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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Leviticus 3:11 is a pivotal verse within the regulations for the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, in the Old Testament sacrificial system. It describes the specific action of the priest burning a portion of the offering on the altar, emphasizing its dedicated purpose to the Lord. This verse highlights the sacred nature of the offering and God's acceptance of it.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of Leviticus chapter 3, which details the laws concerning the peace offering. Unlike the burnt offering (which was entirely consumed by fire as an act of atonement and complete dedication, see Leviticus 1:9) or the sin offering, the peace offering was unique in that it fostered communion. Portions of this offering were designated for God (the fat and specific internal organs), for the priests, and for the offerer and their family to eat in a sacred meal. This shared meal symbolized fellowship and reconciliation with God. The act of burning the fat on the altar was a central part of this ritual, signifying the best part being given directly to the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Dedication and Consecration: The burning of the fat, considered the richest and best part of the animal, symbolized giving God the choicest portion. This act demonstrated complete dedication and reverence, a principle echoed throughout Scripture about giving our best to God, as seen in Proverbs 3:9.
  • Communion and Fellowship: The peace offering was distinct in its emphasis on fellowship. While God received His portion through fire, the offerer and priests shared the rest, signifying a covenantal meal and a restored relationship between God and His people.
  • Divine Acceptance: The phrase "food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD" indicates God's acceptance of the sacrifice. The rising smoke was metaphorically considered a "sweet savour" or pleasing aroma to the Lord, as mentioned in Exodus 29:18. It was an act of worship that found favor in God's eyes.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the food of the offering made by fire" uses two significant Hebrew terms:

  • Lechem (ילח): While often translated as "bread" or "food," in this context, it refers to God's portion or share of the offering, a dedicated provision. It does not imply that God literally needs sustenance, but rather that this part was His special allocation in the sacred meal.
  • Ishsheh (השא): This term is consistently translated as "offering made by fire" throughout Leviticus and other Pentateuchal books. It emphasizes the method by which the offering was presented to God and its acceptance through fire.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled by Christ, the principles behind Leviticus 3:11 still hold spiritual significance for believers today:

  • Giving Our Best to God: Just as the Israelites gave the choicest part of the animal, we are called to offer our best to God in our worship, service, and daily lives. This includes our time, talents, and resources, not just what's left over.
  • Seeking Fellowship with God: The peace offering's focus on communion reminds us of the importance of an ongoing, reconciled relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, we have direct access to God and can experience true spiritual fellowship.
  • Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice: All the Old Testament sacrifices, including the peace offering, foreshadowed the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate peace offering, reconciling us to God through His blood (Colossians 1:20).
  • Spiritual Sacrifices: Today, our "offerings made by fire" are spiritual sacrifices—our praise, thanksgiving, good works, and sharing with others. Hebrews 13:15-16 encourages us to offer "the sacrifice of praise to God continually" and "to do good and to communicate."
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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