And he shall take all his fat from him, and burn it upon the altar.

LEVITICUS 4:19KJV
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Leviticus 4:19 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 4:19 mean?

Leviticus 4:19 describes how the priest must remove all the fat from the sacrificial animal and burn it on the altar as part of the sin offering ritual. This act is a specific instruction within the larger process of making atonement for unintentional sins among the Israelites.

In this verse, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the priests about how to handle offerings for sin. The focus on burning the fat shows the importance of following God's directions exactly, as the fat was considered the best or most valuable part of the animal. This step is one part of a longer, careful process that the priest must follow to properly carry out the offering.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 4:19

  • The word for "take" is רוּם (rum, H7311), which often means to lift up or remove. Here, it emphasizes the priest's careful action in separating the fat from the animal.
  • The word for "fat" is חֵלֶב (chelev, H2459), meaning the specific fatty portions considered the richest parts. In Israelite sacrifices, this fat was always reserved for God and never eaten.
  • The word for "burn" is קָטַר (qatar, H6999), which means to burn as an offering, especially in the sense of producing smoke that rises up. This word highlights that the burning is not just destruction but an act of worship.
  • The word for "altar" is מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach, H4196), the sacred place where offerings were made. This shows the fat was not burned anywhere, but only on the altar, marking it as an act dedicated to God.

Why Leviticus 4:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that only certain parts of the animal—the fat—were to be burned on the altar, not the entire animal, which corrects a common misunderstanding.
  • The instruction connects to a larger pattern in Leviticus where the fat is always reserved for God, showing a consistent principle in Israelite worship.
  • By focusing on the priest's role and the specific handling of the fat, the verse highlights the seriousness and care required in approaching God according to His instructions.

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 7:24 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.

“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.