Leviticus 4:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

As it was taken off {H7311} from the bullock {H7794} of the sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}: and the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} them upon the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as it is removed from an ox sacrificed as a peace offering; and the cohen is to make these parts go up in smoke on the altar for burnt offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

just as the fat is removed from the ox of the peace offering. Then the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering.

American Standard Version

as it is taken off from the ox of the sacrifice of peace-offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of burnt-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:10 provides precise instructions for the handling of the fat portions from the bullock offered as a sin offering, stipulating their removal and incineration on the altar of burnt offering by the priest. This directive explicitly parallels the procedure for the fat in the peace offering, thereby underscoring a consistent divine principle that the choicest and most valuable parts of any sacrifice are exclusively reserved for God, signifying complete dedication and serving as a pleasing aroma.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 4 meticulously details the laws governing the *chatta't*, or sin offering, which provides atonement for unintentional transgressions committed by various members of the Israelite community, including the high priest, the entire congregation, a ruler, or a common person. The preceding verses, specifically [Leviticus 4:3-9](/leviticus/4-3-9 "Leviticus 4:3-9 - The Sin Offering for the Anointed Priest"), describe the intricate ritual for a sinning priest or the whole congregation, which involves the sacrifice of a bullock. Verse 10 builds directly upon these instructions, focusing on the disposition of the bullock's fat. By explicitly drawing an analogy to the handling of fat in the peace offering (as detailed in [Leviticus 3:3-5](/leviticus/3-3-5 "Leviticus 3:3-5 - Fat of the Peace Offering")), the text highlights a shared sacred principle for these otherwise distinct sacrificial types. Following this verse, the chapter continues to outline the disposal of the remaining parts of the bullock's carcass, which, unlike other offerings, was taken outside the camp and burned (see [Leviticus 4:11-12](/leviticus/4-11-12 "Leviticus 4:11-12 - Disposal of the Sin Offering Carcass")), emphasizing the profound seriousness of sin and the necessity of its complete removal from the holy community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the elaborate sacrificial system was the divinely ordained framework for maintaining and restoring the covenant relationship with Yahweh, a God of absolute holiness. Sin, whether intentional or unintentional, was understood to create defilement and separation from God's presence, necessitating a divinely provided means of atonement. These intricate rituals were performed at the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place where God's presence resided among His people. The priest, acting as a divinely appointed mediator, was responsible for executing these rites with utmost precision, as every detail was a direct divine command. The burning of the fat on the altar was a common and significant practice across various offerings, universally signifying that the "best," "richest," or most vital part of the animal was exclusively given to God. This practice was deeply ingrained in the worship life of Israel, reinforcing their theological understanding of God's holiness, the gravity of sin, and the indispensable role of a divinely instituted path to reconciliation, principles foundational to the entire book of [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Holiness").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:10 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity**, which demands that His people approach Him with reverence and according to His precise commands. The meticulous instructions for the sin offering underscore the **Seriousness of Sin**, even unintentional sin, and its defiling nature, which necessitates atonement to restore communion. The verse also highlights the **Necessity of Atonement**, demonstrating that reconciliation with a holy God is not achieved through human effort alone but through a divinely appointed sacrificial system. Furthermore, the consistent directive to offer the fat, the "Lord's portion," reinforces the theme of **Complete Dedication and Giving God Our Best**, a principle that transcends the specific ritual and applies to all aspects of worship and life. This emphasis on precision and adherence to divine pattern also speaks to the theme of **Ordered Worship**, where the efficacy of the offering is tied to its proper execution. The parallel to the peace offering also subtly connects the themes of atonement and fellowship, showing that even in dealing with sin, the ultimate goal is restored relationship, as seen in the broader sacrificial system outlined in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - The Sacrificial Laws").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken off (Hebrew, _rûwm'_ H7311):** This verb, derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "to lift up," signifies the act of raising or removing something. In this context, it refers to the precise, ritualistic separation and lifting of specific fat portions from the bullock. This was not a casual act of butchery but a deliberate, sacred removal of the "Lord's portion" from the rest of the animal, designating it for a distinct, holy purpose on the altar. It underscores the meticulous and purposeful nature of the sacrificial laws, where every detail held theological significance.
* **priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_ H3548):** This term refers to the divinely appointed individual whose role was to officiate in sacred rites, acting as a mediator between God and the people. The priest's involvement was indispensable for the proper execution of the sin offering, as he alone possessed the authority and knowledge to perform the intricate steps, including the removal and burning of the fat. His presence ensured the ritual's validity and the offering's acceptability before God, highlighting the structured and mediated nature of Old Covenant worship.
* **burn (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_ H6999):** While often translated as "burn," *qâṭar* specifically denotes the act of causing smoke to ascend, particularly in the context of an offering or incense. It implies a fragrant aroma rising to God, rather than mere destructive combustion. This emphasizes the spiritual dimension of the physical act, indicating that the offering, when performed according to divine command, was accepted by God and was pleasing to Him. It transforms the physical act into a spiritual act of worship and communion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings":** This clause establishes a crucial and deliberate analogy, linking the procedure for handling the fat in the sin offering to the established practice for the peace offering. In the peace offering (Leviticus 3:3-5), the fat was always presented to the Lord as a "food offering with a pleasing aroma." By explicitly stating this parallel, the text underscores that despite the differing primary purposes of the sin offering (atonement for unintentional sin) and the peace offering (fellowship, thanksgiving, or vows), the fat—representing the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal—was consistently God's exclusive portion. This signifies His supreme worthiness to receive the very best from the worshiper, regardless of the offering's specific intent.
* **"and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering."** This specifies both the agent and the location for the sacred act. The "priest" is the divinely appointed mediator, whose precise execution of this command was essential for the offering's efficacy and acceptability. The "altar of the burnt offering" (also known as the bronze altar) was the central altar in the Tabernacle courtyard, where the primary act of offering to God took place. The act of "burning" the fat signifies its consumption by divine fire, transforming the physical offering into a spiritual act that ascends to God as a pleasing aroma. This act symbolized the complete dedication of the best part of the sacrifice to God, acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:10 primarily employs **Analogy** and **Symbolism**. The most explicit literary device is **Analogy**, as the verse directly compares the handling of the fat in the sin offering to the established procedure for the "sacrifice of peace offerings" (Leviticus 3). This comparison serves to reinforce a consistent theological principle across different types of sacrifices: that the fat, universally understood as representing the choicest and richest part of the animal, is always reserved for God. This consistency underscores God's unchanging demand for the best from His people, irrespective of the specific context of their offering. **Symbolism** is also profoundly present throughout the verse. The **fat** itself **symbolizes** the best, the richness, the vitality, and the innermost essence of the animal, and by extension, the worshiper's offering of their utmost to God. The act of **"burning"** the fat on the altar **symbolizes** the complete dedication, consumption, and transformation of this "best" by God, ascending as a "fragrant aroma" pleasing to Him. The **altar** itself **symbolizes** God's holy presence, the designated place of divine encounter, atonement, and acceptance of offerings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:10, though seemingly a technical instruction within the sacrificial system, is rich with profound theological significance. It fundamentally underscores God's absolute holiness and His unchanging demand for the very best from His people, even in the solemn context of atonement for sin. The burning of the fat, designated as the "Lord's portion," signifies that even when addressing the defilement of sin, the worshiper's heart must be oriented towards giving God supreme honor, value, and the choicest part of their offering. This principle transcends the specific ritual, pointing to a broader and enduring truth about the nature of true worship and devotion. It also highlights the meticulous nature of God's commands, emphasizing that acceptable worship is not arbitrary but follows a divinely revealed pattern, ensuring both the efficacy and the divine acceptance of the offering. This verse reinforces the concept that God's standards are unwavering, and His worthiness of our utmost devotion is paramount.

* [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All the Fat is the Lord's") – "All the fat is the Lord's." This verse explicitly states the divine ownership of the fat, reinforcing its sacred status and consistent reservation for God across all types of sacrifices.
* [Exodus 29:13](/exodus/29-13 "Exodus 29:13 - Fat of the Ram of Consecration") – Instructions for the ram of consecration, part of the priestly ordination ceremony, also specify that the fat is to be burned on the altar, demonstrating this foundational principle from the earliest days of Israel's priesthood.
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering to God") – Paul describes the financial gifts from the Philippians as "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God," drawing a direct connection between the Old Testament concept of a pleasing physical offering and New Testament Christian giving, which is spiritual and holistic.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, deeply rooted in an ancient sacrificial system, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is eternally worthy of our absolute best, not merely our leftovers, our convenience, or what we deem expendable. The meticulousness of the instructions for the sin offering, including the precise handling of the fat, underscores that sin, even when unintentional or committed in ignorance, is profoundly serious in God's sight and necessitates a divine remedy and a reverent approach to His holiness. We are called to prayerfully examine our own lives for "unintentional" sins—sins of omission, thoughtlessness, negligence, or ignorance—and to approach God with a heart that genuinely acknowledges His perfect holiness and our constant, desperate need for His boundless grace. Furthermore, the concept of giving God the "choicest" part challenges us to honestly evaluate where our true priorities lie. Do we offer God our prime time, our freshest energy, our most significant resources, our deepest affections, or do we relegate Him to the margins of our busy lives? Our worship, our service, our relationships, and our daily living should all reflect a heart that holds nothing back from the One who sacrificially gave His very all for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I, perhaps unknowingly or unintentionally, be holding back my "best" from God?**
* **How does the profound seriousness of unintentional sin, as highlighted in this passage, deepen my understanding of God's perfect holiness and my own continuous need for His grace and forgiveness?**
* **What concrete, practical steps can I commit to taking this week to intentionally offer God my "choicest" time, talent, or financial resources, thereby reflecting a heart of complete and unreserved dedication?**

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

Answer: The fat (Hebrew: *chelev*) was universally considered the richest, choicest, and most vital part of the animal, symbolizing its very essence and life force. Burning it on the altar was a consistent and significant practice across various sacrifices in the Old Testament, including the peace offering (as stated in [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All the Fat is the Lord's")) and the sin offering, as detailed in [Leviticus 4:10](/leviticus/4-10 "Leviticus 4:10 - Burning the Fat"). This act symbolized giving God the most valuable and precious portion of the sacrifice, signifying complete dedication, profound honor, and sincere worship. As it was consumed by fire, it ascended as a "fragrant aroma" to the Lord, indicating divine acceptance, pleasure, and the worshiper's devotion. It represented the offering of the worshiper's innermost vitality and the very best of what they possessed to God.

**What is the difference between the sin offering and the peace offering, and why is the fat handled similarly?**

Answer: The sin offering (Hebrew: *chatta't*), meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering"), was primarily offered for atonement for unintentional sins, to cleanse defilement, and to restore the worshiper's standing and relationship with God. It addressed the breach of holiness caused by sin. In contrast, the peace offering (Hebrew: *shelamim*), described in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), was an offering of fellowship, thanksgiving, or the fulfillment of a vow, characterized by a communal meal shared by the worshiper, the priest, and symbolically, God. Despite their distinct primary purposes—one for expiation of sin, the other for communion and gratitude—the fat was handled similarly (burned on the altar) because the overarching principle of giving God the "best" remained constant. Whether seeking atonement for sin or celebrating fellowship, God's supreme worthiness to receive the choicest and most valuable part of the offering was paramount, underscoring His absolute holiness and the worshiper's unreserved devotion in all circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:10, with its emphasis on the "Lord's portion" and the burning of the choicest fat on the altar for the sin offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including the sin offering, were never ends in themselves but served as prophetic shadows, pointing forward to the singular, perfect, and all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ (as powerfully articulated in [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")). Just as the fat represented the best, the richest, and the most vital part offered to God, Christ Himself is the quintessential "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the ultimate and most precious offering given by God and for God. His earthly life was one of perfect, unblemished obedience, and His death on the cross was the complete and final atonement for all sins—both intentional and unintentional—for all time ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). He willingly became our sin offering, bearing the full, righteous wrath of God against sin, so that in Him, we might be declared the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Unlike the repeated, insufficient sacrifices of bulls and goats, which could never truly remove sins ([Hebrews 10:11](/hebrews/10-11 "Hebrews 10:11 - Repetitive Sacrifices")), Christ's one perfect sacrifice was "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), ascending to God as a truly fragrant aroma, supremely pleasing to Him ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). He is the "best" offering, the "choicest" sacrifice, whose precious blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")), making true reconciliation, intimate fellowship, and eternal life with God gloriously possible.

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.