Leviticus 1 8

Leviticus 1:8 kjv

And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:

Leviticus 1:8 nkjv

Then the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire upon the altar;

Leviticus 1:8 niv

Then Aaron's sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, including the head and the fat, on the wood that is burning on the altar.

Leviticus 1:8 esv

And Aaron's sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, the head, and the fat, on the wood that is on the fire on the altar;

Leviticus 1:8 nlt

They will arrange the pieces of the offering, including the head and fat, on the wood burning on the altar.

Leviticus 1 verses

Leviticus 1 8 Meaning

Leviticus 1:8 describes a specific priestly action within the ritual of the burnt offering (Olah). It details the priests' duty to meticulously arrange the dismembered parts of the sacrificial animal, including the head and internal fat, upon the already burning wood on the altar. This verse underscores the precise, orderly, and sacred nature of worship and the specialized role of Aaron's sons in facilitating a complete and acceptable offering to God.

Leviticus 1 8 Context

Leviticus Chapter 1 outlines the meticulous procedures for the burnt offering, or Olah, the first of five primary offerings detailed in the book. The Olah was unique because the entire animal (except for the skin, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, atonement for unintentional sin, and conveying the worshiper's total surrender to God. The verses immediately preceding Leviticus 1:8 describe the offeror bringing the animal, laying hands on it, its slaughter, flaying, and cutting into pieces. Verse 7 states that Aaron's sons, the priests, are to put fire and wood on the altar. Verse 8 then focuses on the arrangement of the dismembered animal on this already prepared base.

Historically and culturally, this instruction occurred within the context of Tabernacle worship in the wilderness. It prescribed the proper method for Israelites to approach a holy God, distinguishing their pure worship from the defiling, often chaotic, or divinatory practices of surrounding pagan nations. The emphasis on specific procedures performed by designated, consecrated individuals underscored God's absolute holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms.

Leviticus 1 8 Word analysis

• And the priests (הַכֹּהֲנִים - hakkohenim): From the root kohen, meaning "to minister" or "one who stands to serve." These are the officiants chosen by God from the tribe of Levi, specifically Aaron's descendants. Their sacred role underscores the need for mediation and proper performance of divine rites.
• Aaron's sons (בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן - b'ney Aharon): This specific designation reiterates the exclusive, hereditary nature of the priestly office. It reinforces divine appointment and authorization for those conducting these sacred rituals, emphasizing lineage and inherited holiness required for priestly service.
• shall arrange (וְעָרְכוּ - v'arkhu): From `arakh, meaning "to set in order," "to lay out," or "to prepare systematically." This verb signifies more than just placing; it demands careful, deliberate, and precise arrangement, emphasizing the reverence and meticulousness required in handling holy things and performing divine worship.
• the pieces (אֶת-הַנְּתָחִים - et-hann'tachim): From natach, "to cut up, dissect." This refers to the sections into which the animal's body has been thoroughly divided. It symbolizes the complete exposure and total offering of the whole being, with nothing concealed or withheld.
• the head (אֶת-הָרֹאשׁ - et-harosh): Singled out for emphasis, the head often represents leadership, intellect, or the essence of a being. Its explicit mention for arrangement signifies that the conscious thought, intention, and all governing aspects are included in the complete surrender to God.
• and the fat (וְאֶת-הַפֶּדֶר - v'et-happeder): Peder specifically denotes the suet or fatty layers covering the internal organs (mesentery, omentum). As distinct from chelev (general fat), peder represents hidden, choicest internal portions. Fat was generally considered the richest and best part of an animal, consistently designated as God's portion and not to be consumed by Israelites, symbolizing giving the very best and God's exclusive claim over it.
• on the wood (עַל-הָעֵצִים - 'al-ha'etzim): Refers to the fuel for the sacred fire. It specifies the base upon which the entire offering is laid, ready for consumption by flame.
• that is on the fire (אֲשֶׁר עַל-הָאֵשׁ - asher 'al-ha'esh): This clause clarifies that the wood must already be ignited, underscoring the necessity of a pre-existing, continually burning, consecrated fire. This fire, initially ignited by God's own presence, was essential for the acceptability of the sacrifice.
• on the altar (עַל-הַמִּזְבֵּחַ - 'al-hammizbe'ach): From zabach, "to slaughter, sacrifice." The altar, the divinely appointed location for all burnt offerings, represents the holy space where atonement is made and communication with God through sacrifice takes place. Its specific design and consecration render it holy.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And the priests, Aaron's sons: This initial phrase establishes the divine authority and prescribed lineage for conducting the holy rites. It highlights the exclusive privilege and solemn responsibility entrusted to those uniquely set apart to mediate between God and His people, ensuring proper adherence to divine instruction.
• shall arrange the pieces, the head, and the fat: This segment emphasizes the meticulous precision and order required in presenting the offering. The command to "arrange" suggests a deliberate and respectful preparation, while specifying "the head, and the fat"—parts symbolic of the mind/will and the richest inward essence—underscores that no part of the offering, literal or metaphorical, is to be haphazardly given or withheld from God's sacred due.
• on the wood that is on the fire on the altar: This phrase identifies the consecrated medium and sacred location for the sacrifice's consumption. It accentuates that the offering must be placed upon an already active, God-ordained fire, residing on the designated altar. This reinforces the sanctity of the ritual, ensuring that the offering is transformed into a "pleasing aroma" to God through His purifying and accepting flame, at His appointed place.

Leviticus 1 8 Bonus section

The detailed dismemberment and specific arrangement of the Olah were unique. Unlike some pagan rites which might use parts for divination or keep specific portions, the Olah emphasized total consumption by fire, illustrating the principle of complete devotion. The concept of God "smelling a pleasing aroma" from these offerings signifies His acceptance and delight in obedient worship that adheres to His divine commands, pointing to a personal relationship enabled through the sacrificial system. This sacred "fire" on the altar was a crucial element, a holy fire that symbolized God's consuming presence, purity, and acceptance. Its continuous burning (Lev 6:12-13) underlined God's perpetual presence among His people and their ongoing need for atonement and devotion.

Leviticus 1 8 Commentary

Leviticus 1:8, though brief, is a dense instruction rich with theological implications regarding ancient Israelite worship. It demonstrates the meticulousness demanded in approaching a holy God. The act of "arranging" the animal's dismembered parts—including the significant head and internal fat—is not merely practical but profoundly symbolic. It signifies that the entire being, from thought (head) to innermost vitality (fat), is completely given over to God without reservation. This orderly presentation, performed by the consecrated priests of Aaron's lineage, highlights the vital role of mediation and adherence to divine prescription in worship. The placement on the "wood that is on the fire on the altar" signifies that the offering passes through God's holy, consuming flame at His designated place, confirming His acceptance and the offering's ascension to Him as a fragrant aroma. This precise ritual prefigured Christ's own perfect sacrifice—a complete, unblemished, and self-given offering of His whole being, fulfilling and transcending all these temporary shadows of worship. It reminds believers that worship, whether ancient ritual or modern spiritual offering, calls for reverence, order, and total dedication of the self, acceptable through the one perfect Mediator.