Leviticus 3:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Aaron's {H175} sons {H1121} shall burn {H6999} it on the altar {H4196} upon the burnt sacrifice {H5930}, which is upon the wood {H6086} that is on the fire {H784}: it is an offering made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aharon's sons will make it go up in smoke on the altar on top of the burnt offering which is on the wood on the fire; it is an offering made by fire, a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt-offering, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 3:5 provides specific instructions for the peace offering, directing Aaron's sons to burn the designated fat portions on the altar. This act is to be performed atop the continually burning daily burnt sacrifice, emphasizing the foundational role of atonement. The verse concludes by declaring this offering to be "an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD," signifying God's divine acceptance, pleasure, and the establishment of harmonious fellowship with His people through prescribed worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of the detailed regulations for the peace offering (also known as the fellowship or communion offering) outlined in [Leviticus chapter 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"). Positioned after the instructions for the burnt offering in [Leviticus chapter 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering") and the grain offering in [Leviticus chapter 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering"), the peace offering introduces a unique dimension of communal feasting and shared fellowship between God and the worshiper. Unlike the burnt offering, which was entirely consumed on the altar as an act of atonement, the peace offering allowed the offerer to partake in a portion of the meat, symbolizing a shared meal and intimate communion with the divine. Verse 5 specifically addresses the disposition of the fat and certain internal organs, which were exclusively reserved for the Lord, distinguishing them from the portions consumed by the priests and the offerers. The instruction to burn these sacred portions "upon the burnt sacrifice" links this offering to the perpetual daily sacrifice, underscoring the continuity of worship and the foundational necessity of atonement for all subsequent acts of communion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, fat was universally regarded as the richest, most vital, and most desirable part of an animal, often associated with life, health, and abundance. By consecrating all the fat exclusively to Yahweh, the Israelites demonstrated their profound understanding that God deserved the absolute best of their possessions and that His portion was distinct, holy, and set apart. This act of offering the fat symbolized giving God the very essence and vitality of the animal, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty, worthiness, and the source of all life. The burning of the offering on the altar was the divinely prescribed method for presenting gifts to the deity, transforming the physical offering into an "aroma" that ascended to God. The phrase "sweet savour" (or "soothing aroma") was a common idiom in the ancient world, signifying a pleasing and acceptable offering to a god, thereby indicating divine favor and contentment. The altar itself was not merely a physical structure but a consecrated sacred space, a nexus where heaven and earth met, and offerings were transformed into a means of communion and reconciliation, central to the broader sacrificial system detailed in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-7 - The Sacrificial System").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 3:5 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that God is utterly distinct and worthy of the choicest portions, symbolized by the fat. This reinforces the broader Levitical emphasis on God's holiness and the necessity of His people being holy as He is holy ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Acceptance and Favor**, conveyed through the concept of the "sweet savour," indicating God's pleasure when worship is offered according to His precise commands. This theme is foundational to understanding God's desire for a relationship with humanity. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Necessity of Atonement as a Prerequisite for Fellowship**, as the peace offering's fat is burned "upon the burnt sacrifice," which perpetually atoned for sin. This layering teaches that communion with a holy God is only possible on the basis of prior expiation and reconciliation, a principle echoed throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system, such as in the daily burnt offering described in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burn (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** This verb (H6999) specifically denotes the act of causing smoke to ascend, particularly in the context of burning incense or sacrificial portions on the altar as an act of worship. Unlike other Hebrew verbs for burning (e.g., _saraph_ for common destruction), _qâṭar_ emphasizes the transformation of the offering's essence into a fragrant smoke that ascends to God, signifying acceptance, dedication, and communion rather than mere consumption or destruction. It is a sacred, liturgical act.
* **Burnt Sacrifice (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** This term (H5930) refers to a "holocaust" or "that which goes up" (in smoke). It is a feminine active participle of the verb "to ascend," indicating an offering that is entirely consumed by fire on the altar and ascends to God. The _ʻôlâh_ was the most fundamental offering, representing complete dedication and atonement for sin. Its perpetual presence on the altar provided the foundational layer upon which other offerings, like the peace offering, could be placed, signifying that all fellowship with God is predicated on prior atonement.
* **Sweet Savour (Hebrew, _nîychôwach rêyach'_):** This phrase combines _nîychôwach_ (H5207, "restful, pleasant, delight") and _rêyach_ (H7381, "odor, savour, scent"). It literally translates to "soothing aroma" or "restful fragrance." Theologically, it is a crucial term used throughout the Pentateuch to describe an offering that is pleasing, acceptable, and delightful to God. It signifies God's contentment, satisfaction, and divine approval of the offering, indicating that it has been presented precisely according to His prescribed manner and with the appropriate heart, thereby fulfilling its intended purpose and fostering a harmonious relationship between the divine and the worshiper.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar":** This clause highlights the exclusive and indispensable role of the Aaronic priesthood in mediating the sacrificial rituals. Only the consecrated priests were authorized to handle the sacred portions of the peace offering (specifically the fat and certain internal organs mentioned in [Leviticus 3:3-4](/leviticus/3-3-4 "Leviticus 3:3-4 - Fat and Organs for the Lord")) and perform the burning on the altar. This underscores their vital function in ensuring the offering's sanctity, acceptability, and proper presentation before a holy God.
* **"upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire":** This meticulously detailed instruction specifies the precise placement of the peace offering's fat. It was not to be burned directly on the wood, but rather on top of the perpetual daily burnt offering, which itself was continually burning on the wood. This layering is profoundly significant: it signifies the continuity of worship and, more importantly, teaches that all subsequent offerings, including those of fellowship and communion, are predicated upon the foundational atonement provided by the daily burnt offering. It visually and ritually emphasizes that peace and fellowship with God are only possible on the basis of prior expiation for sin, a constant reminder of God's grace and the need for reconciliation.
* **"[it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD":** This concluding declaration serves as a divine assessment and affirmation of the ritual act. The burning transforms the physical offering into a "sweet savour," signifying God's pleasure, acceptance, and delight in the offering. This phrase is a theological declaration indicating that the ritual has been performed according to His will, with the right heart, and that the offering has achieved its desired effect: fostering a pleasing and harmonious relationship between God and the worshiper, bringing divine contentment.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 3:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological significance. **Symbolism** is central, with the burning of the fat representing the offering of the "best" or "choicest" to God, as fat was considered the richest and most vital part of the animal. The **fire** itself functions as a powerful symbol of divine presence, purification, and acceptance, transforming the physical offering into a spiritual aroma that ascends to God. The phrase "sweet savour" acts as a **metonymy**, where the pleasing aroma stands in for God's divine acceptance, pleasure, and contentment in the offering, indicating a successful and harmonious interaction between the human and divine realms. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in describing the placement of the offering ("upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire") serves as an example of **precision** or **specificity**, emphasizing the critical importance of exact adherence to divine commands in worship. This precision underscores the sanctity and order required when approaching a holy God, highlighting that worship is not arbitrary but must conform to divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 3:5 powerfully conveys the themes of divine acceptance, the necessity of priestly mediation, and the principle of offering one's best to God. The "sweet savour" signifies that God is pleased with an offering presented in obedience and with a right heart, establishing or reaffirming fellowship. This concept is foundational to understanding God's desire for relationship with His people, a relationship maintained through prescribed acts of worship and sacrifice. The layering of the peace offering upon the burnt offering also highlights that fellowship with a holy God is always predicated upon prior atonement for sin, emphasizing that grace precedes communion and that reconciliation is the basis for relationship.

* [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Offering as a Soothing Aroma")
* [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Savour to the LORD")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the peace offering, has been perfectly fulfilled in the singular, complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Leviticus 3:5 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The call to offer the "best" to God, powerfully symbolized by the fat, challenges us to honestly assess what we truly prioritize and dedicate to Him in our lives—our time, our talents, our financial resources, and, most importantly, our deepest affections and desires. Our worship, whether expressed in corporate gatherings or in our individual daily walk, should be characterized by intentionality, reverence, and a fervent desire to please God, transforming our very lives into a "spiritual sacrifice" that ascends to Him as a sweet savour. Just as the peace offering fostered fellowship between God and His people, our lives lived in obedience, love, and service to God should deepen our communion with Him, continually recognizing that true fellowship is always built upon the unshakeable foundation of Christ's atoning work on the cross.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fat" or "best" portions of my life (e.g., my prime time, unique talents, financial firstfruits, or deepest affections) am I currently holding back from God, and how can I more fully and intentionally offer them to Him?**
* **Beyond formal acts of worship, in what specific ways can my daily life, my character, and my interactions with others become a "sweet savour" or pleasing offering to the Lord?**
* **How does understanding the foundational role of the "burnt sacrifice" (atonement) in Leviticus 3:5 deepen my appreciation for Christ's once-for-all atoning work as the sole basis for my reconciliation and fellowship with God?**
* **Am I approaching God in worship, prayer, and service with the reverence, intentionality, and obedience that His holiness demands, as exemplified by the precise instructions given to Aaron's sons?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of burning the fat on the altar, specifically "upon the burnt sacrifice"?**

Answer: Burning the fat on the altar is highly significant because fat was considered the richest, most vital, and most desirable part of the animal. By reserving it exclusively for God, the Israelites demonstrated that He deserves their absolute best, symbolizing complete dedication and the offering of their choicest possessions. The instruction to burn it "upon the burnt sacrifice" (the daily whole burnt offering) is crucial. It underscores a profound theological truth: all fellowship (peace offerings) and other acts of worship are built upon the foundation of atonement for sin. The daily burnt offering perpetually covered the sins of the people, making it possible for them to approach a holy God and enter into fellowship with Him through other offerings. This layering demonstrates that access to God's presence and the enjoyment of communion with Him are always predicated on the prior work of expiation and reconciliation, as detailed in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering").

**Why is the offering described as a "sweet savour unto the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew: _reah nihoah_) is a profound theological term indicating God's pleasure, acceptance, and delight in the offering. It signifies that the offering was presented according to His divine commands and with the right heart, thereby achieving its intended purpose of fostering a harmonious and pleasing relationship between God and the worshiper. It's a divine declaration of approval, signifying that the offering has effectively bridged the gap between the human and divine, bringing contentment to God. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a "sweet-smelling savour" to God, as seen in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering"), highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of this Old Testament imagery in the person and work of Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 3:5, with its emphasis on the "sweet savour" of the peace offering and its foundational placement upon the burnt sacrifice, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offering, symbolizing fellowship and communion with God through a shared meal, perfectly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect fellowship made possible by Jesus. His singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross is the true and eternal "burnt sacrifice," fully atoning for sin once and for all, as powerfully articulated in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"). It is upon this foundational work of atonement that our peace and communion with God are eternally established. Moreover, Christ Himself is the ultimate "sweet savour" to the Lord, for His life of perfect obedience, His unwavering devotion, and His sacrificial death were supremely pleasing and delightful to the Father, as described in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Offering") and [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering"). Through Christ, we, too, are now enabled and empowered to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices," holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). The intimate fellowship once partially and ritually enjoyed through the peace offering is now fully and eternally realized in Christ, who invites us to commune with Him at His table, symbolizing our profound union and shared life in Him ([1 Corinthians 10:16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")).

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 6:12

And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

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.

Ezekiel 44:7

In that ye have brought [into my sanctuary] strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, [even] my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.

Leviticus 7:29

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.

Leviticus 7:34

For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.

Leviticus 9:9

And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar: