And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 3:5KJV
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Leviticus 3:5 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 3:5 mean?

Leviticus 3:5 describes how Aaron’s sons, the priests, are to burn part of the fellowship (peace) offering on top of the burnt offering that is already on the altar, using the wood that is on the fire. This act is described as an offering made by fire that produces a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for the priests about how to handle offerings in the tabernacle. The focus is on the process: the priests (Aaron’s sons) place the fat of the fellowship offering on top of the burnt offering, which is already burning on the altar’s wood fire. The verse emphasizes that this ritual, done in this specific way, is pleasing to God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 3:5

  • "Burn" (קָטַר, qatar) means to turn something into smoke on the altar, not just to destroy it by fire but to offer it up in a way that is meant to be pleasing or acceptable.
  • "Burnt sacrifice" (עֹלָה, olah) refers to a whole burnt offering, which is entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication.
  • "Sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach) together mean a "pleasing aroma" or "soothing smell," a phrase often used to show that the offering is accepted by God.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting that the offering is directed specifically to Him.

Why Leviticus 3:5 matters

  • Leviticus 3:5 clarifies that the peace offering is not a separate event but is closely connected to the daily burnt offering, showing an order and structure to Israel’s worship.
  • The verse highlights that the act of burning the offering in this way is meant to be pleasing to God, not just a ritual for people’s sake.
  • Understanding the specific instructions helps explain the careful, respectful approach to worship in ancient Israel and how each step was believed to matter to God.

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.

“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.