Leviticus 1:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But his inwards {H7130} and his legs {H3767} shall he wash {H7364} in water {H4325}: and the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} all on the altar {H4196}, to be 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 cause all of it to 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 burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

but its inwards and its legs shall he wash with water. And the priest shall burn the whole on the altar, for a burnt-offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 1:9 outlines a critical procedural step in the offering of the *'olah* (burnt sacrifice), requiring the meticulous washing of the animal's internal organs and legs before the priest consumes the entire offering on the altar. This act symbolizes the worshiper's commitment to internal and external purity, total consecration, and the pleasing acceptance of their devotion by the LORD, establishing a foundational principle for approaching a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the opening chapter of Leviticus, which meticulously details the regulations for the burnt offering (*'olah*), the first of five primary offerings described. Leviticus 1:1-2 sets the scene, with God calling Moses from the Tent of Meeting to deliver these instructions. Verses 3-9 outline the procedure for offering a bull, beginning with the worshiper bringing the animal, laying hands on it, and then killing, flaying, and cutting it into pieces. Leviticus 1:9 specifically addresses the final preparation of these pieces before they are completely consumed by fire on the altar. The subsequent verses (Leviticus 1:10-13 and Leviticus 1:14-17) describe variations of the burnt offering for sheep/goats and birds, respectively, maintaining the core principles of complete consumption and divine acceptance. The entire book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Worship") serves as a divine manual for Israel's worship, emphasizing holiness, purity, and atonement as essential for maintaining their covenant relationship with a holy God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Leviticus were given to Israel shortly after their exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the Tabernacle at Mount Sinai. This period marked the formalization of their covenant relationship with God, necessitating a structured system of worship that set them apart from surrounding pagan nations. Unlike the often chaotic and morally corrupt practices of other cultures, Israel's sacrificial system emphasized order, purity, and the mediation of a consecrated priesthood. The washing of the "inwards and his legs" was not merely a hygienic practice but a profound symbolic act, underscoring the absolute necessity of both internal (thoughts, motives) and external (actions, conduct) purity when approaching the holy God of Israel. The concept of a "sweet savour" (or pleasing aroma) was common in ancient Near Eastern religions, where sacrifices were often believed to appease deities. However, in Israel, the "sweet savour" denoted God's *acceptance* of an offering made according to His precise commands and with a sincere heart, signifying that the worshiper's devotion was received and their atonement effective. This meticulous ritual served to teach Israel about the nature of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin, preparing them for a deeper understanding of true reconciliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inwards (Hebrew, _qerev'_):** This term refers to the internal organs or viscera of the animal, essentially its inner parts. In a symbolic sense, the "inwards" often represent the hidden aspects of a person – their thoughts, motives, desires, and the very core of their being. The command to wash the inwards, therefore, underscores the necessity of internal purity and integrity in the worshiper's approach to God, not just outward conformity.
* **Sweet savour (Hebrew, _reah nihoah'_):** This phrase, literally "soothing aroma" or "pleasing odor," describes God's divine acceptance and delight in the offering. It signifies that the sacrifice, performed according to God's precise instructions and with the proper attitude, was fully acceptable and effective in His sight. It is an anthropomorphism, conveying God's pleasure and the successful fulfillment of the offering's purpose, rather than a literal olfactory experience for God.
* **Burnt sacrifice (Hebrew, _'olah'_):** Derived from the verb "to go up" or "to ascend," the *'olah* is so named because the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. This complete consumption symbolizes total dedication, absolute surrender, and comprehensive atonement, representing the worshiper's desire to give their whole being to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water:"** This clause emphasizes the meticulous preparation required for the burnt offering. The "inwards" represent the internal, hidden aspects of the animal (and by extension, the worshiper's inner life – motives, thoughts, desires), while the "legs" represent outward conduct and actions (the "walk" of the worshiper). Washing them in water signifies the absolute necessity of both internal and external purity, a holistic cleansing, before approaching a holy God. It highlights that God desires not just outward ritual, but a clean heart and righteous living.
* **"and the priest shall burn all on the altar,"** This part specifies the role of the priest as the mediator, indicating that access to God through sacrifice was not direct but mediated by God's appointed representative. The command to "burn all" (referring to the prepared pieces of the animal) signifies the complete consumption of the offering. This total destruction on the altar, the designated place of encounter with God, symbolizes the worshiper's full consecration and the complete surrender of the offering to God.
* **"[to be] a burnt sacrifice,"** This phrase reiterates the specific type of offering, the *'olah*, emphasizing its unique characteristic of being entirely consumed by fire. It reinforces the purpose of the offering as one of total dedication and comprehensive atonement, where the worshiper gives their all to God.
* **"an offering made by fire,"** This clause further describes the nature of the burnt offering, highlighting fire as the means by which the sacrifice is transformed and ascends to God. Fire in biblical contexts often symbolizes God's presence, His purifying power, His judgment, and the complete consumption of what is offered to Him. It underscores the intensity and finality of the offering.
* **"of a sweet savour unto the LORD."** This concluding phrase indicates the desired outcome and divine reception of the offering. When performed according to God's commands and with a sincere heart, the sacrifice was considered pleasing and acceptable to God. This "sweet savour" signifies God's delight and approval, confirming that the offering had achieved its purpose of atonement and reconciliation, making the worshiper acceptable in His sight.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 1:9 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the washing of the "inwards and legs" symbolizing the need for holistic purity—both internal motives and external conduct—before God. The act of "burning all on the altar" is rich in **symbolism** for total consecration and complete surrender, while the "sweet savour" anthropomorphically symbolizes divine acceptance and pleasure. The entire passage is an example of **ritual**, a prescribed sequence of actions designed to communicate theological meaning and facilitate interaction with the divine. The meticulous detail in the instructions, characteristic of the book of Leviticus, serves to emphasize the seriousness and sacredness of approaching God. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "sweet savour unto the LORD" throughout the sacrificial laws functions as a form of **repetition** or **leitmotif**, consistently reinforcing the idea that proper, sincere worship evokes God's favor and acceptance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 1:9 provides foundational insights into the nature of true worship and humanity's approach to a holy God. The emphasis on meticulous purity, both internal and external, underscores that God demands a consecrated life from those who draw near to Him. The complete consumption of the burnt offering signifies total surrender and dedication, teaching that true devotion involves giving one's entire self to the Lord. Ultimately, the "sweet savour" highlights God's gracious acceptance of a properly presented offering, foreshadowing the ultimate perfect sacrifice that would truly please Him and reconcile humanity. These principles transcend the Old Covenant ritual, pointing to the spiritual realities of the New Covenant where believers are called to live lives of purity and total consecration, made acceptable through Christ.

* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who Shall Ascend the Hill of the LORD?")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet Aroma")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the animal sacrifices of Leviticus are no longer practiced by Christians, the profound spiritual principles embedded in Leviticus 1:9 remain eternally relevant. The command to wash the "inwards and his legs" serves as a timeless reminder that God desires not merely outward religious performance, but genuine purity of heart and integrity in our daily walk. Our worship, our service, and indeed our entire lives are to be presented to God with intentionality, reverence, and a deep desire for holiness. The concept of "burning all on the altar" challenges us to consider what areas of our lives we are truly holding back from God. Are we offering Him a partial surrender, or are we giving Him our complete devotion – our time, talents, resources, desires, and ambitions? When we commit to this holistic surrender, trusting in Christ's perfect sacrifice, our lives become a "sweet savour" to the Lord, a pleasing aroma of worship that delights His heart and reflects His transforming grace within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (my "inwards" and "legs") do I need to seek greater purity and integrity before the Lord?**
* **How does the concept of "total consecration," as symbolized by the burnt offering, challenge my understanding of worship and devotion today?**
* **What does it mean for my daily life to be a "sweet savour" to the Lord, and how can I intentionally strive for that?**

### FAQ
**Why were the inwards and legs specifically washed in the burnt offering?**

Answer: The washing of the "inwards" (internal organs) and "legs" (limbs) of the sacrificial animal was a symbolic act emphasizing the absolute necessity of holistic purity for both the offering and, by extension, the worshiper. The inwards represented the hidden, inner aspects of a being—thoughts, motives, and desires. The legs represented outward conduct, actions, and the "walk" of life. Therefore, washing both symbolized the requirement for both internal and external cleanliness and integrity before approaching a holy God. It underscored that God desires not just outward ritual conformity but a clean heart and righteous living.

**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: *reah nihoah*) signifies God's divine acceptance and pleasure with the offering. It does not imply that God literally "smells" an aroma, but rather it is an anthropomorphic expression used to convey His delight and approval. When an offering was presented according to God's precise commands and with a sincere heart, it was deemed acceptable and effective in His sight. It indicated that the sacrifice had achieved its purpose of atonement and reconciliation, making the worshiper acceptable to God. This concept is beautifully fulfilled in the New Testament with Christ's sacrifice, which is described as [a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet Aroma").

**Is the burnt offering still relevant for Christians today, given that animal sacrifices are no longer practiced?**

Answer: While the ritual of animal sacrifice has been fulfilled and rendered obsolete by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the spiritual principles embedded in the burnt offering remain profoundly relevant for Christians. Leviticus 1:9 teaches us about the nature of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the need for purity, total consecration, and divine acceptance in our relationship with Him. We are called to present our bodies as [a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"), which is our spiritual worship. This means offering our entire lives—our thoughts, actions, and desires—to Him. The burnt offering ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate, perfectly pleasing sacrifice, through whom our lives, offered in faith, become a "sweet savour" to the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 1:9, with its meticulous requirements for purity, total consumption, and the resulting "sweet savour," serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing directly to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The command to wash the "inwards and his legs" foreshadows Christ's [absolute purity and sinless life](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest"), which made Him the only acceptable and unblemished Lamb of God. Unlike the animal sacrifices that could only cover sins, Christ's perfect inner being and outward conduct meant His offering was without blemish. The complete burning of the sacrifice, signifying total consecration and comprehensive atonement, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' [unwavering obedience and surrender to the Father's will](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father"), even to the point of death on the cross. His sacrifice was not partial but [a complete and once-for-all act](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice") that perfectly atoned for sin. Most significantly, Christ's death is explicitly described as [a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet Aroma"), signifying God's full and delighted acceptance of His Son's perfect work. Through Christ, the need for animal sacrifices has ceased, and believers are now able to [draw near to God with a true heart](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near with a True Heart"), their lives presented as living sacrifices, acceptable to God not by their own merit, but by the [righteousness imputed through faith in Jesus](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith"). The burnt offering's goal of divine acceptance is fully realized in the person and work of Christ, our ultimate High Priest and perfect sacrifice.

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

Genesis 8:21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Leviticus 1:13

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.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Leviticus 3:11

And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Exodus 29:18

And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Ezekiel 20:41

I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.

2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: