Leviticus 4:26

KJV

And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall burn {H6999} all his fat {H2459} upon the altar {H4196}, as the fat {H2459} of the sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}: and the priest {H3548} shall make an atonement {H3722} for him as concerning his sin {H2403}, and it shall be forgiven {H5545} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

All its fat he is to make go up in smoke on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice for peace offerings; thus the cohen will make atonement for him in regard to his sin, and he will be forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

He must burn all its fat on the altar, like the fat of the peace offerings; thus the priest will make atonement for that man’s sin, and he will be forgiven.

American Standard Version

And all the fat thereof shall he burn upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace-offerings; and the priest shall make atonement for him as concerning his sin, and he shall be forgiven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:26 concludes the specific instructions for the sin offering of an individual, detailing the culmination of the ritual where the priest meticulously burns the choicest fat of the sacrificed animal upon the altar, mirroring the practice observed in peace offerings. This act, performed by the divinely appointed priest, serves as the means by which atonement is made for the unintentional sin of the offerer, leading to a gracious declaration of forgiveness from God and the restoration of the individual to a right standing within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4 is meticulously structured, outlining the *chatta't* (sin offering) protocols for various categories of unintentional sin within the Israelite community. The chapter systematically addresses the sin of the high priest ([Leviticus 4:3-12](/leviticus/4-3-12 "Leviticus 4:3-12 - Sin Offering for the High Priest")), followed by the sin of the entire congregation ([Leviticus 4:13-21](/leviticus/4-13-21 "Leviticus 4:13-21 - Sin Offering for the Whole Congregation")), then a ruler's sin ([Leviticus 4:22-26](/leviticus/4-22-26 "Leviticus 4:22-26 - Sin Offering for a Ruler")), and finally, the sin of a common individual ([Leviticus 4:27-35](/leviticus/4-27-35 "Leviticus 4:27-35 - Sin Offering for a Common Person")). Leviticus 4:26 specifically concludes the instructions for a ruler's sin offering, emphasizing the burning of fat and the declaration of forgiveness—a pattern that is then reiterated for the common person, highlighting the consistent principles of atonement regardless of social standing. The ritual described here is the culmination of a process that begins with the offerer bringing the animal, laying hands on its head, and its subsequent slaughter, followed by the priest's specific handling of the blood and fat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sacrificial system, as meticulously detailed in the book of [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness"), was the divinely ordained core of Israelite worship and their covenant relationship with Yahweh, particularly within the wilderness Tabernacle. This intricate system provided the means for a sinful people to approach and maintain fellowship with a holy God. Unlike high-handed, defiant sins, which often carried severe penalties, the sin offering specifically addressed unintentional transgressions—sins committed out of ignorance, weakness, or oversight, which nonetheless defiled the individual and the community, thereby disrupting the purity required for God's presence to dwell among them. The burning of the fat on the altar, as mentioned in [Leviticus 4:26](/leviticus/4-26 "Leviticus 4:26 - Sin Offering for a Ruler"), was a common element across various offerings, including the [peace offering](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), signifying that the choicest, richest part of the animal was exclusively dedicated to God, symbolizing complete devotion and acknowledging His supreme claim over all life. This elaborate system underscored God's absolute holiness, the gravity of sin, and His gracious provision for reconciliation.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering") revolve around the **holiness of God** and the **seriousness of sin**, even unintentional sin, which necessitates a divine means of cleansing and reconciliation. The chapter consistently emphasizes the **principle of substitutionary atonement**, where an innocent animal's life is offered as a substitute for the guilty party, shedding blood to cover sin. Furthermore, the indispensable role of the **priesthood as mediators** between God and humanity is highlighted, as the priest performs the specific rituals that effect atonement. The repeated declaration of **divine forgiveness** underscores God's mercy and His desire to restore fellowship with His people, even when they fall short. These themes collectively reveal God's justice in requiring a penalty for sin and His profound grace in providing a way for His people to remain in covenant relationship with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** This term refers specifically to the internal, choicest fat around the kidneys, intestines, and diaphragm, which was considered the best and most valuable part of the animal. Unlike muscle meat, *cheleb* was explicitly forbidden for human consumption in [Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - Prohibition against Eating Fat and Blood") and was reserved exclusively for God, symbolizing the dedication of the very best to Him. Burning the fat produced a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord ([Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Pleasing Aroma")), signifying acceptance and complete devotion.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** The verb *kâphar* fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," "to expiate," or "to make reconciliation." In the context of the sacrificial system, it describes the divinely appointed act by which sin is covered or annulled, thereby restoring the broken covenant relationship between God and the offerer. It is not merely a symbolic act but a divinely efficacious means of removing the defilement and guilt of sin, allowing the offerer to be re-admitted into fellowship with God's holy presence.
* **Forgiven (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** This verb specifically denotes divine forgiveness, implying that God Himself pardons the sin. It is a gracious act on God's part, a declaration of absolution that follows the prescribed ritual of atonement. While *kâphar* describes the *process* of covering sin through sacrifice, *çâlach* describes the *outcome* of that process—God's merciful act of pardoning the sinner, releasing them from the guilt and consequences of their transgression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar":** This phrase details a crucial, culminating step in the sin offering ritual. The priest is commanded to take all the designated internal fat of the sacrificed animal and burn it on the bronze altar of burnt offering. This act signifies the complete dedication of the choicest, most valuable part of the animal to God, acknowledging His sovereignty, holiness, and supreme claim. The burning transforms the physical offering into a spiritual act, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma.
* **"as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings":** This comparison highlights the sacredness and significance of the fat's dedication. In peace offerings, the fat was also burned on the altar as God's exclusive portion, indicating that the best was always reserved for Him. This parallel reinforces that even in a sin offering, which deals with impurity and guilt, the offering still contains an element of devotion and honor to God, presenting Him with what is most valuable and signifying a desire for renewed communion.
* **"and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin":** This clause underscores the indispensable and mediatorial role of the priest. The priest, acting on God's behalf and according to His divine instructions, performs the ritual acts (including the burning of the fat and the application of blood) that effect atonement. This is not a human achievement but a divinely provided mechanism through which the guilt and defilement of sin are covered or purged, allowing for reconciliation between the sinful individual and the holy God.
* **"and it shall be forgiven him":** This is the gracious and ultimate outcome of the entire process, the divine declaration that follows the proper execution of the sin offering and the priestly act of atonement. God Himself declares the sin pardoned, demonstrating His compassionate nature and His willingness to restore those who approach Him through His prescribed means. This emphasizes that forgiveness is a divine prerogative and a gift of His grace, resulting in the removal of guilt and the restoration of fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:26 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths with precision and impact. **Ritual Language** is paramount, as the verse precisely describes the steps of a sacred ceremony, emphasizing order, precision, and the specific roles of the offerer, the animal, and the priest. The meticulous detail and repetition of sacrificial instructions throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness") reinforce the importance and unchanging nature of these divine commands. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, with the burning of the "fat" representing the dedication of the best and most valuable part to God, signifying complete surrender and devotion. The "altar" itself is a powerful symbol of divine encounter, sacrifice, and the sacred space where human sin meets divine provision. Furthermore, the **Parallelism** with "the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings" serves to elevate the significance of the sin offering, linking it to an offering of fellowship and communion, thereby emphasizing that even in the context of sin, God's ultimate desire is to restore relationship with His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:26 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths: the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive seriousness of sin (even unintentional transgressions), the indispensable necessity of atonement for reconciliation, and God's gracious provision for forgiveness. The burning of the choicest fat, the mediatorial role of the priest, and the divine declaration of forgiveness all point to a God who is both just in demanding a penalty for sin and merciful in providing a way for reconciliation. This Old Covenant system, though temporary and repetitive, laid the foundational understanding for the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice to come, foreshadowing a perfect High Priest and a complete atonement that would truly take away sin.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Romans 3:23-25](/romans/3-23-25 "Romans 3:23-25 - All Have Sinned and Are Justified Freely by His Grace")
* [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Blood of Bulls and Goats Cannot Take Away Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:26, though detailing an ancient ritual, offers timeless insights into the nature of sin, the character of God, and the path to reconciliation. It reminds us that sin, even when unintentional or committed out of ignorance, creates a barrier between us and a holy God, necessitating a divine provision for its removal. The meticulousness and costliness of the ritual underscore the gravity with which God views sin and the profound sacrifice required for its atonement. For us today, this verse should cultivate a deeper appreciation for the immense grace of God, who did not leave humanity without a means to deal with their failures. It calls us to acknowledge our own sinfulness, to understand that true forgiveness is a divine gift, and to live in profound gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice that superseded these temporary offerings. It challenges us to consider the seriousness of even our "unintentional" sins—our thoughtlessness, our omissions, our subtle self-centeredness—and to continually seek God's mercy and cleansing, trusting in His perfect provision for our redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the detailed nature of the sin offering ritual in [Leviticus 4:26](/leviticus/4-26 "Leviticus 4:26 - Sin Offering for a Ruler") teach us about God's view of sin, even unintentional sin?**
* **How does understanding the Old Covenant concept of "atonement" (covering/purging) deepen our appreciation for the complete and final atonement offered through Christ?**
* **In what ways might we, in our daily lives, commit "unintentional" sins that require us to seek God's forgiveness and restoration?**
* **How does God's gracious provision for forgiveness, as seen in this verse, encourage us to extend grace and forgiveness to others, recognizing our own need for it?**

### FAQ

**Why was the fat burned and not eaten, especially if it was considered the "choicest" part?**

Answer: The fat, specifically the internal fat (*chelev*), was considered the richest and most valuable part of the animal, symbolizing the best. However, it was explicitly prohibited for human consumption in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Leviticus 3:17 - Prohibition against Eating Fat and Blood")). By reserving it exclusively for burning on the altar, it was offered entirely to God, signifying that the very best belonged to Him alone. This act underscored God's supreme claim over all creation and His people, and it was considered a "pleasing aroma" to Him, symbolizing complete dedication and acceptance of the offering.

**What is the difference between "atonement" and "forgiveness" in the context of [Leviticus 4:26](/leviticus/4-26 "Leviticus 4:26 - Sin Offering for a Ruler")?**

Answer: While closely related and often used together, "atonement" (*kâphar*) refers to the *process* or *means* by which sin is covered, purged, or reconciled. It involves the prescribed ritual acts, like the burning of the fat and the priest's mediation, which divinely effect a covering for the sin. "Forgiveness" (*çâlach*), on the other hand, is the *result* or *outcome* of that atonement. It is God's gracious declaration of pardon, the removal of guilt, and the restoration of the relationship with the sinner. The atonement makes forgiveness possible, and forgiveness is the divine act that completes the process initiated by the offering.

**Did these animal sacrifices truly remove sin permanently for the Israelite?**

Answer: The animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant, including the sin offering, provided a temporary and ritual covering for sin, allowing the Israelite community to remain in covenant relationship with God despite their transgressions. They dealt with the *guilt* and *defilement* of specific sins, restoring the individual to a state of ritual purity and fellowship. However, they could not fundamentally change the sinful nature of humanity or provide a final, once-for-all solution to the problem of sin. The repetitive nature of these sacrifices, as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow of Good Things to Come"), indicated their insufficiency to truly take away sins permanently, pointing forward to a greater, perfect sacrifice that would accomplish true and eternal redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:26, with its emphasis on the priest making atonement for sin and the subsequent divine forgiveness, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The burning of the choicest fat on the altar foreshadows Christ's complete and unblemished offering of Himself; He was the perfect sacrifice, giving His very best—His entire life—to God on the cross. Just as the Levitical priest mediated atonement, Jesus, our great High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The temporary and repeated nature of the Old Covenant sin offerings, which could never truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Impossible for Blood of Bulls to Take Away Sins")), pointed to Christ's single, decisive act. He became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His finished work on the cross, He made a perfect and permanent propitiation for our sins, securing not just a covering, but the complete removal and forgiveness of all our transgressions—intentional and unintentional alike ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ is the Propitiation for Our Sins")). Thus, the promise of forgiveness in [Leviticus 4:26](/leviticus/4-26 "Leviticus 4:26 - Sin Offering for a Ruler") is fully realized in Christ, who offers a reconciliation that is eternal and complete for all who believe.

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 4:20

And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

Numbers 15:28

And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.

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 4:35

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.

Leviticus 5:10

And he shall offer the second [for] a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him.

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 5:18

And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist [it] not, and it shall be forgiven him.