Leviticus 4:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall take away {H5493} all the fat {H2459} thereof, as the fat {H2459} is taken away {H5493} from off the sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}; and the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} it upon the altar {H4196} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}; and the priest {H3548} shall make an atonement {H3722} for him, and it shall be forgiven {H5545} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

All its fat he is to remove, as the fat is removed from the sacrifice for peace offerings; and the cohen is to make it go up in smoke on the altar as a fragrant aroma for ADONAI. Thus the cohen will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he is to remove all the fat, just as it is removed from the peace offering, and the priest is to burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.

American Standard Version

And all the fat thereof shall he take away, 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 savor unto Jehovah; and the priest shall make atonement for him, and he shall be forgiven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:31 meticulously details a critical component of the sin offering for a common person in ancient Israel, illuminating the divinely ordained ritual path to forgiveness within the Old Covenant. This verse specifically outlines the precise handling of the sacrificial animal's fat, emphasizing its sacred significance as an offering reserved for the Lord, and culminates in the profound declaration of atonement achieved and divine pardon granted to the penitent individual.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 4:31 is situated within a larger block of instruction (Leviticus 4:1-5:13) that meticulously details the various types of sin offerings (Hebrew: *ḥaṭṭaʾt*) required for unintentional transgressions committed by different members of the Israelite community. Specifically, verses 4:27-35 focus on the sin offering for a "common person" (Hebrew: *nepeš*), outlining the specific animal required (a female goat or lamb, depending on the individual's means) and the precise ritual procedures. The preceding verses in chapter 4 address offerings for the high priest [Leviticus 4:3](/leviticus/4-3 "Leviticus 4:3 - Sin Offering for the High Priest"), the whole congregation [Leviticus 4:13](/leviticus/4-13 "Leviticus 4:13 - Sin Offering for the Congregation"), and a ruler [Leviticus 4:22](/leviticus/4-22 "Leviticus 4:22 - Sin Offering for a Ruler"). The consistent pattern across these offerings involves the laying on of hands, the slaughter of the animal, the application of its blood, and the burning of its fat, all culminating in atonement and forgiveness. This verse, therefore, represents the culmination of the prescribed ritual for the individual Israelite, ensuring a pathway to reconciliation with God after an unwitting sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was the divinely instituted means by which a holy God could dwell among a sinful people. Sin, even unintentional, created a breach in the covenant relationship and required a prescribed remedy. The concept of "fat" (Hebrew: *ḥēleḇ*) held immense significance in the ancient Near East, often considered the richest, most vital, and most desirable part of an animal. Unlike other parts of the animal that could be consumed by the priests or the offerer in other sacrifices (e.g., peace offerings, as referenced in [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - Fat Reserved for the Lord")), the fat from sin offerings was exclusively reserved for the Lord, symbolizing that the best and most precious aspects of the offering belonged solely to Him. Burning the fat on the altar, producing a "sweet savour," was an act of worship and dedication, signifying the complete devotion and obedience of the worshiper and the acceptance of the offering by God. This ritual underscored the seriousness of sin, the holiness of God, and the absolute necessity of a divinely provided means of dealing with human transgression.
* **Key Themes:** This chapter, and specifically this verse, profoundly illustrates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Holiness of God** and His absolute demand for purity, requiring a specific, divinely ordained means for sinful humanity to approach Him. Secondly, it highlights the **Seriousness of Sin**, even unintentional transgressions, as anything that defiles or breaks covenant relationship must be addressed. The meticulousness of the ritual emphasizes that sin is not trivial. Thirdly, it reveals God's **Gracious Provision for Atonement and Forgiveness**, demonstrating His desire to reconcile with His people by providing a pathway to deal with their sin. Fourthly, the role of the priest emphasizes the necessity of **Priestly Mediation**, as the priest acts as the divinely appointed intercessor between God and the individual. Finally, the entire sacrificial system, encapsulated in this verse, points to the **Substitutionary Principle**, where the life of an innocent animal is offered in place of the guilty individual, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who would bear the sins of many ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From an unused root meaning to be fat, this term (H2459) denotes the richest or choice part of an animal. In the Israelite sacrificial system, the fat was considered the choicest and most vital part, representing the animal's essence. Its complete removal and burning on the altar, exclusively for the Lord, symbolized giving God the very best and acknowledging His supreme ownership and holiness. This practice distinguished Israelite worship from pagan rituals and underscored the sacredness of the offering.
* **Savour (Hebrew, _reyach'_):** This word (H7381) refers to an odor or scent, as if blown. In the context of "sweet savour," it describes the aroma rising from the burnt offering. It is an anthropomorphism, indicating God's acceptance and pleasure in the offering, not due to its literal smell, but because it was offered in obedience to His command, in faith, and according to the prescribed ritual.
* **Sweet (Hebrew, _niychowach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to rest," this term (H5207) means properly "restful" or "pleasant," abstractly "delight." When combined with "savour," it signifies that the offering was pleasing and acceptable to God, signifying that the ritual successfully achieved its purpose of appeasing God's righteous wrath against sin and bringing about His divine approval.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kaphar'_):** This crucial theological term (H3722) is a primitive root meaning "to cover," "to expiate," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." In the context of the sin offering, it describes the process by which the guilt of sin is covered or removed, and the relationship between the sinful individual and the holy God is restored. It highlights God's initiative in providing a means for reconciliation, making it possible for Him to pardon the offender without compromising His justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings;":** This clause specifies the initial action of the priest: the complete removal of the fat from the sacrificial animal. The comparison to "peace offerings" ([Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering")) reinforces the sacredness of the fat, as it was consistently reserved for the Lord in various offerings, signifying its exclusive dedication to Him. This act demonstrates the worshiper's full surrender and the offering of the best part to God.
* **"and the priest shall burn [it] upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD;":** Following the removal, the fat is to be burned on the altar of burnt offering. The burning transforms the physical substance into smoke ascending to God, symbolizing the offering's acceptance. The phrase "for a sweet savour unto the LORD" underscores that this act, performed in obedience and faith, was pleasing and acceptable to God, signifying His divine approval of the ritual and the worshiper's intent.
* **"and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.":** This final clause declares the ultimate outcome and purpose of the ritual. The priest, acting as God's mediator, performs the atonement (covering or expiation) through the prescribed sacrifice. The direct consequence of this divinely ordained act is that the individual who brought the offering receives forgiveness from God. This highlights the efficacy of the sacrificial system in addressing sin and restoring the individual to a right standing with God.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:31 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "fat" serving as a powerful symbol of the best, richest, and most vital part of the animal, exclusively reserved for God. Its burning on the altar is a symbolic act of complete dedication and worship. The phrase "sweet savour" is an anthropomorphic **metaphor**, attributing human sensory experience (smell) to God to convey His divine acceptance and pleasure in the obedient offering, rather than a literal olfactory experience. The entire ritual, meticulously detailed, functions as a **type** or **foreshadowing**, pointing forward to a greater reality. The temporary covering of sin through animal sacrifice ultimately anticipates the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which would truly take away sin and provide eternal forgiveness. The **repetition** of "priest" throughout the verses concerning sin offerings emphasizes the indispensable role of the mediator in facilitating atonement and forgiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:31 encapsulates core theological truths about sin, holiness, and divine provision for reconciliation. It teaches that sin, even unintentional, creates a breach in the relationship with a holy God and demands a divinely appointed remedy. The meticulous ritual, particularly the burning of the fat as a "sweet savour," underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for the best, while simultaneously revealing His gracious provision for atonement. The verse highlights the indispensable role of priestly mediation and the direct link between the sacrificial act and the promise of divine forgiveness. This system, though temporary, powerfully illustrated the principle that "without shedding of blood there is no remission" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")), preparing Israel for the ultimate and perfect sacrifice.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Impossible for Blood of Bulls and Goats to Take Away Sins")
* [Romans 5:11](/romans/5-11 "Romans 5:11 - Reconciliation Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:31, while describing an ancient ritual, offers timeless insights into the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him. It reminds us that sin, in any form, is a serious offense against a holy God and requires a divine remedy. The meticulousness of the offering underscores God's demand for obedience and His provision for reconciliation. For us today, the primary application is not in replicating the ritual but in understanding the spiritual realities it conveyed. It points us to the profound truth that forgiveness is not earned but is a gracious gift from God, made possible through a substitutionary sacrifice. This should cultivate in us a deep appreciation for the immense cost of our redemption and a humble recognition of God's boundless grace. We are called to live lives of gratitude, acknowledging that our forgiveness is complete and eternal through Christ, prompting us to offer our "best" in worship and obedience, not to earn favor, but as a response to His overwhelming love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detail and precision of the sin offering in Leviticus 4:31 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "sweet savour" challenge or affirm your understanding of what makes our worship and obedience acceptable to God today?**
* **Considering that "atonement" and "forgiveness" are the outcomes, how does this verse encourage you in your own walk with God, knowing His provision for your unintentional sins?**

### FAQ
**Why was the fat specifically burned and considered a "sweet savour" to the Lord, while other parts of the animal might be eaten?**

Answer: In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, the fat (Hebrew: *ḥēleḇ*) was considered the richest, most vital, and most valuable part of the animal. By divine command, it was exclusively reserved for the Lord in many offerings, including the sin offering and peace offerings ([Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - Fat Reserved for God")). Burning the fat on the altar symbolized giving God the very best, acknowledging His supreme ownership and holiness. The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew: *rêaḥ nîḥōaḥ*) indicates God's acceptance and pleasure in the offering. This acceptance was not due to a literal pleasant smell, but because the offering was performed in obedience to His commands, in faith, and according to the prescribed ritual. It signified that the offering had successfully achieved its purpose of appeasing God's righteous wrath against sin and was therefore pleasing in His sight. This distinguished it from other parts of the animal that might be consumed by priests or offerers, as the fat represented the essence given wholly to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:31, with its emphasis on the sin offering's fat being burned as a "sweet savour" for atonement and forgiveness, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sin offerings, though divinely instituted, were inherently temporary and imperfect, serving as a pedagogical shadow pointing to the coming reality ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law is a Shadow")). Christ is the true and final sacrificial Lamb of God, whose perfect life and atoning death on the cross constitute the ultimate "sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet Savour")). Unlike the fat of animals, which could only cover sins temporarily, Christ's sacrifice was a complete and once-for-all offering ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")), truly taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His blood, we receive not merely a covering but a complete removal of sin, granting us reconciliation ([Romans 5:11](/romans/5-11 "Romans 5:11 - Reconciliation Through Christ")) and eternal forgiveness ([Colossians 1:14](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption Through His Blood, the Forgiveness of Sins")). He is our great High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, making permanent atonement for all who believe, thereby fulfilling the priestly mediation foreshadowed in Leviticus ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Entered Once for All")).

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 4:26

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.

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 1:9

But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, [to be] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Genesis 8:21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Exodus 29:18

And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Leviticus 1:13

But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring [it] all, and burn [it] upon the altar: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 1:17

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.