Leviticus 9:20 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 9:20 mean?

Leviticus 9:20 describes how the priests placed the fat parts of the sacrificed animals on top of the breasts and then burned the fat on the altar as part of the ritual offering to God. This verse highlights a specific step in the sacrificial process, showing careful attention to the order and manner in which the offering was presented.

In this scene, Moses is instructing Aaron and his sons during their first official acts as priests, following God’s detailed commands for sacrifices. The verse comes during the dedication of the priesthood, where every action is done exactly as prescribed. The focus on burning the fat emphasizes obedience to God’s instructions and the importance of following the ritual precisely.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 9:20

• fat (חֵלֶב, chelev): This word refers to the specific fatty portions of the animal, which were considered the best parts and reserved for God in the sacrificial system. The burning of the fat symbolized giving the choicest part to God.
• breasts (חָזֶה, chazeh): This term points to the breast portion of the animal, which was often given to the priests as their share. The verse notes the physical placement of the fat on the breasts before burning, showing the careful handling of each part.
• burnt (קָטַר, qatar): This verb means to burn or offer up in smoke, specifically as part of a sacrifice. It signals that the fat was not just cooked but completely burned as an offering, marking it as set apart for God.
• altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This is the altar where sacrifices were made. The mention of the altar here reminds the reader that this act was a central part of Israel’s worship.

Why Leviticus 9:20 matters

• Leviticus 9:20 clarifies that not all parts of the animal were treated the same in sacrifice; some were burned for God, while others were given to the priests, showing a division of portions in the ritual.
• The verse highlights the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, which is a major theme in Leviticus, especially during the establishment of the priesthood.
• Understanding the specific actions in this verse helps make sense of the larger sacrificial system and the seriousness with which the Israelites approached worship and obedience.