And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

LEVITICUS 8:28KJV
Know the Bible

Leviticus 8:28 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 8:28 mean?

Leviticus 8:28 describes how Moses took the offerings from Aaron and his sons, burned them on the altar on top of the burnt offering, and presented them as a special act of dedication to God, creating a pleasing aroma. This was part of the ceremony to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests, showing their offerings were fully given to the LORD.

In this verse, Moses is leading the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, who are about to become priests for Israel. The act of burning the offerings on the altar, described as "consecrations for a sweet savour," marks the completion of a ritual that sets them apart for service to God. The phrase "offering made by fire unto the LORD" highlights that this was a sacred act, meant to please and honor God in a way the people could see and understand.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 8:28

  • "Consecrations" (מִלֻּאִים, millu'im): This word means "fillings" or "installations," and it refers to the offerings that fill the hands of the priests, symbolizing their new role and responsibilities. It shows that the ceremony was about equipping Aaron and his sons for their priestly work.
  • "Sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach): These words together mean a "pleasing aroma." In the context of sacrifices, this phrase often points to God accepting the offering, not because of the smell itself, but as a sign of obedience and dedication.
  • "Offering" (עֹלָה, olah): This is the standard word for a burnt offering, which was completely consumed by fire. It emphasizes the total devotion of the offering to God.

Why Leviticus 8:28 matters

  • Leviticus 8:28 clarifies that the ordination of priests involved a public, visible act of dedication, not just a private or symbolic gesture.
  • The verse shows that the offerings were not just rituals, but acts meant to please God, highlighting the importance of obedience and wholeheartedness in worship.
  • By connecting the consecration ceremony to the larger system of sacrifices, this verse helps explain how the priesthood was set apart and why their role was central to Israel's relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“consecrations” Hebrew H4394 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 29:31 And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.
  • Leviticus 8:22 And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

“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.