Leviticus 6:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fire {H784} upon the altar {H4196} shall be burning {H3344} in it; it shall not be put out {H3518}: and the priest {H3548} shall burn {H1197} wood {H6086} on it every morning {H1242}, and lay the burnt offering {H5930} in order {H6186} upon it; and he shall burn {H6999} thereon the fat {H2459} of the peace offerings {H8002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In this way, the fire on the altar will be kept burning and not be allowed to go out. Each morning, the cohen is to kindle wood on it, arrange the burnt offering and make the fat of the peace offerings go up in smoke.

Berean Standard Bible

The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:12 provides precise instructions for the perpetual maintenance of the sacred fire on the bronze altar within the Tabernacle. This verse underscores the non-negotiable requirement for the fire to burn continuously, detailing the priestly duties of adding wood each morning, arranging the daily burnt offering upon it, and burning the fat of the peace offerings. It highlights the centrality of this unceasing flame to Israelite worship, symbolizing God's enduring presence, the continuity of atonement, and the diligent responsibility of those serving in His holy sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:12 is situated within a larger section (Leviticus 6:8-7:38) that elaborates on the specific laws and priestly duties concerning the various offerings, building upon the initial descriptions of the offerings themselves in Leviticus 1-5. Specifically, this verse immediately follows the detailed regulations for the burnt offering (`'olah`) in [Leviticus 6:8-13](/leviticus/6-8 "Leviticus 6:8-13 - Law of the Burnt Offering"), which emphasize its complete consumption by fire. The preceding verses establish the altar's significance as the primary location for sacrificial atonement, and verse 12 serves as a crucial addendum, ensuring the operational readiness and sanctity of the altar's fire at all times. It transitions from the nature of the offering to the perpetual care required for the sacrificial system to function.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Leviticus 6:12 were given to Moses at Mount Sinai, establishing the foundational practices for the Tabernacle worship, which would serve as God's dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and beyond. The bronze altar, positioned at the entrance to the Tabernacle courtyard, was the focal point of all sacrificial activity. The fire upon this altar was not merely for practical purposes; it was considered divinely ignited, having originally come forth from the Lord's presence (as recorded in [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the Lord")). This divine origin imbued the fire with profound holiness, making its perpetual burning a visible sign of God's constant presence, His acceptance of Israel's worship, and the uninterrupted availability of atonement. The command for the fire "not be put out" distinguished Israel's worship from pagan practices, where fires might be lit and extinguished at will, emphasizing the unique, covenantal relationship between Yahweh and His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fire (Hebrew, _'esh'_):** The term "fire" (אֵשׁ, _'esh'_) here refers to the sacred flame upon the bronze altar. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fire often symbolized divine presence, purification, and judgment. In the Israelite context, particularly in the Tabernacle, this fire was unique because it was initiated by God Himself ([Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the Lord")), making it a direct manifestation of His holiness and acceptance. Its perpetual burning signified God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His constant availability to His people through the prescribed means of atonement.
* **Not be put out (Hebrew, _lo tikbeh'_):** The phrase "it shall not be put out" (לֹא תִכְבֶּה, _lo tikbeh_) is a strong negative command, emphasizing the absolute and continuous nature of this requirement. The verb _kāvâ_ (כָּבָה) means "to be quenched" or "extinguished." Its use here highlights the critical importance of the fire's perpetual burning, underscoring that any cessation would signify a breach in the divine-human relationship, a failure in priestly duty, or a disruption in the means of atonement. It speaks to the unwavering nature of God's demand for continuous worship and access.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _'olah'_):** The "burnt offering" (עֹלָה, _'olah'_) literally means "that which ascends" or "goes up." This sacrifice was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with its smoke ascending to God as a "pleasing aroma" ([Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Pleasing Aroma")). It symbolized complete dedication, atonement for general sin, and the worshiper's total surrender to God. Its daily placement on the perpetually burning fire reinforced the idea of continuous atonement and the ongoing need for reconciliation with a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it":** This opening clause establishes the central command: the sacred fire, divinely initiated and sustained, must remain continuously active on the altar of burnt offering. It is not merely a practical tool but a holy entity, intrinsically linked to God's presence and the efficacy of the sacrificial system.
* **"it shall not be put out":** This emphatic negative command reiterates and strengthens the previous statement, underscoring the absolute necessity of the fire's perpetual nature. It signifies that the means of access to God and the ongoing process of atonement must never cease or be interrupted, highlighting the priests' solemn responsibility to maintain this divine flame without fail.
* **"and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning":** This specifies the practical duty of the priests. "Every morning" (בַּבֹּקֶר בַּבֹּקֶר, _babbōqer babbōqer_) indicates a daily, consistent, and diligent effort required to fuel the fire. This highlights the human responsibility in maintaining the divine ordinance and the necessity of regular, disciplined service in God's presence.
* **"and lay the burnt offering in order upon it":** This command dictates the proper arrangement of the daily burnt offering on the altar. The phrase "in order" (עֵרֶךְ, _'erek_) implies a prescribed, precise, and reverent placement, emphasizing the importance of orderliness and intentionality in approaching a holy God. Worship was not to be haphazard but structured according to divine instruction.
* **"and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings."** This final clause adds another specific duty: the burning of the fat portions from the peace offerings. The fat was considered the best part and was offered to God as His portion, symbolizing the worshiper's devotion and the fellowship enjoyed with God in the peace offering. Its consumption by the perpetual fire further integrates all aspects of the sacrificial system into the continuous operation of the altar.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:12 employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the double emphasis on the fire's perpetual nature ("shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out"), which serves to underscore the absolute criticality of this command. This creates a sense of unwavering divine expectation. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the fire itself serving as a rich symbol of God's enduring presence, His consuming holiness, and the continuous nature of atonement. The act of "burning wood every morning" and "laying the burnt offering in order" also symbolizes the consistent human effort, diligence, and reverence required in worship. The language is highly **prescriptive**, using direct commands ("shall be burning," "shall not be put out," "shall burn," "shall lay"), which reflects the legal and instructional nature of the Levitical text, emphasizing divine authority and the non-negotiable character of these laws for the priests.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:12 profoundly illustrates the intersection of divine command and human responsibility in the context of sacred worship. The perpetual fire on the altar was a tangible symbol of God's unceasing presence among His people, a constant reminder that He was accessible through the prescribed means of atonement. It underscored the vital truth that the relationship between God and Israel, though initiated by divine grace, required ongoing human diligence and obedience. The daily tending of the fire and the orderly presentation of sacrifices highlighted the need for consistent, intentional, and reverent engagement with God, ensuring that the pathway for reconciliation and fellowship remained open. This continuity of worship and atonement was foundational to Israel's covenant identity, reflecting God's holy character and His demand for a people set apart for Him.

* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Daily Burnt Offering")
* [Numbers 28:3-6](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3-6 - Daily Offerings")
* [Hebrews 7:23-25](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-25 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical altar and animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant have been fulfilled and superseded by Christ's perfect sacrifice, the principles embedded in Leviticus 6:12 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The command for the fire to "not be put out" serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual fervor and devotion that should characterize our relationship with God. Just as the priests diligently tended the physical flame, we are called to actively nurture our spiritual passion, ensuring that our love for God does not wane. This involves a conscious commitment to daily spiritual disciplines—prayer, diligent study of God's Word, and heartfelt worship—which serve as the "wood" that fuels our spiritual fire. Furthermore, the perpetual nature of the fire points to the continuous indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within believers, whom we are exhorted not to "quench" ([1_thessalonians/5-19](/1_thessalonians/5-19 "1 Thessalonians 5:19 - Do Not Quench the Spirit")) but rather to fan into flame ([2_timothy/1-6](/2_timothy/1-6 "2 Timothy 1:6 - Fan into Flame")). Our lives, offered as "living sacrifices" ([romans/12-1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), become a continuous act of worship, maintained by intentional devotion and the empowering presence of the Spirit, ensuring our ongoing fellowship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "add wood" to my spiritual fire each morning, ensuring my devotion to God does not diminish?**
* **How does the concept of a "perpetual fire" challenge me to maintain consistency and diligence in my spiritual disciplines?**
* **What does it mean for me to "lay my burnt offering in order" in my daily life, reflecting intentionality and reverence in my walk with God?**
* **How can I be more mindful of the Holy Spirit's indwelling "fire" and avoid quenching His presence in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the fire on the altar to burn perpetually?**

Answer: The perpetual burning of the altar fire was critically important for several theological and practical reasons. Theologically, it symbolized God's constant presence among His people and His unwavering acceptance of their worship. The fire was originally ignited by God Himself ([Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the Lord")), making its continuity a visible sign of divine favor and the unbroken covenant relationship. Practically, it ensured that the altar was always ready for sacrifices, signifying the continuous availability of atonement and access to God. It also underscored the priests' constant vigilance and diligence in their sacred duties, emphasizing that worship and reconciliation were ongoing, not intermittent, processes.

**What does "laying the burnt offering in order" imply?**

Answer: "Laying the burnt offering in order" (Hebrew: _'erek_) implies a very specific, prescribed, and reverent arrangement of the sacrifice on the altar. This was not a haphazard act but a meticulous ritual, likely involving the precise placement of the animal's parts after it had been prepared according to the instructions in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"). This detail highlights the importance of precision, reverence, and obedience in approaching a holy God. It signifies that worship is to be conducted with intentionality, discipline, and according to divine standards, reflecting God's own orderly and holy character. It speaks to the seriousness with which God's commands for worship were to be taken.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:12, with its emphasis on the perpetual fire and continuous sacrifice, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament altar fire, though divinely initiated and maintained, was a shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While the priests diligently tended a physical fire and offered daily sacrifices, Christ's sacrifice on the cross was so complete and efficacious that it established a new and living way to God, making the need for repetitive animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). The "fire" of God's presence and acceptance, once confined to the Tabernacle altar, now indwells every believer through the Holy Spirit, who is given without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Spirit Without Measure")). We are no longer required to fuel a physical flame, for Christ's perfect offering has perpetually satisfied God's righteous demands. Instead, we are called to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), empowered by the Spirit who keeps the "fire" of our spiritual passion burning, enabling us to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The continuity of atonement and access to God, foreshadowed by the perpetual altar fire, is now eternally secured in our [High Priest, who lives forever to intercede for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor").

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 9:24

And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

Exodus 29:38

¶ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

Exodus 29:42

[This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

Nehemiah 13:31

And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

Leviticus 3:14

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

Leviticus 3:16

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD'S.

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,