Leviticus 9 20

Leviticus 9:20 kjv

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

Leviticus 9:20 nkjv

and they put the fat on the breasts. Then he burned the fat on the altar;

Leviticus 9:20 niv

these they laid on the breasts, and then Aaron burned the fat on the altar.

Leviticus 9:20 esv

they put the fat pieces on the breasts, and he burned the fat pieces on the altar,

Leviticus 9:20 nlt

He placed these fat portions on top of the breasts of these animals and burned them on the altar.

Leviticus 9 verses

Leviticus 9 20 Meaning

Leviticus 9:20 describes a specific action during Aaron's inaugural priestly service: the priestly group separated the designated fatty portions from the peace offerings, placed them briefly with the breast (the priest's portion), and then Aaron, as the High Priest, offered these fatty parts to God by burning them on the altar of burnt offering. This act demonstrated precise adherence to the divine command regarding sacrificial elements.

Leviticus 9 20 Context

Leviticus chapter 9 details the climactic events following the seven-day ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, as outlined in Leviticus 8. This chapter describes their first public sacrifices on the eighth day. This inauguration of the Tabernacle's sacrificial system was pivotal, establishing the protocols for worship, atonement, and maintaining fellowship with God. Aaron, having performed offerings for himself and the people (including a sin offering, burnt offering, and meal offering), then presented peace offerings (Lev 9:18). Verse 20 specifically relates to the handling of these peace offerings, particularly the part that was consecrated exclusively to God—the fat—before God's glorious appearance affirmed the sacrifices. This meticulous adherence to sacrificial law highlighted the sanctity and specificity of worshipping a holy God.

Leviticus 9 20 Word analysis

• And they put (וַיָּשִׂימוּ - vayyasimu): The plural subject indicates Aaron and his sons working together in their newly consecrated roles. This collective action emphasizes the priestly teamwork in preparing the offerings.
• the fat (הַחֵלֶב - hachelev): Refers to the internal suet fat surrounding vital organs (like kidneys, omentum), not merely general body fat. It was considered the choicest, richest part of the animal, representing the "best" or essence. It was uniquely reserved for God, symbolizing the richness and vitality offered to Him, and eating it was strictly forbidden (Lev 7:23).
• upon the breasts (עַל־הֶחָזוֹת - ‘al-hechazot): The "breasts" refers to the specific portion of the peace offering given to the priests (Lev 7:31, 34). This suggests the fat, after being removed from the animal, might have been temporarily placed on the breasts before being transferred to the altar. This illustrates the careful separation of what was God's (the fat) from what was the priests' (the breast), ensuring proper attribution of each sacred portion.
• and he burnt (וַיַּקְטֵר - vayyaqṭer): The singular verb refers specifically to Aaron, as the High Priest, conducting the primary act of offering. The Hebrew root qatar denotes making sacrificial smoke ascend, which was crucial for an acceptable offering, signifying a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord rather than simple destruction by fire.
• the fat (אֶת־הַחֵלֶב - et-hachelev): This repetition reinforces the primary subject being offered and consecrated to God. It underscores the preciousness and specific divine allocation of this particular part of the sacrifice.
• upon the altar (עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ - ‘al-hammizbeaḥ): This refers to the brazen altar (altar of burnt offering) situated outside the Tabernacle's entrance. This was the consecrated space where offerings were brought into the Lord's presence through fire, symbolizing purification, consecration, and the place of divine acceptance.

Words-group analysis:

• "put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar": This phrase details the sequential processing and handling of the offering. It meticulously differentiates between the handling by "they" (Aaron and sons), the placement "upon the breasts" (priest's portion for holding or distinguishing), and the singular High Priest's (Aaron's) action of burning "the fat upon the altar." This highlights the structured and precise ritual steps, ensuring the unique destiny of each part of the offering—fat for God, breast for the priests.

Leviticus 9 20 Bonus section

• The detail of placing the fat "upon the breasts" might indicate a stage of separating the various parts, ensuring that the priest's portion was kept distinct from the fat destined solely for the altar. It highlights the careful allocation commanded by God.
• The emphasis on "the fat" being offered reiterates God's ownership over the "best" of all firstfruits and offerings, setting a standard for Israelite giving and worship that contrasted with the often defiled or careless sacrifices of surrounding nations.
• This verse is part of a larger narrative showcasing God's meticulous instructions for proper worship and His subsequent affirmation (Lev 9:23-24), signifying His acceptance of Aaron and the newly instituted sacrificial system.

Leviticus 9 20 Commentary

Leviticus 9:20 marks a specific yet deeply significant detail in the inaugural priestly duties of Aaron. It demonstrates the meticulous care required in handling sacrifices according to divine instruction. The "fat," distinct from meat, represented the choicest, richest essence of the animal, exclusively belonging to God as His sacred portion. Burning it upon the altar, under Aaron's direct supervision, was an act of complete dedication, producing a "pleasing aroma" that signified divine acceptance. This action was crucial not only for proper worship but also to distinguish true worship from common practices and pagan rituals. It foreshadows the spiritual truth that God desires the "best" of us—our devotion, praise, and lives—offered entirely to Him, a "living sacrifice" in Christ (Rom 12:1). It reinforced that God's holiness demands purity and precision in His service.