Leviticus 1:13

KJV

But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring [it] all, and burn [it] upon the altar: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he shall wash {H7364} the inwards {H7130} and the legs {H3767} with water {H4325}: and the priest {H3548} shall bring {H7126} it all, and burn {H6999} it upon the altar {H4196}: it is a burnt sacrifice {H5930}, an offering made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to wash the entrails and lower parts of the legs with water; and the cohen is to offer it all and make it go up in smoke on the altar as a burnt offering; it is an offering made by fire, a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall bring all of it and burn it on the altar; it is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

but the inwards and the legs shall he wash with water. And the priest shall offer the whole, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt-offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 1:13 meticulously details a critical step in the preparation of a burnt offering from the flock, mandating the washing of the animal's internal organs and legs with water before the priest presents and burns the entire offering upon the altar. This precise ritual underscores the divine demand for absolute purity and wholeness in worship, symbolizing the offerer's complete dedication and the comprehensive expiation of sin. The culminating description of the offering as "a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD" signifies God's gracious acceptance and pleasure in a sacrifice offered in strict obedience to His commands, thereby re-establishing and affirming the covenant relationship between the holy God and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 1:13 is situated within the foundational instructions for the *'olah*, or burnt offering, which opens the book of Leviticus. This chapter, as the inaugural section of the sacrificial laws, establishes the most comprehensive offering, symbolizing total dedication and atonement for general sin. The preceding verses delineate the process for offerings from the herd ([/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Burnt Offering from the Herd"]), while verse 10 transitions to regulations for offerings from the flock (sheep or goats, [/leviticus/1-10 "Leviticus 1:10 - Burnt Offering from the Flock"]). Verse 13 specifically elaborates on the preparation of the flock animal, following its slaughter and flaying, emphasizing the internal cleansing required before the complete consumption of the sacrifice on the altar. This meticulous sequence highlights the divine order and the escalating steps of purification necessary to approach a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sacrificial systems were widespread in the ancient Near East, but Israel's system, as revealed by Yahweh, was distinct due to its ethical monotheism and profound emphasis on holiness. The concept of ritual purity was paramount in Israelite worship, directly stemming from God's own absolute holiness and His command for His people to reflect that holiness ([/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"]). The washing of the animal's internal organs and legs was not merely for hygienic purposes but carried profound symbolic weight, representing the internal and external cleansing required of both the offering and, implicitly, the offerer. It ensured that the sacrifice was presented without blemish or impurity, reflecting the moral and spiritual state expected in approaching a holy God. The priest's role was indispensable, acting as God's designated intermediary to ensure the offering's proper execution according to divine decree, thereby maintaining the integrity of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel ([/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession"]).
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 1:13 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is **Holiness**, as the detailed requirements for purity in the offering reflect God's unblemished character and the necessity for His people to approach Him in a state of ritual and moral cleanliness. This verse also underscores the theme of **Atonement**, as the burnt offering, wholly consumed, served as a means of propitiation for sin, restoring fellowship. Furthermore, the meticulous instructions highlight **Obedience** to God's revealed will, emphasizing that acceptable worship is not self-invented but divinely prescribed. The concept of a "sweet savour" also introduces the theme of **Divine Acceptance**, signifying God's pleasure and approval of a sacrifice offered in faith and according to His commands, a concept first seen in Noah's sacrifice after the flood ([/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Sacrifice of a Sweet Aroma"]).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inwards (Hebrew, _qereb'_):** From H7130, this term refers to the nearest part or center, specifically the internal organs or entrails of the animal. In the context of sacrifice, the washing of the inwards signifies a thorough cleansing that extends beyond the external appearance to the very core of the being. It symbolizes the necessity of internal purity and integrity when approaching a holy God, suggesting that true worship must originate from a clean heart and hidden motives, not merely outward conformity.
* **Burn (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** From H6999, this primitive root means "to smoke" or "to turn into fragrance by fire," especially as an act of worship. It implies the process of causing the sacrifice to ascend in smoke to God. In the context of the burnt offering, this word emphasizes the complete consumption of the animal by fire, symbolizing total dedication and the comprehensive nature of the atonement, as the entire offering "goes up" to God.
* **Sweet Savour (Hebrew, _nîychôwach rêyach'_):** Composed of H5207 (*nîychôwach*, meaning "restful" or "pleasant," abstractly "delight") and H7381 (*rêyach*, meaning "odor" or "scent"). This phrase is a recurring theological idiom in the Old Testament, literally "a soothing aroma." It does not imply that God literally smells the smoke, but rather that the sacrifice, offered in obedience and faith according to His commands, is acceptable and pleasing to Him. It signifies divine approval, satisfaction, and the restoration of fellowship, indicating that the offering has achieved its intended purpose of propitiation and reconciliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water":** This initial command underscores the meticulous preparation and the profound emphasis on ritual purity required for the burnt offering. The washing of both the internal organs ("inwards") and the limbs used for movement ("legs") symbolizes a purification that extends to the entirety of the being—both the hidden motivations and the visible conduct. It highlights God's absolute holiness and the necessity for the offerer, represented by the sacrifice, to approach Him with integrity and a cleansed state, both internally and externally.
* **"and the priest shall bring [it] all, and burn [it] upon the altar":** Following the purification, the priest, acting as the divinely appointed intermediary, takes the prepared animal. The instruction to "bring it all" and "burn it upon the altar" is crucial, distinguishing the burnt offering (*'olah*) from other sacrifices. It signifies that the entire animal, with the exception of the hide, is consumed by fire, ascending as smoke to God. This complete consumption symbolizes total dedication, unreserved surrender, and the comprehensive nature of the atonement, indicating that nothing is withheld from God.
* **"it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD."** This concluding declaration defines the nature and the divine acceptance of the offering. It reiterates its identity as an *'olah*, an offering entirely consumed by fire, signifying its unique purpose of total dedication and comprehensive atonement. Crucially, it is declared to be "of a sweet savour unto the LORD," a theological idiom signifying God's gracious acceptance and pleasure. This divine approval confirms that the offering has effectively achieved its purpose of propitiation and reconciliation, satisfying divine justice and restoring the relationship between the offerer and God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 1:13 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Symbolism** is central, with the act of washing the inwards and legs symbolizing the necessity of internal and external purity in approaching a holy God. The complete burning of the sacrifice on the altar is powerful **symbolism** for total dedication, unreserved surrender, and the comprehensive nature of atonement for sin. The phrase "sweet savour unto the LORD" functions as a form of **anthropomorphism** (attributing human characteristics, specifically the sense of smell, to God) and a theological **idiom**, signifying divine acceptance, pleasure, and satisfaction rather than a literal olfactory experience. Furthermore, the entire ritual, with its meticulous instructions, functions as a **type**, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The detailed nature of the commands also reflects **Divine Precision**, emphasizing the importance of obedience and adherence to God's revealed will in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 1:13 profoundly illustrates the foundational theological truths of God's absolute holiness, the pervasive nature and seriousness of sin, and the necessity of a divinely appointed means of atonement and reconciliation. The demand for meticulous purity in the offering, both internal and external, reflects God's unblemished character and the inherent unsuitability of anything defiled in His holy presence. The complete consumption of the sacrifice signifies the total dedication required for true worship and the comprehensive nature of the covering for sin that the offering provides. Ultimately, the declaration of the offering as a "sweet savour" points to God's gracious provision and acceptance of a substitute, foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice that would truly satisfy divine justice and restore broken fellowship between humanity and God.

* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Aroma")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices")
* [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 1:13 remain profoundly relevant for believers today, guiding our understanding of worship, purity, and dedication. The command to wash the inwards and legs reminds us that God desires not merely outward acts of devotion but also internal purity, integrity, and a cleansed heart. Our worship must be holistic, encompassing both our visible actions and our hidden motives, reflecting a genuine transformation from within. The complete consumption of the burnt offering by fire challenges us to offer our entire lives—our time, talents, resources, relationships, and very selves—to God in total surrender and unreserved dedication. This is a call to a living sacrifice, where every aspect of our being is presented to Him as a pleasing offering. Through Christ, we are empowered to live lives that are a "sweet savour" to God, not through animal sacrifice, but through obedience, faith, and love, knowing that our acceptance and ability to please Him are secured by His perfect, finished work on the cross.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life—both internal thoughts and external actions—do I need to seek greater purity and integrity before God, recognizing His absolute holiness?**
* **How does the concept of "total dedication" (symbolized by the burnt offering's complete consumption) challenge my current level of commitment and surrender to Christ and His kingdom?**
* **Considering that Christ is our ultimate "sweet savour" to God, how does His finished work empower me to live a life that is pleasing to God, and what does that look like practically in my daily walk?**
* **What does it mean to offer myself as a "living sacrifice" in today's world, and how can I practically embody this principle of unreserved devotion in my relationships, work, and personal choices?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary to wash the inwards and legs of the animal in the burnt offering?**

Answer: The washing of the inwards and legs was a crucial, divinely mandated step to ensure the ritual purity and symbolic wholeness of the offering. It was not merely for hygiene but carried deep theological significance. The "inwards" (internal organs) represented the inner being, the hidden thoughts, motives, and intentions, while the "legs" represented one's walk, conduct, or outward actions. This act underscored the absolute holiness of God and the requirement for complete purity—both internal and external—in anything presented to Him. It symbolized that the sacrifice, representing the offerer, was presented without any hidden or visible defilement, reflecting the moral and spiritual cleanliness expected in approaching a holy God.

**What does "sweet savour unto the LORD" truly mean in the context of Old Testament sacrifices?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour unto the LORD" (Hebrew: *reakh nihoakh*) is a profound theological idiom signifying God's divine acceptance, pleasure, and satisfaction in the sacrifice. It does not imply that God literally smells the smoke of the burning animal in a physical sense. Instead, it indicates that the offering, when presented according to God's precise commands and with the proper heart of obedience and faith, was deemed acceptable and effective for its intended purpose of atonement and reconciliation. It means that the offering brought satisfaction to God, demonstrating that the covenant relationship could be maintained and restored despite human sin. This concept is first introduced in the narrative of Noah's post-flood sacrifice, which was also described as a "sweet savour" to the LORD ([/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Sacrifice of a Sweet Aroma"]).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 1:13, with its emphasis on a pure, complete, and divinely accepted burnt offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect "Lamb of God" ([/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"]) who, unlike the temporary and repeated animal sacrifices, offered Himself "once for all" ([/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"]) for the sins of humanity. Just as the animal's inwards and legs were washed for ritual purity, Christ was inherently pure and without blemish, offering a life of perfect obedience and a sacrifice untainted by sin ([/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ"]). His sacrifice on the cross was total and complete, mirroring the burnt offering's full consumption, signifying His unreserved dedication to fulfilling the Father's will and providing comprehensive atonement for all who believe ([/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice"]). Most significantly, Christ's self-offering was the ultimate "sweet savour unto God," an infinitely pleasing aroma that perfectly satisfied divine justice and wrath, securing eternal redemption and restoring fellowship between God and humanity ([/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Aroma"]). Through Him, believers are now able to approach God with confidence, not through animal blood, but through the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice of the Son ([/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"]).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 1:9

But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, [to be] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.