to God, even though God does not eat in a human sense. It highlights the idea of giving something valuable and nourishing as a gift to God.
  • רֵיחַ (reyach, "savour") and נִיחוֹחַ (nichoach, "sweet"): Together, these words describe the pleasing aroma that rises from the altar, symbolizing that the offering is acceptable and pleasing to God.

Why Leviticus 3:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that certain parts of the animal, especially the fat, were never to be eaten but were always to be given to God, setting a boundary between what was for God and what was for people.
  • Leviticus 3:16 helps explain why later in the chapter (and in other laws) eating fat was strictly forbidden for the Israelites, showing the seriousness of keeping God’s instructions.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Leviticus of holiness and separation—what is set apart for God is not to be used for ordinary purposes, reflecting respect and reverence for God’s commands.

Where else these words appear

“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 8:21 And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, and an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 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 17:6 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.
  • 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.

“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.

“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 7:24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.
  • 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.