Leviticus 4:31 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 4:31 mean?

Leviticus 4:31 describes how a priest was to remove all the fat from a sin offering, burn it on the altar as a pleasing smell to the LORD, and then make atonement for the person who brought the offering, so that person would be forgiven. This verse explains a key step in the ancient Israelite process for dealing with unintentional sins through animal sacrifice.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving Moses detailed instructions for the Israelites about how to handle sin offerings. The focus is on the priest’s role: he carefully removes the fat, burns it as a special act to God, and then acts as a go-between so the person’s sin is covered and they are forgiven. The verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the careful, respectful process set up for forgiveness in Israel’s worship life.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 4:31

• The word for "fat" is חֵלֶב (chelev), which refers to the best, richest parts of the animal. Burning this on the altar (not eating it) was a way to show respect and give the best to God.
• The word for "atonement" is כָּפַר (kaphar), which means to cover over or reconcile. Here, it shows the priest’s action is meant to restore the relationship between the person and God.
• The phrase "sweet savour" uses נִיחוֹחַ (nihoach) for "sweet" and רֵיחַ (reyach) for "savour," together meaning a pleasing or acceptable smell to God. This emphasizes that the act is not just ritual but is meant to be pleasing to God.

Why Leviticus 4:31 matters

• This verse clarifies that forgiveness in ancient Israel was not automatic; it required a specific, respectful process involving both the person and the priest.
• The focus on burning the fat and not eating it shows the seriousness of the offering and the idea of giving the best to God.
• Leviticus 4:31 fits into a larger section about sacrifices, helping readers see how the Israelites understood sin, responsibility, and the need for atonement in their relationship with God.