Leviticus 4 8

Leviticus 4:8 kjv

And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Leviticus 4:8 nkjv

He shall take from it all the fat of the bull as the sin offering. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat which is on the entrails,

Leviticus 4:8 niv

He shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering?all the fat that is connected to the internal organs,

Leviticus 4:8 esv

And all the fat of the bull of the sin offering he shall remove from it, the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails

Leviticus 4:8 nlt

Then the priest must remove all the fat of the bull to be offered as a sin offering. This includes all the fat around the internal organs,

Leviticus 4 verses

Leviticus 4 8 Meaning

Leviticus 4:8 specifies a crucial part of the sin offering ritual: the priest is to completely remove and set aside all the internal fat from the bull sacrifice. This includes the fatty membrane covering the entrails and all other fat attached to the internal organs. This dedicated fat, known as chelev, was strictly reserved for the Lord alone and was to be burned on the altar, serving as an offering by fire with a pleasing aroma to God, even within the context of an offering for unintentional sin. This act underscores God's absolute sovereignty and claim over the choicest parts, symbolizing the worshiper's total surrender and the complete nature of the atonement provided.

Leviticus 4 8 Context

Leviticus 4 focuses on the laws for the sin offering (Hebrew: chaṭṭaʾt), which provides atonement for unintentional sins that violate God's commands or cause defilement within the community, especially regarding the sanctity of the Tabernacle. The chapter details different procedures based on the status of the person who sinned: the anointed priest (vv. 3-12), the whole congregation (vv. 13-21), a leader (vv. 22-26), or a common person (vv. 27-35). Verse 8 specifically refers to the handling of the bull, which is the prescribed animal for the sin offering of the high priest or the entire congregation. The historical context is Israel at Mount Sinai, having received the covenant and Tabernacle instructions, now being taught the detailed rituals for maintaining a holy relationship with a holy God in their midst. This precise instruction highlights the gravity of sin, the necessity of divine provision for atonement, and the meticulous care required in approaching God. The detailed listing of which parts of the animal belong to God also reinforces a theological distinction from surrounding pagan cultures, who did not reserve fat uniquely for their deities and often consumed all parts of their offerings.

Leviticus 4 8 Word analysis

• And: Connects this instruction to the broader procedure for the sin offering, establishing a continuous sequence of ritual actions.
• all: (Heb. kol) Signifies completeness and comprehensiveness. It emphasizes that no portion of the designated fat is to be omitted, reinforcing the totality of the offering.
• the fat: (Heb. chelev, חֵלֶב) Refers specifically to the suet or abdominal fat, easily separable from the lean meat, rather than general body fat. Biblically, chelev represents the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal. It is repeatedly declared in Mosaic Law to belong exclusively to God (Lev 3:16) and its consumption was forbidden to the Israelites, distinguishing them from other cultures and highlighting God's unique ownership. This prohibition underscores God's demand for the very best.
• of the bull: (Heb. par) Indicates the specific type of animal sacrifice for this particular sin offering, designated for the high priest or the entire community.
• of the sin offering: (Heb. ha-chaṭṭaʾt) Identifies the purpose and nature of the sacrifice. This offering addresses unintentional sins or ritual impurity, restoring fellowship and cleansing the community or individual before God.
• shall be taken from it: (Heb. yārim mimennu, literally "he shall lift up from it") Implies a deliberate act of separation by the officiating priest, removing the specified parts for their consecrated purpose on the altar. The verb rum ("to lift up") suggests an elevation or setting apart for a holy use.
• the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails: (Heb. et ha-chelev ha-m'khaseh al ha-qerev v'et kol ha-chelev asher al ha-qerev) This phrase provides a precise description, emphasizing two aspects of the internal fat.
  • "the fat that covers the entrails": Refers to the omentum, a sheet of fat lying over the intestines.
  • "and all the fat that is on the entrails": Refers to the fat that adheres closely to the specific internal organs themselves, such as the kidneys and the fatty lobe of the liver, ensuring every bit of the choicest internal fat is included. This detailed instruction reiterates "all," stressing the meticulousness required in offering the consecrated portions to God.

Leviticus 4 8 Bonus section

The consistent command across various offerings (burnt, peace, sin) that the fat (specifically chelev, suet) must be reserved solely for the Lord and burned on the altar (never eaten) establishes a profound theological principle: the choicest portion belongs exclusively to God. This isn't merely a dietary law but a symbolic act of ultimate surrender and worship. Fat, as a repository of energy and often signifying health and abundance, represents the "best of life." By offering this to God, Israel acknowledged that all abundance, vitality, and even life itself ultimately belonged to Him. This foreshadows the New Covenant truth that believers are called to offer their "whole selves" (Romans 12:1) – their best energies, abilities, and resources – as a spiritual act of worship, reflecting Christ's complete and unreserved self-giving sacrifice. The repetition of "all the fat" emphasizes totality; God desires complete consecration, not partial surrender.

Leviticus 4 8 Commentary

Leviticus 4:8 meticulously details the priest's responsibility regarding the chelev (fat) in a bull sin offering. This instruction, seemingly mundane, is profound in its theological implications. The fat, designated as "all," was viewed as the richest and most vital part of the animal. By commanding its exclusive dedication to the Lord and its complete consumption by fire on the altar, the Law highlighted God's supreme ownership and holiness. This act demonstrated that even in offerings for sin, God received the very best, not a blemished or leftover portion. It signified absolute reverence for God and a recognition of His ultimate claim over all life and creation. The prohibition on consuming fat also served to underscore Israel's separation and distinctness from pagan practices, reinforcing the unique, covenantal relationship they held with YHWH. The comprehensive nature of the instruction, requiring "all" the fat, further impressed upon the worshiper the complete commitment and atonement required to restore fellowship with a holy God. This meticulous removal and burning of fat ultimately points forward to Christ's perfect and complete sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 10:10), a single, all-sufficient offering, supremely pleasing to God (Ephesians 5:2), which fulfilled and superseded these ancient shadow rituals.