Leviticus 4:10 kjv
As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering.
Leviticus 4:10 nkjv
as it was taken from the bull of the sacrifice of the peace offering; and the priest shall burn them on the altar of the burnt offering.
Leviticus 4:10 niv
just as the fat is removed from the ox sacrificed as a fellowship offering. Then the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering.
Leviticus 4:10 esv
(just as these are taken from the ox of the sacrifice of the peace offerings); and the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering.
Leviticus 4:10 nlt
just as he does with cattle offered as a peace offering, and burn them on the altar of burnt offerings.
Leviticus 4 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lev 3:3-5 | "And he shall offer... the fat... that covereth the inwards... the kidneys..." | Fat specified as the Lord's portion. |
| Lev 3:9-11 | "And he shall offer... the fat thereof... even the whole fat tail..." | Specifics of fat from sheep peace offering. |
| Lev 3:14-16 | "And he shall offer thereof his offering... the fat..." | Specifics of fat from goat peace offering. |
| Lev 4:3 | "If the priest that is anointed do sin..." | Introduces the sin offering for the priest. |
| Lev 4:8-9 | "And he shall take off from it all the fat..." | Immediate context; reiterates removal of fat. |
| Lev 4:11-12 | "And the skin of the bullock... he shall carry forth outside the camp..." | Contrast: rest of the sin offering outside. |
| Lev 4:18-20 | "And all the fat of the bullock shall he take off..." | Fat burning for congregation's sin offering. |
| Lev 4:26 | "And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar..." | Fat burning for a leader's sin offering. |
| Lev 4:31 | "And he shall burn all the fat thereof, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings..." | Fat burning for a common person's sin offering, directly paralleling Lev 4:10. |
| Lev 7:22-25 | "Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat..." | Prohibition against eating animal fat, belongs to God. |
| Lev 17:6 | "And the priest shall burn the fat for a sweet savour..." | Fat as a sweet aroma to the Lord. |
| Num 18:17 | "Only the firstborn of an ox... shalt thou not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering..." | Fat reserved for God in specific contexts. |
| Exod 29:13 | "And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards... and burn them upon the altar." | Fat as part of a priestly ordination offering. |
| Exod 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..." | Sacrifices yielding a "sweet savour" to God. |
| Gen 8:21 | "And the Lord smelled a sweet savour..." | Concept of pleasing aroma to God (Noah's ark). |
| 1 Sam 2:16 | "As soon as the fat is burned..." | Illustrates corrupted priests taking fat before offered. |
| Heb 9:12-14 | "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood..." | Christ's sacrifice, greater than animal blood/offerings. |
| Heb 10:4 | "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." | Points to the inadequacy of animal sacrifices. |
| Heb 10:10 | "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." | Christ's perfect, singular offering. |
| Heb 13:11 | "For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp." | Explains Lev 4:12 fulfillment in Christ. |
| Phil 4:18 | "I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." | Spiritual sacrifices likened to pleasing offerings. |
| Eph 5:2 | "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." | Christ's self-sacrifice as a fragrant offering. |
Leviticus 4 verses
Leviticus 4 10 Meaning
Leviticus 4:10 details a specific aspect of the sin offering for the anointed priest. It mandates that all the internal fat of the sacrificial bull be meticulously removed, in the same manner as the fat is removed from an ox presented as a peace offering. This removed fat is then to be burned by the priest upon the main bronze altar, known as the altar of the burnt offering. The core meaning emphasizes that even in a sin offering, a part of the sacrifice – specifically the choicest fat, representing the best – is presented wholly to the Lord as His portion, signifying acceptance of the atonement.
Leviticus 4 10 Context
Leviticus chapter 4 introduces the regulations for the hatta't offering, often translated as "sin offering," which atones for unintentional sins. The type and value of the sacrifice, along with its specific ritualistic handling, depend on the status of the person who committed the sin: the anointed priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, or a common person. Verse 10 specifically deals with the sin offering for the anointed priest (or the entire congregation, as it follows a similar pattern in procedure, especially concerning the fat). The immediate context of Lev 4:3-12 describes the offering of a bull for the priest's sin. Unlike other offerings, a significant part of this specific sin offering's flesh was taken outside the camp and burned (Lev 4:11-12), highlighting its unique handling due to the holiness associated with atonement for the highest spiritual leaders. However, the fat, considered the choicest part and reserved exclusively for God, was burned on the main altar, connecting it ritually to the peace offering which symbolized fellowship and communion with God. Historically and culturally, ancient Israelites understood that sacrifices were prescribed ways to approach a holy God, seeking atonement and maintaining covenant relationship. This intricate system distinguished Yahweh worship from surrounding pagan cults by its emphasis on God's holiness and the structured, pure means of addressing sin.
Leviticus 4 10 Word analysis
- And he shall take off (וְהֵרִים, veherim): Literally "and he shall lift off" or "remove." This is an active and deliberate action, indicating the careful and precise removal of the fat required for the sacred ritual. It emphasizes the priest's meticulous adherence to God's instructions.
- from it all the fat (אֶת־כָּל־הַחֵלֶב, et-kol-hachelev): "Fat" (chelev) in this context refers specifically to the suet and visceral fat, particularly the fat covering the internal organs and kidneys, not the general fat mixed in muscle meat. This particular fat was considered the richest and best part of the animal, symbolically reserved for God alone as a display of the worshiper's best offering and God's exclusive claim on the choicest. The "all" emphasizes totality – no fat should be held back.
- as the fat is taken off from the ox of the sacrifice of peace offerings (כַּאֲשֶׁר יוּסַר מִשּׁוֹר זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים, ka'asher yusar mishshor zevach hashelamim): This comparison is crucial. The "sacrifice of peace offerings" (zevach hashelamim, plural often indicating peace and fellowship) symbolized communion, thanksgiving, and vows. In these offerings, the fat was entirely burned to the Lord as His portion, signifying the offering of the best for a relationship of peace. By instructing the fat of the sin offering to be treated similarly, it highlights that even through the addressing of sin, God receives His rightful best, and the way is opened for renewed peace. This parallel bridges atonement with communion.
- and the priest (וְהִקְטִיר הַכֹּהֵן, vehiktir hakkohen): "The priest" (hakkohen) specifically refers to the one appointed by God to mediate in sacred rites. His role is indispensable, underscoring the necessity of divine ordinance for atonement. "Burn them" (vehikṭiram) signifies the act of turning the substance into smoke (qatar - to send up in smoke, to burn incense), indicating an ascent to God as an offering that produces a pleasing aroma (reiach nichoach), as seen in other offerings.
- upon the altar of the burnt offering (עַל מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה, al mizbeach ha'olah): This refers to the large bronze altar located outside the Tabernacle/Temple, where the primary fire for burnt offerings (olah, "that which ascends completely") continuously burned. Burning the fat here meant it was consumed entirely by God's holy fire, further emphasizing its dedication exclusively to Him.
Leviticus 4 10 Bonus section
The significance of "fat" (chelev) in Leviticus goes beyond mere substance. In the ancient Near East, fat was often associated with prosperity, richness, and vitality. By declaring all edible fat as belonging solely to Yahweh, the Mosaic Law made a profound theological statement: the best, the most vital essence of what could be offered, belongs exclusively to God. This not only ensured that Israel honored God with their top portion but also taught them abstinence and discipline, separating them from the dietary practices of surrounding nations. The burning of fat to produce a "sweet savour" or "pleasing aroma" (often reiach nichoach) symbolically represented the ascent of the worshipper's complete devotion and the acceptance of the offering by God. The "altar of burnt offering" served as the focal point of all offerings, emphasizing the continuous, fiery devotion required for a covenant relationship with a holy God. It was here that sins were 'dealt with' through sacrificial death, signifying the intense judgment against sin, yet also the avenue of grace and reconciliation.
Leviticus 4 10 Commentary
Leviticus 4:10 illuminates a significant ritual detail within the Israelite sin offering system, particularly for the high priest. The careful extraction and burning of the animal's choicest fat underscore God's unwavering claim on the best of His people's offerings, even when addressing unintentional sin. This act, paralleled to the treatment of fat in a peace offering, suggests that the process of atonement, though dealing with defilement, ultimately leads back to reconciliation and fellowship with God. While the flesh of certain sin offerings was consumed outside the camp due to its profound holiness associated with sin's consequence, the fat ascended to the main altar, signifying God's acceptance and satisfaction. It foreshadows the perfect sacrifice of Christ, where through His self-offering, the best of humanity was offered to God, not only dealing with sin comprehensively but also restoring perfect peace and fellowship for those who believe. This verse is a poignant reminder that while sin requires a grave accounting, God's justice is always entwined with His desire for restorative relationship, accepted through a complete and pleasing offering.