Leviticus 16:25

KJV

And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fat {H2459} of the sin offering {H2403} shall he burn {H6999} upon the altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to make the fat of the sin offering go up in smoke on the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

He is also to burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar.

American Standard Version

And the fat of the sin-offering shall he burn upon the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 16:25 details a crucial step in the Day of Atonement rituals, specifically the burning of the fat from the sin offering upon the altar. This act, performed by the high priest, was not merely a disposal of remnants but a divinely mandated presentation of the choicest part of the sacrifice to God, signifying complete dedication, the acceptance of the atonement, and the profound holiness required in approaching the Lord for the cleansing of sin for the entire Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 16 provides the comprehensive, divinely ordained instructions for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most sacred day in the Israelite calendar. The chapter begins by establishing the elaborate preparations and initial rituals performed by Aaron, the high priest, for himself and his household, including a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. The narrative then shifts to the community's atonement, detailing the selection of two goats for the sin offering—one designated "for the Lord" and the other "for Azazel" (the scapegoat). Following the sacrifice of the goat "for the Lord," its blood is brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, a profound act described in [Leviticus 16:15-19](/leviticus/16-15 "Leviticus 16:15-19 - The Blood Ritual in the Most Holy Place"). Our verse, [Leviticus 16:25](/leviticus/16-25 "Leviticus 16:25 - Burning the Fat of the Sin Offering"), follows the sprinkling of the blood and the cleansing of the sanctuary, focusing on the subsequent burning of the fat, which completed the offering to God, signifying its full acceptance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was an annual, solemn fast day for the ancient Israelites, designed to atone for all the sins and impurities of the people and the sanctuary accumulated over the year. It was the only day the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only after extensive purification rituals. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the burning of sacrifices was a common practice, but the specific emphasis on the "fat" (Hebrew: _cheleb_) was unique to Israelite worship. Fat was considered the richest, most valuable, and often the most flavorful part of an animal. Therefore, dedicating the fat to God symbolized offering the "best" or the "choicest" portion, emphasizing the supreme value and honor due to the Almighty. This practice underscored the gravity of sin and the meticulous obedience required for reconciliation with a holy God, as seen in other sacrificial laws that explicitly reserve the fat for the Lord (e.g., [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat is the Lord's Portion")).
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 16:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people to be set apart and purified to dwell in His presence. The meticulous rituals, including the burning of the fat, highlight the gravity of **Sin** and its defiling nature, requiring a costly and divinely prescribed means of **Atonement** and expiation. The verse also underscores the theme of **Divine Provision**, as God Himself institutes the means by which His people can be reconciled to Him. Furthermore, the act of offering the choicest part speaks to the theme of **Worship and Obedience**, demonstrating that true worship involves giving God one's very best and adhering precisely to His commands, reflecting the principles found throughout the sacrificial system (e.g., [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - A Pleasing Aroma to the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From the root meaning "to miss the mark," this term refers to a specific type of sacrifice prescribed in the Mosaic Law, primarily for unintentional sins or ceremonial impurities that required purification. While _chaṭṭâʼâh_ literally denotes an "offence" or "sinfulness," in the context of sacrifice, it signifies the offering made to remove defilement, provide expiation, and restore one to a right relationship with God. It was not primarily about appeasing divine wrath but about cleansing from impurity and making atonement, allowing the worshiper to remain in the holy community. The burning of the fat was an integral part of this purification process, signifying the complete consumption and acceptance of the offering by God.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** Distinct from muscle fat, _cheleb_ refers specifically to the internal, suet-like fat surrounding the vital organs (such as the kidneys, intestines, and liver). This fat was explicitly designated as "the Lord's food" or "a food offering" in various sacrificial laws (e.g., [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat Belongs to the Lord")). Its burning on the altar symbolized the offering of the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal to God, representing the best of the worshiper's dedication and the essence of the sacrifice being wholly consumed by the divine presence.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** Derived from the verb "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," this refers to the bronze altar of burnt offering located in the courtyard of the tabernacle (and later the temple). It was the primary place where animal sacrifices were consumed by fire, symbolizing the ascent of the offering to God. The altar was considered holy, sanctifying anything that touched it, and served as the divinely appointed point of communion between God and His people, where atonement was publicly enacted and divine acceptance was manifested through the consuming fire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fat":** This clause specifically identifies the _cheleb_, the internal and choicest fat of the sacrificial animal. Its explicit mention highlights its unique significance as the portion exclusively dedicated to God, forbidden for human consumption, underscoring its sacred status.
* **"of the sin offering":** This clarifies that the fat belongs to the animal sacrificed as a _chaṭṭâʼâh_, the offering made for the purification of sin and uncleanness for the community on the Day of Atonement. It links the specific act of burning the fat to the broader ritual of expiation and reconciliation.
* **"shall he burn":** This is a direct divine command, indicating the mandatory action of consuming the fat by fire. The burning transforms the physical offering into a spiritual aroma, signifying its ascent to God and its acceptance. It is not merely disposal but a sacred act of presentation, a divinely ordained means of communion.
* **"upon the altar":** This specifies the precise location of the burning—the bronze altar in the tabernacle courtyard. The altar was the designated place for all burnt offerings, symbolizing the point of divine encounter and the means by which atonement was made and offerings were consecrated to the Lord, making the act publicly visible and ritually valid.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:25 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "fat" representing the choicest, most valuable part of the offering, symbolizing the complete dedication and the "best" being given to God. The act of "burning" on the "altar" is also deeply symbolic, signifying the transformation of the earthly offering into a spiritual aroma pleasing to God, the complete consumption of the sacrifice, and its ascent to the divine realm. The fire on the altar often represents God's purifying presence, His acceptance, and His holy judgment. Furthermore, the meticulous detail and precise instructions for the ritual underscore the **Divine Mandate** and God's absolute holiness, emphasizing that atonement is not a human invention but a divinely prescribed means of reconciliation. The entire ritual of the Day of Atonement, including this verse, functions as **Typology**, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill and supersede these temporary provisions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 16:25, though a specific instruction for an ancient ritual, resonates with profound theological truths about God's holiness, the gravity of sin, and the nature of true atonement. The burning of the fat, the choicest part, on the altar signifies God's absolute right to the best of all things and His acceptance of the offering as a "pleasing aroma" for the expiation of sin. It underscores that reconciliation with a holy God requires a costly, complete, and divinely ordained sacrifice. This act was a vivid annual reminder to Israel of their constant need for cleansing and God's unwavering provision for it, highlighting the seriousness with which God views sin and the meticulousness He requires in worship. It points to the principle that only a perfect, unblemished offering, wholly consumed and accepted by God, can truly atone.

* [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat is the Lord's Food Offering"): "All fat is the Lord’s." This verse reiterates the principle that the fat, as the richest and most vital part, was exclusively God’s portion in all peace and sin offerings, emphasizing His supreme claim to the best.
* [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"): This New Testament passage explains that Christ "has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself," drawing a direct parallel to the Old Testament sacrifices, which had to be repeated annually.
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"): "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." This verse applies the concept of offering the "best" to God in a New Covenant context, calling believers to total dedication of their lives.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The burning of the fat on the altar in Leviticus 16:25 serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute holiness and the profound cost of sin. For us today, it calls us to reflect on the nature of our own offerings to God. Are we giving Him our "fat"—the choicest parts of our lives, our time, our talents, our resources, our deepest affections, our undivided attention? Or are we holding back, offering only what is convenient, leftover, or less than our best? This verse challenges us to consider the seriousness of our own sin and to deeply appreciate the complete and perfect sacrifice that has been made on our behalf. It invites us to live lives of radical dedication, knowing that our ultimate atonement has been secured, and our response should be one of grateful, wholehearted surrender to the One who gave His very best for us. It reminds us that true worship is costly, demanding our all, yet it is also the only path to genuine reconciliation and intimacy with a holy God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the emphasis on burning the "fat" reveal about God's expectations for our offerings and dedication today?**
* **How does understanding the seriousness of sin in the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen your appreciation for Christ's ultimate sacrifice?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be holding back your "best" from God, and how can you commit to offering Him your "fat" (your choicest parts) this week?**

### FAQ

**Why was only the fat burned on the altar for the sin offering, and not the entire animal?**

Answer: For the sin offering (especially on the Day of Atonement), the fat was burned on the altar as a "food offering to the Lord" (e.g., [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat is the Lord's Portion")), symbolizing the choicest part being dedicated exclusively to God and accepted by Him. This act represented the essence of the offering ascending to God. The rest of the sin offering, particularly its flesh, was often taken outside the camp and burned (as seen in [Leviticus 16:27](/leviticus/16-27 "Leviticus 16:27 - Burning the Sin Offering Outside the Camp")), especially when the blood was brought into the Most Holy Place. This was because the animal bore the sin of the people, making its flesh "most holy" in a way that rendered it unfit for consumption by the priests within the holy precincts. This distinction highlighted the unique nature of the sin offering for atonement and purification, where the fat represented divine acceptance and the removal of the sin-bearing flesh from the holy presence.

**What is the spiritual significance of the fat being burned and consumed by fire?**

Answer: The burning of the fat by fire carries multiple profound spiritual significances. Firstly, fire often symbolizes the presence and holiness of God, consuming the offering as a sign of divine acceptance and purification. Secondly, as the fat was considered the richest, most valuable, and most vital part of the animal, its burning represented the offering of the "best" to God, signifying complete dedication, honor, and the surrender of the worshiper's choicest possessions. Thirdly, the smoke ascending from the altar symbolized the offering rising to God as a "pleasing aroma" or "soothing aroma," indicating that the atonement was accepted and the sin dealt with, allowing reconciliation between God and His people. It was a visible manifestation of the spiritual transaction taking place, a tangible expression of propitiation and God's gracious reception of the sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 16:25, with its meticulous instructions for burning the choicest fat of the sin offering on the altar, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The "fat" represented the best, the most valuable part, completely given to God as a pleasing aroma. In Christ, we see the perfect fulfillment of this principle: He is the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who offered Himself not merely as the "fat" but as the entirety of the perfect sacrifice, "without blemish or defect" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Precious Blood")). His self-offering on the cross was the ultimate "sin offering," completely consumed by the fire of divine justice and accepted by the Father as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, which only covered sin year after year, Christ's sacrifice was final and complete, requiring no further offerings, for "by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice for All Time")). Thus, the burning fat on the altar pointed forward to the Son of God, who gave His very life, His perfect essence, as the full and sufficient payment for our sins, securing eternal atonement and access to God for all who believe.

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

Exodus 29:13

And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [that is] above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and burn [them] upon the altar.

Leviticus 4:8

And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

Leviticus 4:10

As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering.

Leviticus 16:6

And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which [is] for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.

Leviticus 4:19

And he shall take all his fat from him, and burn [it] upon the altar.