Leviticus 1:6

KJV

And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall flay {H6584} the burnt offering {H5930}, and cut {H5408} it into his pieces {H5409}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to skin the burnt offering and cut it in pieces.

Berean Standard Bible

Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces.

American Standard Version

And he shall flay the burnt-offering, and cut it into its pieces.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 1:6 outlines the precise, ritualistic preparation of the burnt offering, instructing the offerer or priest to meticulously "flay" the animal and "cut it into his pieces" before its presentation on the altar. These actions were far more than mere butchery; they were sacred steps emphasizing the principles of thoroughness, purity, and complete dedication essential for approaching a holy God. Every part of the offering was to be exposed, inspected, and prepared, symbolizing an unreserved surrender and a profound desire for atonement and intimate communion with the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 1:6 is an integral component of God's detailed instructions for the burnt offering, known as the `ʻolah`, which stands as the first and most foundational of the five principal sacrifices delineated in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Principal Sacrifices"). These divine directives were delivered to Moses immediately following the completion and consecration of the Tabernacle, thereby establishing the precise means by which a sinful people could appropriately approach a holy God. Preceding this verse, the instructions detail the bringing of an unblemished animal to the entrance of the tent of meeting, the symbolic laying on of hands by the offerer (signifying identification with the sacrifice), and the slaughter of the animal by either the offerer or an assisting priest, as described in [Leviticus 1:1-5](/leviticus/1-1-5 "Leviticus 1:1-5 - Initial Burnt Offering Steps"). Following the flaying and cutting into pieces described in verse 6, subsequent verses, specifically [Leviticus 1:7-9](/leviticus/1-7-9 "Leviticus 1:7-9 - Altar Preparation and Burning"), detail the arrangement of wood and fire on the altar, the washing of the entrails and legs, and the complete burning of the offering, signifying its ascent to God as a "soothing aroma." This precise and sequential order underscores the highly structured and sacred nature of Israelite worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the broader ancient Near Eastern world, animal sacrifice was a ubiquitous practice. However, the Israelite sacrificial system, as uniquely revealed in the book of Leviticus, distinguished itself profoundly through its divine origin, its unwavering emphasis on holiness, and its unparalleled meticulousness. The Tabernacle, which had been freshly constructed according to the divine blueprints meticulously detailed in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Construction and Furnishings"), served as the central locus of worship and the tangible manifestation of God's dwelling presence among His chosen people. The burnt offering, being entirely consumed by fire upon the altar, symbolized complete dedication and served as a general atonement for sin, distinguishing it from other offerings that might involve shared meals or atonement for specific transgressions. The actions of flaying and cutting, far from being merely practical steps for combustion, carried profound symbolic weight. They ensured that the offering was thoroughly examined for any hidden blemish and prepared in a manner befitting a holy and transcendent God. This extraordinary level of detail stood in stark contrast to the often chaotic or less precise sacrificial rites observed among surrounding pagan nations, thereby underscoring the unique purity, order, and divine authority demanded by the God of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 1:6 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for a holy approach from His people. The meticulous preparation of the offering, including flaying and cutting, underscores the necessity of **Purity** and **Thoroughness** in worship, ensuring that nothing impure or hidden is presented to God. This verse also highlights the theme of **Atonement**, as the burnt offering served as a means for the offerer to be reconciled with God, signifying a complete surrender in exchange for divine favor. The `ʻolah` itself is a powerful symbol of **Wholehearted Devotion** and **Complete Surrender**, as the entire animal is consumed, leaving nothing for the offerer. Furthermore, the detailed instructions reinforce the theme of **Divine Order and Instruction**, demonstrating God's sovereign authority in dictating the precise terms of worship and covenant relationship. These themes are foundational to understanding Israel's covenant with Yahweh and foreshadow the perfect sacrifice to come, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** From H5930, this term refers to a "holocaust (as going up in smoke)." It is derived from a root meaning "to ascend" or "to go up." This type of sacrifice was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing the complete ascent of the offering to God and representing total dedication and atonement. Its consumption by fire signifies the offering's acceptance by God as a "soothing aroma."
* **Flay (Hebrew, _pâshaṭ'_):** From H6584, a primitive root meaning "to strip (i.e. unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)." In the context of the burnt offering, this verb refers to the complete removal of the animal's hide. This act was crucial for allowing a thorough inspection of the animal's body for any hidden blemishes, ensuring cleanliness by removing the outer layer which could carry impurities, and preparing the carcass for further processing. Symbolically, it represents the laying bare of the offering, holding nothing back from God.
* **Cut (Hebrew, _nâthach'_):** From H5408, a primitive root meaning "to dismember; cut (in pieces), divide, hew in pieces." This verb specifically denotes the precise division of the animal into manageable parts. This was not random butchery but a systematic cutting of the carcass into its prescribed components (e.g., head, legs, entrails, fat). This action further emphasized thoroughness, ensuring that every part of the animal was presented to God and that internal impurities could be removed before burning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall flay the burnt offering":** This clause specifies the initial action to be taken after the animal's slaughter. The "he" refers either to the offerer themselves or, more commonly for such specialized tasks, an assisting priest. "Flaying" involved the careful removal of the animal's hide. This was a significant step, not only because the hide was typically the priest's portion as specified in [Leviticus 7:8](/leviticus/7-8 "Leviticus 7:8 - Priest's Portion of the Offering"), but also because its removal facilitated the subsequent thorough inspection and preparation of the carcass. This ensured that only the purest parts were offered to God, highlighting the principle of exposing the inner reality of the offering.
* **"and cut it into his pieces":** Following the flaying, the animal was to be meticulously dismembered. This was not a haphazard division but a systematic cutting of the carcass into its prescribed parts, such as the head, legs, and other sections. This action allowed for the thorough washing of internal organs, as commanded in [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Washing of Entrails and Legs"), and ensured that the entire animal, piece by piece, could be efficiently and completely consumed by fire on the altar. It profoundly underscores the concept of completeness and the dedication of every component of the offering, symbolizing total surrender and unwavering devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The instructions presented in [Leviticus 1:6](/leviticus/1-6 "Leviticus 1:6 - Preparation of the Burnt Offering"), consistent with much of the book of Leviticus, primarily employ **Prescription** and **Didacticism**. These literary techniques involve providing explicit commands and meticulously teaching the people the precise, divinely ordained methods for worship and sacrifice. The highly detailed nature of the steps, from flaying the animal to cutting it into its specific pieces, serves as powerful **Symbolism**. The act of **flaying** symbolizes the profound act of laying bare the inner self, exposing all aspects of one's life to God's holy scrutiny, while the **cutting into pieces** signifies a complete and unreserved dedication, where every single part of the offering, and by extension the offerer's life, is consecrated to God. This meticulous and ritualistic process also powerfully highlights the pervasive **Thematic Emphasis** on holiness, purity, and divine order required in approaching a transcendent and holy God, thereby reinforcing that worship is never to be casual or superficial but always reverent, precise, and deeply intentional.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 1:6, with its detailed instructions for preparing the burnt offering, profoundly underscores God's unwavering demand for thoroughness, purity, and complete dedication in all acts of worship. The meticulous flaying and cutting ensured that nothing was hidden, held back, or impure before the offering was consumed by fire. This ritual purity and comprehensive surrender were not merely procedural; they were essential for atonement and for maintaining the sacred covenant relationship between a holy God and His people. While the Old Testament sacrificial system served as a temporary means of atonement and a pedagogical tool to teach profound spiritual truths, its underlying principles of wholehearted devotion and the necessity of a spotless, unblemished offering remain eternally relevant, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully and finally reconcile humanity to God.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices and a Holy Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual of flaying and cutting the burnt offering into pieces, though seemingly far removed from our contemporary worship practices, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It challenges us to deeply consider the depth and sincerity of our own "spiritual sacrifices"—our worship, our service, our daily lives, and indeed, our very selves, as offerings presented to God. Just as every part of the sacrificial animal was exposed and meticulously prepared, so too should we cultivate a willingness to allow God to examine every hidden corner of our hearts, laying bare our motives, our deepest desires, our weaknesses, and our strengths before His holy presence. This call for thoroughness demands a radical honesty and transparency in our relationship with God, ensuring that our devotion is neither superficial nor partial, but rather complete and unreserved. It serves as a powerful reminder that authentic worship requires not only purity of heart but also a profound willingness to surrender every "piece" of our lives to His sovereign will, reflecting a genuine and earnest desire for holiness and intimate communion with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be holding back from complete surrender to God, metaphorically failing to "flay" and "cut into pieces" my offering of self?**
* **How does the meticulousness and intentionality of the burnt offering preparation challenge me to approach my spiritual disciplines (such as prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship) with greater intentionality, thoroughness, and reverence?**
* **What does "purity" in worship truly mean for me in my daily life today, and how can I actively ensure that both my heart and my actions consistently align with God's profound desire for holiness?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary to "flay" and "cut into pieces" the burnt offering in ancient Israelite worship?**

Answer: These actions were absolutely crucial for both practical and profound symbolic reasons within the divinely ordained Israelite sacrificial system. Practically, flaying (the complete removal of the hide) allowed for a thorough and unimpeded inspection of the animal's entire body for any hidden blemishes, thus ensuring it met the stringent divine standard of being "without blemish," as specified in [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Requirement for an Unblemished Offering"). This also prepared the carcass for efficient and complete combustion on the altar. Cutting the animal into specific, manageable pieces ensured that every part, including the internal organs, could be properly washed—a requirement explicitly stated in [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Washing of Entrails and Legs")—and then fully consumed by the sacred fire, signifying a complete and total dedication of the offering. Symbolically, these meticulous steps powerfully emphasized the themes of thoroughness, absolute purity, and unreserved surrender. Nothing was to be hidden or held back; the entire being of the animal was laid bare and offered to God, representing the offerer's complete devotion and earnest desire for atonement and reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preparation of the burnt offering described in [Leviticus 1:6](/leviticus/1-6 "Leviticus 1:6 - Preparation of the Burnt Offering") finds its ultimate, perfect, and eternally sufficient fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament requirement to "flay" and "cut into pieces" the animal, exposing every part for inspection and complete consumption, powerfully foreshadows the flawless perfection and the totality of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Jesus, as the divinely appointed, spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was inherently without blemish. Yet, He was metaphorically "flayed" through the brutal scourging He endured, vividly described in [Matthew 27:26](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - Jesus Scourged and Delivered to be Crucified"), and "cut into pieces" through the agonizing piercing of His hands, feet, and side on the cross, an event foretold in prophecies like [Psalm 22:16](/psalms/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - Piercing of Hands and Feet") and profoundly fulfilled in [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - Jesus' Side Pierced with a Spear"). Every aspect of His being—His perfect humanity and His divine nature—was fully offered, exposed, and consumed by divine wrath for the atonement of sins. Unlike the temporary and imperfect Old Testament sacrifices that had to be repeated continually, Christ's singular, once-for-all offering was so complete, so thorough, and so perfect that it fully satisfied God's righteous demands, thereby providing eternal redemption for all who place their faith in Him, as powerfully declared in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice Perfects Believers"). He was the ultimate burnt offering, completely consumed, yet rising in glorious triumph, becoming the truly "soothing aroma" to God that forever reconciles humanity to its Creator.

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 7:8

And the priest that offereth any man's burnt offering, [even] the priest shall have to himself the skin of the burnt offering which he hath offered.

Genesis 3:21

¶ Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.