And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:

LEVITICUS 9:20KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“breasts” Hebrew H2373 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 29:26 And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.
  • Leviticus 7:31 And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.
  • Leviticus 10:14 And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

“fat” Hebrew H2459 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • Leviticus 7:23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
  • 1 Samuel 2:15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

“burnt” Hebrew H6999 · used in 112 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 16:25 And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.