Leviticus 8:20 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 8:20 mean?

Leviticus 8:20 describes how Moses carefully cut a ram into pieces and then burned the head, the cut-up parts, and the fat on the altar as part of a ritual sacrifice. This action was part of the ceremony to set apart Aaron and his sons as priests for service in the tabernacle.

In this verse, Moses is carrying out instructions given by God for the ordination of the priests. The process involved specific steps, including dividing the ram (a male sheep) and burning certain parts, which showed obedience to God’s detailed commands. This verse is part of a longer passage that explains how the priests were prepared for their special role among the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 8:20

• The word "cut" (נָתַח, nathach) means to divide or cut up, especially in the context of preparing an animal for sacrifice. This shows that the process was methodical and followed a set pattern, not random but according to ritual requirements.
• The word "burnt" (קָטַר, qatar) means to offer up in smoke, often used for burning sacrifices on the altar. This emphasizes that the act was not just about killing the animal but about offering it up to God in a specific way.
• The word "fat" (פֶּדֶר, peder) refers to the special fatty parts of the animal, which were considered the best portions and were often reserved for God in sacrificial rituals.

Why Leviticus 8:20 matters

• This verse highlights the careful obedience to God’s instructions, showing that every detail in the sacrificial process mattered for the ordination of the priests.
• Leviticus 8:20 connects to the wider passage by showing that Moses did not act on his own ideas but followed the ritual steps exactly as commanded, setting a pattern for all future priestly sacrifices.
• Understanding the specific actions—cutting, burning, and offering certain parts—helps clarify how ancient Israelite worship was structured and why these rituals were important for the community’s relationship with God.