Then the priest is to burn them on the altarIn the Levitical system, the role of the priest was crucial in mediating between God and the people. The act of burning the offering on the altar signifies the complete dedication of the sacrifice to God. The altar, located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, was the central place for sacrifices. This act of burning symbolizes purification and consecration, transforming the physical into a spiritual offering. The priest's role here prefigures Christ as our High Priest, who offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.
as food
The term "food" in this context does not imply that God consumes the offering as humans do. Instead, it signifies that the offering is pleasing and acceptable to God. This anthropomorphic language helps convey the idea of God’s satisfaction with the offering. In the ancient Near Eastern context, offerings were often seen as a way to maintain a relationship with the deity, providing sustenance in a symbolic sense.
a food offering
The food offering, or "meal offering," was a type of sacrifice that often accompanied burnt offerings. It was a way to express gratitude and devotion to God. This offering was typically made of grain, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing the fruits of human labor and God's provision. The food offering points to the sustenance God provides and foreshadows the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, the Bread of Life.
to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes that the offering is directed solely to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This exclusivity underscores the monotheistic faith of the Israelites, distinguishing their worship from the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations. The offerings were a means of maintaining the covenant relationship, reminding the Israelites of their identity as God's chosen people. This dedication to the LORD prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who offered Himself to God on behalf of humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PriestThe priest is the mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed in the Law of Moses.
2.
AltarA sacred place where offerings and sacrifices are made to God. It symbolizes the meeting point between God and man.
3.
OfferingIn this context, it refers to the peace offering, which is a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and fellowship.
4.
LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.
5.
Sacrificial SystemThe system of offerings and sacrifices instituted by God for Israel, serving as a means of atonement and worship.
Teaching Points
Understanding SacrificeThe peace offering symbolizes reconciliation and fellowship with God. It teaches us the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God through worship and thanksgiving.
Role of the PriestThe priest's role in offering sacrifices points to Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who mediates a new covenant and offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
Symbolism of FireFire represents God's holiness and the purifying nature of His presence. Our lives, like the offerings, should be purified and dedicated to God.
Communal Aspect of WorshipThe peace offering involved both the priest and the offerer, highlighting the communal nature of worship. As believers, we are called to worship together, fostering unity and fellowship.
Living SacrificesIn light of Christ's sacrifice, we are called to live sacrificially, dedicating our lives to God's service and seeking to please Him in all we do.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 3:11?
2.What does Leviticus 3:11 teach about offerings being "food for the LORD"?
3.How does Leviticus 3:11 emphasize the importance of sacrificial offerings in worship?
4.In what ways does Leviticus 3:11 connect to New Testament teachings on sacrifice?
5.How can we apply the principle of offering our best to God today?
6.What does Leviticus 3:11 reveal about God's relationship with His people through offerings?
7.What is the significance of "food offering" in Leviticus 3:11 for ancient Israelites?
8.How does Leviticus 3:11 reflect the relationship between God and His people?
9.Why is the concept of a "pleasing aroma" important in Leviticus 3:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 3?
11.What is the purpose of sacrifices in the Bible?
12.What is the purpose of a peace offering?
13.In Leviticus 12:8, how does the prescribed offering for atonement reconcile with the idea that childbirth is not a moral wrongdoing?
14.How can Leviticus 8's insistence on a seven-day ordination period be reconciled with other references in the Old Testament that imply different consecration timelines?What Does Leviticus 3:11 Mean
Then the priest• The verse opens by naming the priest, underscoring God-ordained leadership in worship (cf.Leviticus 1:5–7;Exodus 29:44).
• Priests acted as mediators, picturing Christ our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 5:1, 5).
• Their obedience showed Israel how serious God is about ordered, reverent sacrifice.
is to burn them on the altar• “Burn” indicates complete consumption by fire—symbolizing total surrender (Leviticus 1:9;Deuteronomy 4:24).
• The altar, first erected inExodus 27:1–8, stood at the center of Israel’s camp life, reminding everyone that approach to God requires atonement (Leviticus 6:12–13).
• Fire from God Himself originally lit the altar (Leviticus 9:24), teaching that genuine worship begins with Him, not us.
as food• God calls the sacrifice “food,” though He has no physical need (Psalm 50:12).
• This language conveys that the offering brings pleasure to Him, like a shared meal restoring fellowship (Numbers 28:2;Malachi 1:7).
• It points forward to Christ, whose self-offering fully satisfies the Father (Ephesians 5:2).
a food offering• Repetition stresses purpose: the sacrifice is designated nourishment for God’s honor (Leviticus 3:16).
• Every portion God reserved (the fat) belonged exclusively to Him (Leviticus 3:16–17), training Israel to give their best first.
• By labeling it “offering,” the text highlights voluntary worship rather than mere ritual obligation (Leviticus 7:11-12).
to the LORD• The ultimate recipient is Yahweh alone; no human worship leader or offerer shares the glory (Isaiah 42:8).
• This phrase reorients hearts away from self-gratification toward covenant loyalty (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).
• The Lord’s name anchors the act in His revealed character—holy, faithful, and worthy (Psalm 29:2).
summaryLeviticus 3:11 presents a vivid snapshot of worship: a God-appointed priest faithfully places the choicest parts on God’s altar, letting holy fire consume them as “food” that delights the Lord. Each phrase reminds us that true worship is orderly, wholehearted surrender offered exclusively to Him, prefiguring Christ’s perfect sacrifice that forever satisfies the Father and welcomes believers into unbroken fellowship.
(11)
The food,or
bread,that is, which the fire upon the altar was to consume for God, or the sacrifice. Hence that which was burnt unto God was called His bread (
Numbers 28:2;
Ezekiel 44:7), and the priests who burnt it are described as offering " the bread of their God" (
Leviticus 21:6;
Leviticus 21:8;
Leviticus 21:17).
Verse 11. -
It is the food of the offering made by fire unto the Lord; literally,
It is the bread of the offering by fire to the Lord. The idea of the peace offering being that of a meal at God's board, the part of the animal presented to God upon the altar is regarded as his share of the feast, and is called his food or bread. Cf.
Revelation 3:20, "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
me."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the priestהַכֹּהֵ֖ן(hak·kō·hên)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priestis to burn themוְהִקְטִיר֥וֹ(wə·hiq·ṭî·rōw)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6999:To smoke, turn into fragrance by fireon the altarהַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה(ham·miz·bê·ḥāh)Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4196:An altaras food,לֶ֥חֶם(le·ḥem)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899:Food, bread, grainan offering made by fireאִשֶּׁ֖ה(’iš·šeh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 801:A burnt-offering, a sacrificeto the LORD.לַיהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 3:11 The priest shall burn it (Le Lv Lev.)