Leviticus 17:6

KJV

And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall sprinkle {H2236} the blood {H1818} upon the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and burn {H6999} the fat {H2459} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen will splash the blood against the altar of ADONAI at the entrance to the tent of meeting and make the fat go up in smoke as a pleasing aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The priest will then sprinkle the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of Jehovah at the door of the tent of meeting, and burn the fat for a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 17:6 meticulously outlines the priestly actions required for animal sacrifices, specifically the sprinkling of blood upon the altar and the burning of the fat. This verse is central to the broader regulations in Leviticus 17, underscoring God's non-negotiable demand for centralized worship at the Tabernacle. It highlights the profound theological significance of blood for atonement and the fat as the choicest portion offered, symbolizing divine acceptance and the worshiper's complete devotion to the LORD, all performed according to His holy and precise requirements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 17 serves as a crucial transition point within the book, bridging the detailed instructions for various offerings (Leviticus 1-7), the consecration of the priesthood (Leviticus 8-10), and the laws of ritual purity and holiness (Leviticus 11-15), including the climactic Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). Chapter 17, often considered the opening of the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-27), shifts focus from *what* sacrifices are to be offered to *where* and *how* they must be presented. Its primary concern is the sanctity of blood and the absolute centralization of all animal slaughter for sacrifice, ensuring proper worship and preventing syncretistic practices. This chapter's regulations are foundational for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the necessity of proper worship and preventing unauthorized religious activities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Leviticus 17 were given to the Israelites in the wilderness, a people recently liberated from Egyptian polytheism and soon to enter Canaan, a land saturated with pagan worship. Both Egyptian and Canaanite cultures practiced various forms of animal sacrifice, often involving multiple deities, "field demons" (as mentioned in [Leviticus 17:7](/leviticus/17-7 "Leviticus 17:7 - Sacrifices to Demons")), and decentralized altars. To safeguard Israel from adopting these idolatrous and impure practices, God instituted strict laws. The centralization of all sacrifices "at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation" was a radical and necessary measure. It ensured that all worship was directed exclusively to Yahweh, the one true God, and performed according to His specific, holy requirements, thereby preventing unauthorized worship, ensuring ritual purity, and solidifying the unique covenant identity of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 17:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people to approach Him in a manner that reflects His character. This verse highlights the theme of **Atonement**, central to Israelite worship, where the shedding and application of blood provide a means for covering sin and reconciling a sinful people with a holy God, a principle explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement"). The command for sacrifices to be offered "at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation" underscores the theme of **Centralization of Worship**, a critical safeguard against idolatry and a means of fostering national unity under Yahweh. Finally, the concept of the offering being a "sweet savour unto the LORD" speaks to the theme of **Divine Acceptance**, indicating that obedience to God's prescribed rituals brings His pleasure and restores harmonious fellowship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sprinkle (Hebrew, _zâraq'_):** This verb (H2236) describes a specific, ritualistic action of dashing or throwing fluid or solid particles. In the context of sacrifice, it signifies the deliberate application of the atoning substance (blood) to the sacred object (the altar), thereby consecrating it and making the offering effective. It implies a forceful, intentional act of presentation before God, emphasizing the life-giving and sin-covering power inherent in the blood.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** In ancient Israelite thought, blood (H1818) was intrinsically linked to life itself, as that which, when shed, causes death. Its application to the altar symbolized the offering of a life for the purpose of atonement, or covering, for sin. It represented the vital essence given up as a substitute, making reconciliation with a holy God possible. The shedding of blood was the means by which life was given up, and thus, the means by which atonement was made.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** This term (H2459) refers to the richest or choice part of the animal. In the context of sacrifice, burning the fat symbolized giving God the best and most valuable portion of the offering. It was considered God's exclusive portion, signifying the worshiper's complete devotion, reverence, and commitment to giving God their absolute choicest possession. This act demonstrated a desire for full surrender and right relationship with the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall sprinkle the blood":** This clause identifies the divinely appointed mediator—the priest from the Aaronic line—as the one authorized to perform this sacred action. The act of "sprinkling" (as discussed above) is precise and ritualistic, highlighting the meticulous nature of God's requirements for approaching Him. The "blood" is the life-essence, the vehicle of atonement, without which no remission of sins is possible.
* **"upon the altar of the LORD":** The altar was the central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle courtyard, symbolizing the place of sacrifice, atonement, and communion with God. It was "of the LORD," indicating its divine ownership and sacred purpose. The application of blood to the altar consecrated the offering and made it effective before God, signifying the transfer of the life-essence for atonement.
* **"[at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation":** This specifies the exact, singular location for all legitimate sacrifices. The "door" was the entrance to the Tabernacle courtyard, signifying the sole, divinely ordained access point for Israel to approach God. This centralization was crucial for preventing idolatry, ensuring ritual purity, and maintaining the integrity of Israel's worship of Yahweh alone.
* **"and burn the fat":** Following the blood ritual, the priest was to burn the fat of the animal. The fat was considered the richest and best part of the animal, symbolizing the worshiper's commitment to giving God their choicest and most valued possession. This act demonstrated devotion, reverence, and a desire to be in right relationship with God, offering what was most pleasing to Him.
* **"for a sweet savour unto the LORD":** This phrase describes the divine reception and acceptance of the offering. The burning of the fat, as the best part, ascended as a "sweet savour" or pleasing aroma to God, indicating His approval of the sacrifice and the worshiper. It signified that the offering had achieved its intended purpose of bringing about reconciliation and fellowship, and that God was satisfied with the offering.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 17:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths with precision and impact. **Ritual Language** is paramount, with the precise, prescriptive verbs ("sprinkle," "burn") and nouns ("blood," "fat," "altar," "tabernacle") underscoring the meticulous nature of divine worship and the absolute necessity of adherence to God's commands. This precision emphasizes God's holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him. **Symbolism** is richly woven throughout the verse: the **blood** symbolizes life and atonement; the **fat** symbolizes the best and most valuable part, representing the worshiper's wholehearted devotion; the **altar** symbolizes the place of divine encounter, judgment, and reconciliation; and the **Tabernacle door** symbolizes the singular, divinely appointed access point to God. The **Repetition** of "unto the LORD" at the end of the verse emphasizes the singular divine recipient and purpose of the sacrifice, reinforcing the monotheistic focus against the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 17:6 encapsulates several profound theological truths essential to understanding God's character and His plan of salvation. It highlights the foundational principle of atonement through substitutionary sacrifice, where a life (represented by blood) is given to cover sin. This act, mediated by a divinely appointed priest and performed according to specific divine mandates, demonstrates God's holiness, His demand for purity, and His gracious provision for humanity's sin. The "sweet savour" signifies God's acceptance of the offering, illustrating that true worship, offered in obedience and devotion, leads to reconciliation and harmonious fellowship with Him. The meticulous nature of the ritual underscores that approaching a holy God requires adherence to His revealed will, not human invention or preference.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Remission")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of animal sacrifice are no longer practiced by believers today due to Christ's finished work, Leviticus 17:6 offers timeless spiritual lessons for our contemporary walk with God. This ancient ritual deepens our understanding of the profound cost of sin and the immense grace of God in providing a way for atonement. It compels us to appreciate that forgiveness requires a substitutionary sacrifice, leading us to a greater reverence for the shedding of Christ's blood as the perfect and final atonement for all humanity. The principle of burning the "fat for a sweet savour" encourages us to offer our absolute best to God in all areas of our lives—our worship, service, talents, resources, and even our very selves. This means giving wholeheartedly, demonstrating true love and devotion rather than merely going through the motions or offering what is convenient. The meticulous instructions for the Levitical sacrifices underscore God's holiness and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and according to His revealed will, reminding us that true worship is not about our preferences but about humbly obeying God's commands and honoring His perfect character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of the Levitical sacrifices, particularly the handling of blood and fat, deepen our appreciation for the simplicity and completeness of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?**
* **In what ways can we, as New Testament believers, offer our "best" to the LORD as a "sweet savour" in our daily lives, reflecting the principle behind burning the fat?**
* **How does understanding the significance of blood in the Old Testament enhance our reverence for the atoning work of Jesus on the cross and the forgiveness we have received?**

### FAQ
**Why was the fat specifically burned on the altar, and what did it signify?**

Answer: The fat of the sacrificial animal was specifically burned on the altar because it was considered the richest and most valuable part. In ancient cultures, fat often symbolized abundance, prosperity, and the best of a thing. By burning the fat, the worshiper was offering the choicest portion to God, signifying their devotion, reverence, and commitment to giving God their absolute best. It was an act of complete surrender and dedication, demonstrating that nothing was withheld from the LORD. This act, ascending as a "sweet savour," indicated God's acceptance and pleasure in the offering, symbolizing a harmonious relationship restored between the worshiper and God.

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

Answer: The Hebrew phrase for "sweet savour" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ, _reah nihoah_) literally means "a soothing aroma" or "a restful scent." In the context of Old Testament sacrifices, it signifies that the offering was pleasing, acceptable, and brought satisfaction to God. It implies that the sacrifice effectively achieved its purpose—whether for atonement, thanksgiving, or fellowship—and restored a right relationship between the worshiper and God. It's not about God literally smelling something, but rather a metaphorical expression of divine approval and the delight God takes in obedient and heartfelt worship. This concept is beautifully echoed in the New Testament when describing Christ's sacrifice, as seen in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering").

**Why was the "door of the tabernacle" such a critical location for sacrifices?**

Answer: The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" was the divinely appointed and singular location for all animal sacrifices to be offered, as mandated in [Leviticus 17:3-5](/leviticus/17-3-5 "Leviticus 17:3-5 - Prohibition of Sacrifices Outside the Tabernacle"). This centralization served several crucial purposes. Firstly, it prevented the Israelites from engaging in unauthorized worship or adopting the idolatrous practices of the surrounding pagan nations, who often sacrificed to "field demons" (as mentioned in [Leviticus 17:7](/leviticus/17-7 "Leviticus 17:7 - Sacrifices to Demons")) at various local altars. Secondly, it ensured ritual purity and adherence to God's specific laws for sacrifice, maintaining the holiness of the people and their worship. Thirdly, it emphasized the unity of the people in their worship of the one true God, Yahweh, and their sole access to Him through the prescribed means at His dwelling place. This strict command underscored God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exclusive worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 17:6, with its detailed instructions for priestly actions, the sprinkling of blood, and the burning of fat for a "sweet savour," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly priest, performing these rituals, foreshadowed Christ, our great High Priest, who mediates a new and better covenant (as described in [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ as Mediator of a Better Covenant")). The blood, central to atonement in the Old Covenant, pointed to the precious, sinless blood of Jesus, which was shed once for all on the cross to provide eternal redemption and the complete remission of sins (as powerfully articulated in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood for Eternal Redemption") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption through Christ's Precious Blood")). The altar, where the sacrifice was offered, prefigured the cross, the ultimate place of divine judgment and mercy. Furthermore, just as the fat was burned as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, signifying divine acceptance, so too was Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (as stated in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering")), fully pleasing to the Father. The "door of the tabernacle" as the sole access point to God is fulfilled in Christ, who declared, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). Thus, every element of this Levitical command points to the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and became the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice, establishing a direct and eternal way for humanity to be reconciled to God.

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

Numbers 18:17

But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they [are] holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat [for] an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 3:2

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Leviticus 3:13

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.

Leviticus 4:31

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn [it] upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

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.

Leviticus 3:16

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD'S.

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.