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.

LEVITICUS 8:21KJV
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Leviticus 8:21 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 8:21 mean?

Leviticus 8:21 describes how Moses carefully washed the inner organs and legs of the ram with water before burning the entire animal on the altar as a burnt offering, which was considered a pleasing aroma to the LORD, just as God had commanded him. This verse shows the detailed steps Moses followed to carry out the sacrificial ritual exactly as instructed.

In this scene, Moses is overseeing the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. The verse highlights the care taken in preparing the sacrifice, including washing the "inwards" (internal organs) and "legs" to ensure cleanliness before burning the whole ram. The act is described as a "burnt sacrifice" (meaning the whole animal is consumed by fire), which was a central part of Israelite worship and symbolized complete dedication to God.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 8:21

  • "washed" (רָחַץ, rachats): This word means to wash or bathe, and here it emphasizes the ritual cleansing of the animal parts before the offering, showing the importance of purity in worship.
  • "inwards" (קֶרֶב, qerev): Refers to the inner organs, which were considered significant in sacrifices and needed to be clean before being offered.
  • "burnt" (קָטַר, qatar): This verb means to burn or offer up in smoke, pointing to the act of turning the sacrifice entirely into smoke as an offering to God.
  • "sacrifice" (עֹלָה, olah): This term refers to a whole burnt offering, where the entire animal is consumed by fire, symbolizing total surrender to God.
  • "sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach): Together, these words mean a "pleasing aroma," which is a common phrase in Leviticus to describe offerings that are accepted by God.

Why Leviticus 8:21 matters

  • Leviticus 8:21 clears up that the sacrificial rituals were not random but followed specific, detailed instructions, highlighting the seriousness and orderliness of worship in ancient Israel.
  • The verse emphasizes the idea that offerings to God were to be made with care and cleanliness, reflecting respect and reverence for God's holiness.
  • By showing Moses following God's commands exactly, Leviticus 8:21 connects to the larger theme of obedience and faithfulness that runs throughout the book, especially in the context of setting apart the priests for their special role.

Where else these words appear

“legs” Hebrew H3767 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 12:9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.
  • Leviticus 1:9 But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 9:14 And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.

“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 6:21 In a pan it shall be made with oil; and when it is baken, thou shalt bring it in: and the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
  • 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 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • 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.