Leviticus 3:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} it upon the altar {H4196}: it is the food {H3899} of the offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen will make it go up in smoke on the altar; it is food, an offering made by fire to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the priest is to burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 3:11 concludes the detailed instructions for the peace offering, specifically delineating the priest's role in burning the designated fatty portions upon the altar. This pivotal act symbolizes the sacred dedication of the choicest parts of the sacrifice directly to Yahweh, emphasizing divine acceptance and the profound establishment of communion and fellowship between God and His people through this unique sacrificial meal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 3 meticulously outlines the regulations for the peace offering (also known as the fellowship or well-being offering), distinguishing it significantly from the burnt offering found in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering") and the grain offering detailed in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"). Unlike the burnt offering, which was entirely consumed by fire as an act of atonement and complete dedication to God, the peace offering involved a unique tripartite distribution: a portion consecrated for God (the fat and specific internal organs), a portion allocated to the priests for their sustenance, and a portion designated for the offerer and their family to consume in a sacred communal meal. Verse 11 specifically addresses the divine portion, concluding the instructions for the animal's preparation and the priest's action, following the initial details of the offerer bringing the sacrifice in [Leviticus 3:1-5](/leviticus/3-1-5 "Leviticus 3:1-5 - Peace Offering Instructions") and the precise parts to be offered to the Lord as outlined in [Leviticus 3:3-5](/leviticus/3-3-5 "Leviticus 3:3-5 - Parts of the Peace Offering for the LORD") and [Leviticus 3:9-10](/leviticus/3-9-10 "Leviticus 3:9-10 - Further Details on the Peace Offering").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The peace offering held a distinctive place among Israelite sacrifices due to its profound emphasis on communion, fellowship, and the establishment of "shalom" or well-being. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shared meals frequently symbolized the ratification of covenantal relationships, the reconciliation of parties, or the establishment of peace between individuals or between humans and deities. For ancient Israel, this sacred meal, eaten "before the Lord," represented a restored or affirmed relationship with God, a state of holistic well-being, and often served as an expression of profound gratitude. The burning of the fat, universally considered the richest and choicest part of the animal, on the altar was a common practice in many ancient sacrificial systems, symbolizing the offering of the most valuable portion to the deity. This specific act, described in [Leviticus 3:11](/leviticus/3-11 "Leviticus 3:11 - The Priest's Role in the Peace Offering"), was not merely a method of disposal but a deeply significant act of worship, signifying the offering's ascent to God as a "pleasing aroma" or "sweet savour," a theological concept found consistently throughout the Pentateuch, as seen in passages like [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Sweet Aroma to the LORD").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 3:11 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **communion and fellowship with God**, as the peace offering uniquely facilitated a shared meal between God, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing a restored and vibrant relationship. It also highlights the theme of **divine acceptance**, as the burning of the fat on the altar signifies God's reception and pleasure in the offering, transforming a physical act into a spiritual reality. The emphasis on offering the "choicest" parts (the fat) underscores the theme of **wholehearted dedication and giving of one's best** to the Lord, a principle echoed throughout Scripture. Furthermore, the concept of the offering as "food" for the Lord, though metaphorical, reinforces the theme of **God's active participation in the covenant** and His delight in His people's worship. The intricate details of the sacrificial system, including this verse, ultimately point to the theme of **holiness and the necessity of proper approach to a holy God**, preparing the way for a deeper understanding of atonement and access to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burn (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** This verb (H6999) is a primitive root, specifically referring to the act of causing smoke to ascend, particularly from incense or the fatty portions of a sacrifice, to produce a fragrant aroma. It is distinct from other Hebrew verbs that denote consuming by fire (e.g., _saraph_). In the cultic context of the peace offering in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), _qâṭar_ emphasizes the transformation of the choicest part of the animal into an acceptable offering, rising to God as an act of worship and dedication, signifying divine acceptance and pleasure rather than mere destruction or disposal.
* **Food (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** While commonly translated as "bread" or general "food" (H3899) for human or beast consumption, in cultic contexts such as [Leviticus 3:11](/leviticus/3-11 "Leviticus 3:11 - The Food of the Offering"), _lechem_ takes on a specialized meaning. Here, it refers to God's dedicated portion or share of the offering. This does not imply that God literally requires sustenance, but rather that this part is His exclusive allocation, His "share" in the sacred covenantal meal. It highlights the profound theological idea of God participating in the fellowship meal, receiving His due portion, thereby affirming the covenant relationship and His delight in His people's worship.
* **Offering made by fire (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** This term (H801) consistently appears throughout the Pentateuch to describe offerings presented to God via fire. It is used in a liturgical sense, properly denoting a burnt-offering but occasionally encompassing any sacrifice presented through the agency of fire. The phrase underscores the divinely ordained method of presentation and the divine acceptance facilitated by the sacrificial flame. The fire serves as the medium that transforms the physical offering into a spiritual reality, a "gift" or "tribute" ascending to the Lord, signifying its sacred nature and its ascent to the divine realm as an acceptable act of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall burn it upon the altar":** This initial clause specifies both the agent and the action. The "priest" (H3548, _kôhên_), acting as the divinely appointed mediator, is commanded to "burn" (H6999, _qâṭar_) the designated fatty portions of the peace offering. The pronoun "it" refers specifically to the fat and other internal organs (such as the kidneys and the lobe of the liver) that were meticulously separated from the animal, as detailed in [Leviticus 3:3-5](/leviticus/3-3-5 "Leviticus 3:3-5 - Parts of the Peace Offering for the LORD") and [Leviticus 3:9-10](/leviticus/3-9-10 "Leviticus 3:9-10 - More Peace Offering Details"). The "altar" (H4196, _mizbêach_) refers to the bronze altar of burnt offering located in the tabernacle courtyard, which served as the central place of sacrifice and communion with God. This act represents the culmination of the offering process, where the physical sacrifice is transformed by fire and presented directly to God.
* **"[it is] the food of the offering made by fire":** This explanatory clause clarifies the nature and purpose of the burning. The term "food" (H3899, _lechem_) here functions as a cultic idiom, signifying God's allocated portion, His share of the offering. It emphasizes His active participation in the covenantal meal, not as one who literally consumes food, but as the divine recipient. The phrase "offering made by fire" (H801, _ʼishshâh_) reiterates the divinely ordained method of presentation, signifying that this specific portion is consecrated and rendered acceptable to God through the sacred flame. It underscores that this is a distinct type of offering, set apart by its presentation and ultimate purpose.
* **"unto the LORD.":** This concluding phrase explicitly states the ultimate recipient and purpose of the offering: it is directed exclusively "unto the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent God of Israel. This stresses the profound sacredness of the act and the offering's sole dedication to God, affirming His sovereignty, His proprietorship over all things, and the covenant relationship He has established with His people. It signifies that the offering is not for human consumption, nor for any other deity, but solely for Yahweh, indicating His pleasure and acceptance.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 3:11 employs several significant literary devices to convey its theological depth. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the act of burning the fat on the altar profoundly symbolizes the giving of the "best" or "choicest" part of the animal to God. The fat, being the richest and most desirable portion, embodies the principle of offering one's most valuable possession and deepest devotion to the divine. The **fire** itself is a potent symbol throughout biblical literature, representing divine presence, purification, and acceptance, serving as the transformative agent that elevates the physical offering into a spiritual reality. Furthermore, the phrase "[it is] the food of the offering made by fire" functions as a powerful **metaphor** or **cultic idiom**. While God does not literally "eat" food in a physical sense, the anthropomorphic language conveys the profound idea of His active reception, enjoyment, and delight in the offering, as if participating in a shared covenantal meal. This emphasizes the relational aspect of the peace offering, establishing or reinforcing intimate fellowship between God and the offerer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 3:11 encapsulates profound theological truths about worship, dedication, and the nature of divine-human communion. The burning of the choicest fat signifies the foundational principle of offering God our absolute best, not merely what is convenient or leftover. This act of giving the "food of the offering" to the Lord highlights God's active participation and acceptance within the covenant relationship, transforming a physical sacrifice into a deeply spiritual act of fellowship. It underscores that true worship involves a dedicated heart and a recognition of God's supreme worthiness to receive the choicest portions of our lives. The peace offering, uniquely focused on communion and well-being, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate reconciliation and intimate fellowship made possible through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with your wealth")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering to God")
* [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Spiritual Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 3:11, though rooted in an ancient sacrificial system, offers timeless and profound principles for contemporary believers. The emphasis on giving the "choicest" part to the Lord challenges us to deeply examine what we truly prioritize and consecrate in our lives. Are we offering God our best time, our deepest affections, our most significant talents, our financial firstfruits, and our most fervent prayers, or are we merely giving Him what is convenient, leftover, or least costly? The peace offering's central focus on fellowship reminds us that our relationship with God is intended to be one of intimate communion, shared life, and mutual delight, rather than a mere transactional obligation or a list of duties. Just as the sacred fire transformed the physical offering into something acceptable and pleasing to God, our lives, when offered in genuine dedication and worship, can become a "spiritual sacrifice" that brings Him joy and honor. This verse calls us to a life of intentional, wholehearted devotion, consistently seeking to honor God in every aspect, knowing that He delights in our genuine offerings of love, obedience, and sincere worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I truly giving God my "choicest fat" – my best, my firstfruits – rather than what is merely convenient or leftover?**
* **How does the concept of God receiving "food" from the offering, even metaphorically, deepen my understanding of His desire for genuine fellowship and intimate relationship with me?**
* **What "spiritual sacrifices" (e.g., praise, acts of service, a repentant heart, sharing the Gospel) can I intentionally offer to the Lord today that would be a "pleasing aroma" to Him?**

### FAQ

**What was the "food of the offering made by fire" in Leviticus 3:11?**

Answer: In [Leviticus 3:11](/leviticus/3-11 "Leviticus 3:11 - The Food of the Offering"), the phrase "food of the offering made by fire" refers specifically to the fatty portions and certain internal organs of the animal sacrificed in the peace offering. These parts, meticulously detailed in verses like [Leviticus 3:3-5](/leviticus/3-3-5 "Leviticus 3:3-5 - Parts of the Peace Offering for the LORD") and [Leviticus 3:9-10](/leviticus/3-9-10 "Leviticus 3:9-10 - More Peace Offering Details"), were considered the richest, most valuable, and choicest parts of the animal, symbolizing the "best" of the sacrifice. They were burned on the altar, not for God's literal consumption, but as His designated share in the covenantal meal, signifying His acceptance of the offering and His active participation in the fellowship established with the offerer. The term "food" (Hebrew: _lechem_) here functions as a cultic idiom for God's portion, while "offering made by fire" (Hebrew: _ʼishshâh_) denotes the divinely ordained method of presentation through burning.

**How does the peace offering differ from other sacrifices like the burnt offering?**

Answer: The peace offering, detailed in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), stands out significantly from other sacrifices like the burnt offering, described in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"), primarily in its purpose and the distribution of the sacrificial animal. The burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God and serving as a general atonement for sin, with nothing left for human consumption. It was an offering of absolute surrender and propitiation. In contrast, the peace offering was unique in fostering communion and fellowship. While a specific portion (the fat and certain organs) was burned for God as His "food," other significant parts were shared between the priests and the offerer's family, who would consume them in a sacred communal meal. This shared meal symbolized a restored or affirmed relationship with God, a state of well-being (shalom), and often expressed deep gratitude or the fulfillment of a vow. It was less about expiation of sin and more about celebrating peaceful communion with God, as further elaborated in [Leviticus 7:11-36](/leviticus/7-11-36 "Leviticus 7:11-36 - Regulations for Peace Offerings").

**Does God literally "eat" the offerings mentioned in the Old Testament?**

Answer: No, God does not literally "eat" the offerings in the way humans consume physical food. The language used in [Leviticus 3:11](/leviticus/3-11 "Leviticus 3:11 - The Food of the Offering"), referring to the offering as "food" for the Lord, is an anthropomorphism – attributing human characteristics or actions to God to help humans comprehend divine realities. This metaphorical language serves to convey profound theological truths. It signifies God's active reception and acceptance of the sacrifice, His delight in His people's worship, and His participation in the covenant relationship. The rising smoke and fragrant aroma were considered a "pleasing aroma" or "sweet savour" to the Lord, as seen in [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - A Sweet Aroma to the LORD"), indicating His favor, presence, and satisfaction with the offering. It emphasizes that the offering was truly for Him, acknowledged and received by Him, establishing a sacred communion between the divine and human realms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 3:11, with its profound emphasis on the "food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD," finds its ultimate, perfect, and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The peace offering, designed to establish and celebrate communion and well-being between God and humanity, perfectly foreshadows Christ's singular, all-sufficient work on the cross. He is our true and ultimate [peace offering](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace"), the one who broke down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciled us to God through His shed blood. Just as the choicest fat was offered to God as a pleasing aroma, Christ's sacrifice was a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love"), perfectly acceptable and supremely pleasing to the Father. Through His atoning death, Jesus removed the impenetrable barrier of sin, allowing us to enter into genuine, unbroken fellowship with God, a communion far deeper, more intimate, and more enduring than any Old Testament meal could ever provide. His body, broken for us on the cross, becomes the spiritual "food" that nourishes our eternal lives, enabling us to "eat" of Him and have eternal life, as Jesus Himself declared in [John 6:53-56](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating the Flesh of the Son of Man"). He is the Lamb of God, whose perfect sacrifice not only atones for sin but also brings us into an everlasting state of peace and reconciliation with God, fulfilling every shadow and promise of the ancient peace offerings.

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 21:6

They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, [and] the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

Leviticus 21:17

Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever [he be] of thy seed in their generations that hath [any] blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God.

Leviticus 3:5

And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire: [it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 21:8

Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, [am] holy.

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.

Malachi 1:7

Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] contemptible.

Numbers 28:2

Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, [and] my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, [for] a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.