Then the priest is to burn the food on the altarIn the Levitical sacrificial system, the priest played a crucial role as a mediator between God and the people. The act of burning the food on the altar signifies the offering being wholly dedicated to God. The altar, located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, was the central place for sacrifices, symbolizing God's presence among His people. This act of burning represents the complete surrender and consecration of the offering to God, reflecting the need for purity and holiness in worship.
as a food offering, a pleasing aroma
The term "food offering" indicates that the sacrifice is meant to sustain a relationship with God, much like food sustains the body. The phrase "a pleasing aroma" is a metaphorical expression used throughout the Old Testament to describe God's acceptance of a sacrifice. It signifies that the offering is made in accordance with God's instructions and is pleasing to Him. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a "fragrant offering" to God (Ephesians 5:2), highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Jesus.
All the fat is the LORD’s
In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the best part of the animal, symbolizing richness and abundance. By designating all the fat as belonging to the LORD, the text emphasizes that the best portions are to be given to God, reflecting His supreme worthiness and the worshiper's devotion. This principle of offering the best to God is seen throughout Scripture, such as in the story of Abel's offering (Genesis 4:4) and the call to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). The dedication of the fat to the LORD also underscores the idea that God deserves the first and finest of what we have, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His all for 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 the divine and the human.
3.
OfferingIn this context, it refers to the peace offering, which is a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and fellowship with God.
4.
LORD (YHWH)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature, and His relationship with Israel.
5.
FatConsidered the best part of the animal, it is reserved for God as a sign of giving Him the best portion.
Teaching Points
The Significance of SacrificeSacrifices in the Old Testament were a way to maintain a relationship with God. Today, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices through our lives and actions.
Giving God Our BestJust as the fat was considered the best part and given to God, we should strive to give God the best of our time, resources, and talents.
A Pleasing AromaOur lives should be a pleasing aroma to God, characterized by obedience, worship, and thanksgiving.
Understanding God's HolinessThe requirement that all fat belongs to the LORD underscores His holiness and the need for reverence in our approach to Him.
Symbolism of the AltarThe altar represents a place of surrender and dedication. We are called to lay down our lives in service to God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 3:16?
2.How does Leviticus 3:16 emphasize the importance of offering the best to God?
3.What does "all the fat belongs to the LORD" signify in our lives?
4.How can we apply the principle of giving God our best today?
5.What connections exist between Leviticus 3:16 and New Testament teachings on sacrifice?
6.How does Leviticus 3:16 challenge us to prioritize God in daily decisions?
7.What does "all the fat is the LORD's" in Leviticus 3:16 signify about offerings?
8.How does Leviticus 3:16 reflect the importance of sacrifice in ancient Israelite worship?
9.Why is the fat considered sacred to God in Leviticus 3:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 3?
11.What are the different styles of worship?
12.How do priests and Levites differ in their roles?
13.If a loving God exists, what is the moral rationale for repeatedly offering animal blood and fat as stated in Leviticus 3?
14.Does Hebrews 13:10's mention of an altar contradict Old Testament laws allowing priests to eat sacrifices?What Does Leviticus 3:16 Mean
the priest is to burn the food on the altarLeviticus 3:16 opens by placing the priest at the center of the action. He alone may approach the altar and handle the sacrifice.
• The altar is God’s designated meeting place with His people (Exodus 29:42–43).
• Fire on that altar was kept burning continuously (Leviticus 6:12–13), symbolizing God’s ongoing readiness to receive worship.
• The priest’s role prefigures Christ, our great High Priest, who “offered Himself” once for all (Hebrews 7:26–27).
• For believers today, the call is to present our bodies “as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), placing our entire lives on God’s altar.
as a food offeringThe phrase reminds us this is a fellowship (peace) offering, intended for communion with God.
• Peace offerings were voluntary, expressing gratitude and joy (Leviticus 3:1–5).
• They differed from sin offerings; some of the meat was eaten by the worshiper, emphasizing shared table fellowship with the Lord (Leviticus 7:15).
• God still desires shared relationship: Jesus invites us to dine with Him (Revelation 3:20).
• Handing over “food” acknowledges that every good gift, including daily bread, comes from Him (James 1:17).
a pleasing aromaScripture repeatedly links obedient sacrifice with fragrance that delights God.
• After the flood, Noah’s burnt offering rose “as a soothing aroma” (Genesis 8:21).
• Paul connects Christ’s self-giving on the cross to “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
• When believers give generously, it is “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).
• The aroma is not about the scent of roasting meat; it is God’s pleasure in wholehearted obedience, faith, and thanksgiving.
all the fat is the LORD’sFat represented the richest, best portion of the animal.
• God commands, “You must not eat any fat or any blood” (Leviticus 3:17; 7:25).
• Reserving the choicest part for Him teaches that He deserves the first and finest (Proverbs 3:9).
• By surrendering what is “rich,” worshipers acknowledged God’s ultimate ownership and their trust in His provision.
• Today, the principle calls us to honor God first with our resources, talents, and affections (2 Corinthians 9:7).
summaryLeviticus 3:16 reveals a timeless pattern of worship: God appoints a mediator, provides an altar, invites voluntary fellowship, delights in wholehearted obedience, and claims the best for Himself. In Christ, the perfect Priest and ultimate Offering, every aspect finds its fulfillment, calling us to joyful surrender of our finest to the Lord who first gave His best for us.
(16)
Shall burn them.--That is, the fat pieces which have thus been specified (see
Leviticus 4:35), because they constitute the bread of Jehovah; they are to ascend in a sweet-smelling savour to heaven. (See
Leviticus 1:9).
All the fat is the Lord's.--This part of the verse is intimately connected with the following verse. As the fat belongs to the Lord, it is therefore enacted as a perpetual statute that it must never be eaten.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the priestהַכֹּהֵ֖ן(hak·kō·hên)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priestwill burnוְהִקְטִירָ֥ם(wə·hiq·ṭî·rām)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6999:To smoke, turn into fragrance by firethe foodלֶ֤חֶם(le·ḥem)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899:Food, bread, grainon the altarהַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה(ham·miz·bê·ḥāh)Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4196:An altaras an offering made by fire,אִשֶּׁה֙(’iš·šeh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 801:A burnt-offering, a sacrificea pleasingנִיחֹ֔חַ(nî·ḥō·aḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5207:A quieting, soothing, tranquilizingaroma.לְרֵ֣יחַ(lə·rê·aḥ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7381:To smell, perceive odorAllכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe fatחֵ֖לֶב(ḥê·leḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2459:Fat, richest, choice part[is] the LORD’s.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 3:16 The priest shall burn them (Le Lv Lev.)