Leviticus 4:8

KJV

And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall take off {H7311} from it all the fat {H2459} of the bullock {H6499} for the sin offering {H2403}; the fat {H2459} that covereth {H3680} the inwards {H7130}, and all the fat {H2459} that is upon the inwards {H7130},

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to remove from the bull for the sin offering all of its fat -the fat covering the inner organs, all the fat above the inner organs,

Berean Standard Bible

Then he shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,

American Standard Version

And all the fat of the bullock of the sin-offering he shall take off from it; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 4:8 provides precise divine instructions for the sin offering, specifically detailing the meticulous removal and dedication of the choicest fatty portions from the sacrificial bullock. This act was a crucial and non-negotiable step in the ritual for atoning for unintentional sins committed by the high priest or the entire congregation, profoundly underscoring the gravity of sin, the meticulousness required in approaching a holy God, and the foundational principle that the most vital and valuable parts of the sacrifice belonged exclusively to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus chapter 4 meticulously outlines the procedures for the *chatta't*, or sin offering, which was prescribed for unintentional transgressions against any of the Lord's commands. The chapter differentiates the offering based on the status of the one committing the sin: the high priest ([Leviticus 4:3](/leviticus/4-3 "Leviticus 4:3 - Sin of the Anointed Priest")), the whole congregation ([Leviticus 4:13](/leviticus/4-13 "Leviticus 4:13 - Sin of the Whole Congregation")), a leader ([Leviticus 4:22](/leviticus/4-22 "Leviticus 4:22 - Sin of a Leader")), or a common person ([Leviticus 4:27](/leviticus/4-27 "Leviticus 4:27 - Sin of a Common Person")). Verse 8 falls within the instructions for the sin offering of the high priest or the entire congregation, following the slaughter of the bullock ([Leviticus 4:4](/leviticus/4-4 "Leviticus 4:4 - Bringing the Bullock for Sin Offering")), the application of its blood ([Leviticus 4:5](/leviticus/4-5 "Leviticus 4:5 - Blood Ritual for the Sin Offering")), and preceding the burning of the fat on the altar of burnt offering ([Leviticus 4:10](/leviticus/4-10 "Leviticus 4:10 - Burning the Fat of the Sin Offering")). This precise sequence highlights the ordered, sacred, and non-negotiable nature of Israelite worship, where every detail contributed to the efficacy and meaning of the atonement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fat was often considered a valuable and desirable part of an animal, symbolizing richness, vitality, and prosperity. It was frequently consumed or offered to deities in various forms. However, within Israelite sacrificial law, there was a unique and strict prohibition against consuming the fat of sacrifices, particularly the internal fat, as it was explicitly designated as the Lord's portion ([Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All the Fat is the Lord's")). This distinction underscored God's absolute sovereignty, His unique holiness, and Israel's covenantal separation from pagan practices. The removal of "all the fat that covereth the inwards" ([Leviticus 4:8](/leviticus/4-8 "Leviticus 4:8 - Removal of Fat for Sin Offering")) and its exclusive dedication to God through burning on the altar was a powerful symbolic act. It represented giving the very best, the most vital and rich part of the animal, back to the Creator, acknowledging His supreme claim over all life and creation. This practice reinforced the gravity of sin and the meticulous purity required in the presence of a holy God.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 4:8 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's inherent purity and His demand for a holy people who approach Him with reverence and exactitude. The meticulous instructions for handling the fat underscore the theme of **Atonement**, highlighting that sin, even unintentional, incurs a debt that requires a costly and specific act of expiation to restore covenantal relationship. Furthermore, the dedication of the fat to God reinforces the theme of **Divine Ownership and Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate claim over all creation and the "firstfruits" or "best" of His people's possessions and efforts. The precise ritual also speaks to the theme of **Obedience and Order**, demonstrating that God's worship is not arbitrary but governed by divine decree, ensuring proper reverence and efficacy in the sacrificial system, as seen in the broader instructions for offerings in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From the root meaning "to be fat," this term (H2459) refers specifically to the internal abdominal fat, particularly the suet, which was considered the richest, most vital, and most valuable part of the animal. Unlike muscle fat, *chelev* was explicitly forbidden for human consumption in Israelite law ([Leviticus 7:23](/leviticus/7-23 "Leviticus 7:23 - Prohibition of Eating Fat")), signifying its sacred dedication solely to the Lord as His exclusive portion. Its removal and burning symbolized giving the "best" to God, representing the vitality and essence of the offering, a pleasing aroma to Him.
* **Inwards (Hebrew, _qereb'_):** This word (H7130) denotes the inner parts or vital organs of the animal, encompassing the intestines, liver, and kidneys. The fat "covering" and "upon" these inwards was specifically targeted, indicating the most vital and deeply embedded fatty tissues. This precision emphasizes the thoroughness required in the offering and the complete dedication of the animal's life force to God, as these organs were considered the seat of life and emotion in ancient thought.
* **Take off (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** This primitive root (H7311) means "to be high" or "to raise," and in this context, it signifies the act of removing or lifting off the fat. The verb implies a deliberate and careful separation of the designated portion from the rest of the carcass. This action is not merely butchery but a sacred act of separation, elevating the fat from common use to a consecrated offering, highlighting the priestly role in mediating between the holy and the common.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering;":** This clause initiates the specific instruction, identifying the officiating priest ("he") as the agent responsible for the action. The phrase "take off" (Hebrew: *rûwm*) signifies a deliberate and careful removal. The emphasis on "all the fat" underscores the totality and completeness of the removal, leaving nothing back for human use or consumption, reinforcing the idea of a complete dedication. The purpose is explicitly stated: "for the sin offering," directly linking this specific action to the ritual of atonement for unintentional sin, highlighting its integral role in the expiatory process.
* **"the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,":** This specifies *which* fat is to be removed, moving beyond a general instruction to a precise anatomical description. It's not just any fat, but specifically the internal, visceral fat that surrounds and adheres to the vital organs. The repetition of "all the fat" and the detailed description ("covereth the inwards," "upon the inwards") underscore the meticulousness and exactitude demanded in the sacrificial ritual. This precision ensured that the most valuable and sacred portions, intimately associated with the animal's life force, were dedicated to the Lord, demonstrating the seriousness of the offering and God's demand for specific obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 4:8 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and reinforce the gravity of the ritual. **Precision** is paramount, evident in the detailed anatomical specification of the fat ("that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards"). This meticulous language emphasizes the exactitude required in sacred rituals and God's demand for specific, obedient worship, leaving no room for ambiguity. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, as the fat, considered the richest and most vital part of the animal, symbolizes the "best" or the essence of the offering. By dedicating this to God, the act symbolizes giving one's utmost to the Divine, representing vitality, prosperity, and the life-force itself. The **Repetition** of "all the fat" reinforces the completeness and totality of the offering, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of what was to be consecrated to the Lord. These devices collectively underscore the seriousness of sin, the holiness of God, and the costly, comprehensive nature of atonement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 4:8, though detailing an ancient ritual, profoundly illuminates several enduring theological themes. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His rightful claim to the "best" of all offerings, symbolizing that He deserves supreme honor and devotion from His people, not merely leftovers or convenience. The meticulousness of the sin offering highlights the pervasive nature and gravity of sin, even unintentional sin, demonstrating that any transgression against a holy God requires a costly and precise act of atonement to restore covenantal relationship. This ritual also served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the seriousness of their covenant relationship with God, the necessity of purity, and the principle that life itself is sacred and belongs to the Creator. Ultimately, the temporary atonement provided by these animal sacrifices, though effective for their time, foreshadowed a more perfect and complete sacrifice, pointing to the ultimate provision for sin that would fully satisfy divine justice.

* [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All the Fat is the Lord's")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Remission")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 4:8, while part of an ancient sacrificial system, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the profound truth of God's unapproachable holiness and the pervasive nature of sin, reminding us that even our "unintentional" failures have consequences and require divine intervention. The dedication of the "best" fat to the Lord challenges us to consider what "best" we are offering to God in our lives today – not just in material possessions, but in our time, talents, affections, and obedience. Are we holding back the choicest parts of ourselves, our passions, our deepest commitments, or are we giving our whole selves, our "inwards" and all that covers them, to Him as a spiritual sacrifice? This verse also deepens our appreciation for the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, unlike the temporary animal offerings, provided a once-for-all atonement that truly deals with all our sins, intentional or unintentional, making us truly clean and acceptable before God. It invites us to live in light of such a costly redemption, offering our lives as a grateful response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to hold back my "best" from God, and how can I cultivate a spirit of complete dedication and surrender?**
* **How does the meticulousness and costliness of the Old Testament sin offering deepen my understanding of the seriousness of sin and the immense, unmerited grace found in Christ's atonement?**
* **How does meditating on the Old Testament sacrifices, like the one in Leviticus 4:8, increase my gratitude for the perfect, complete, and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross?**

### FAQ
**Why was the fat specifically removed and offered to the Lord, and not consumed by the priests or the offerer?**

Answer: The fat, particularly the internal visceral fat (*chelev*), was considered the richest, most vital, and most valuable part of the animal in ancient cultures, symbolizing vitality, prosperity, and the essence of life. In the Israelite sacrificial system, God explicitly claimed this "best" portion for Himself ([Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - All the Fat is the Lord's")), forbidding its consumption by humans ([Leviticus 7:23](/leviticus/7-23 "Leviticus 7:23 - Prohibition of Eating Fat")). This command underscored God's absolute sovereignty, His unique holiness, and His rightful claim to the prime of all things. Burning the fat on the altar produced a "sweet savour" ([Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Savour")) to the Lord, representing a pleasing offering and complete dedication. It also served as a constant reminder that God deserves the prime of all things, and that His people must distinguish themselves by their obedience to His unique commands, setting them apart from surrounding nations who might consume or offer fat differently.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 4:8, with its precise instructions for the sin offering and the dedication of the choicest fat, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The sacrificial bullock, whose fat was meticulously removed and offered as the "best" portion, pointed forward to the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). While the fat symbolized the "best" of the animal, Christ Himself is the perfect and ultimate "best" offering, without blemish or spot ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, a Lamb without Blemish")), embodying divine perfection. He did not just offer a portion of Himself; He offered His entire being, His very life, as a single, perfect sacrifice for all sins, intentional and unintentional ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). Just as the fat was wholly consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God and the consuming nature of divine holiness, so too did Christ fully surrender Himself on the cross, His sacrifice being a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Through His shed blood and perfect obedience, Jesus fulfilled the shadow of the sin offering, providing eternal redemption and cleansing us from all unrighteousness ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")), thereby rendering the repetitive animal sacrifices obsolete and establishing a new and living way to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ's Blood")).

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 3:3

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

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 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 16:25

And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.

Leviticus 3:9

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, [and] the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

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.

John 12:27

¶ Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.