Leviticus 7:5

KJV

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar [for] an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a trespass offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall burn {H6999} them upon the altar {H4196} for an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}: it is a trespass offering {H817}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen will make them go up in smoke on the altar as an offering made by fire to ADONAI ; it is a guilt offering.

Berean Standard Bible

The priest shall burn them on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD; it is a guilt offering.

American Standard Version

and the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: it is a trespass-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 7:5 meticulously details the priest's sacred duty concerning the trespass offering, specifying that he is to burn the designated portions of the sacrifice upon the altar as a fire offering dedicated to the LORD. This verse underscores the precise ritual requirements for atonement for specific offenses that incurred guilt and often demanded restitution, highlighting God's meticulous instructions for worship, the divine acceptance of the offering, and the indispensable role of the priesthood in mediating reconciliation within the Old Covenant sacrificial system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 7:5 is nested within a larger instructional block (Leviticus 6:8-7:38) that provides comprehensive guidelines for the priests concerning the various offerings previously introduced in Leviticus 1-5. While the earlier chapters generally describe the offerings from the perspective of the worshiper, this section shifts focus to the priestly responsibilities, the distribution of sacrificial portions, and the specific laws governing each type of offering. This particular verse expands upon the regulations for the trespass offering (`asham`), building on its initial introduction in [Leviticus 5:14-19](/leviticus/5-14 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - The Law of the Trespass Offering") and further details regarding offenses against others in [Leviticus 6:1-7](/leviticus/6-1 "Leviticus 6:1-7 - The Trespass Offering for Offenses Against Others"). The immediate preceding verses (Leviticus 7:3-4) delineate which specific fat portions of the trespass offering—the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the two kidneys with their fat, and the lobe of the liver—are to be presented to the LORD, thus setting the precise stage for the priest's burning action described in verse 5.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sacrificial system was the bedrock of Israelite worship and their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. It served as the divinely ordained mechanism for addressing sin, expressing devotion, and maintaining ritual purity and fellowship within the community. The trespass offering (`asham`) held a distinct place, specifically addressing offenses that involved "trespass" against God's holy things or defrauding a neighbor, often necessitating quantifiable restitution in addition to the sacrifice. This reflected a societal structure where both spiritual integrity and social equity were paramount. The act of burning the offering on the altar was not mere disposal but a profound symbolic act: it represented the complete dedication of the sacrifice to God, its transformation into a "pleasing aroma" ascending to Him, and the divine acceptance of the atonement. The priest, as God's designated mediator, played a crucial role in ensuring that every aspect of the offering was performed according to God's precise commands, thereby upholding the sanctity of worship and the purity of the people before a holy God. The altar itself, as described in [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering"), was the consecrated focal point of sacrifice, where the life of the offering was given up and its essence consumed by fire, symbolizing the expiation of guilt.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 7:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that approach to Him requires meticulous adherence to His prescribed rituals, underscoring His absolute distinction from human sin. The verse highlights the theme of **Atonement and Expiation**, demonstrating God's provision for dealing with human sin and guilt through substitutionary sacrifice, allowing for reconciliation. Implicit is the theme of **Priestly Mediation**, as the priest acts as the indispensable intermediary between a holy God and sinful humanity, performing the sacred acts necessary for atonement. Furthermore, the specific nature of the trespass offering reinforces the theme of **Restitution and Justice**, particularly for offenses involving quantifiable loss or damage, illustrating that true repentance often involves making amends to those wronged, not just seeking divine forgiveness. Finally, the "offering made by fire" speaks to the theme of **Divine Acceptance**, as the consumed sacrifice signifies God's reception and approval of the offering and, by extension, the penitent worshiper.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** (H3548) This term refers to one who officiates in sacred rites. In the context of the Old Testament, it denotes an individual from the Aaronic lineage, divinely appointed to mediate between God and humanity by performing sacrifices and other cultic duties. The priest's role was not merely ceremonial but essential for the proper execution of the sacrificial system and the maintenance of the covenant relationship.
* **Burn (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** (H6999) This verb specifically means "to smoke" or "to turn into fragrance by fire," particularly in the context of worship. It implies a sacred act of dedication, where the substance is transformed by fire and its essence ascends as an aroma to God. It is distinct from mere destruction, signifying an offering's acceptance and the communication between the worshiper and the divine.
* **Offering made by fire (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** (H801) This term, used in a liturgical sense, refers to any offering that is consumed by fire on the altar. It underscores the method of presentation to the LORD, signifying that the offering is wholly given over to God and transformed through the sacred flame. It emphasizes the concept of a "food offering" to God, symbolizing His sustenance from the offerings of His people and His acceptance of their devotion and obedience.
* **Trespass offering (Hebrew, _ʼâshâm'_):** (H817) This specific type of sacrifice addresses "guilt" or "culpability," particularly for offenses against God's holy things or against a neighbor, often involving a quantifiable loss or damage. Unlike the general sin offering, the `asham` frequently required restitution of the wronged party plus an additional 20%, highlighting the need for both atonement for the guilt and restoration of what was wrongfully taken or damaged.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall burn them":** This clause emphatically highlights the exclusive and indispensable role of the divinely appointed Aaronic priest in the sacrificial ritual. It was not the offerer, but the authorized priest, who performed the sacred act of burning the designated portions. "Them" refers to the specific fat portions of the trespass offering, as meticulously outlined in the preceding verses (Leviticus 7:3-4), which were considered the LORD's exclusive portion.
* **"upon the altar":** The altar was the consecrated, divinely appointed place of sacrifice, serving as the focal point of atonement, expiation, and communion with God. Burning the offering upon this sacred structure signified its proper presentation to God in the prescribed manner, ensuring its acceptance and efficacy. It functioned as the sacred interface where the human offering met the divine recipient.
* **"[for] an offering made by fire unto the LORD":** This crucial phrase clarifies both the purpose and the ultimate recipient of the burning act. The offering was not for human consumption or disposal, but a sacred gift entirely dedicated to Yahweh, consumed by fire as a symbol of its ascent and acceptance. This underscored God's absolute sovereignty and His inherent right to receive the choicest parts of the offering as a demonstration of the worshiper's devotion and an act of propitiation.
* **"it [is] a trespass offering":** This concluding declaration explicitly identifies the specific type of sacrifice being performed. It serves as a definitive categorization, distinguishing this offering from others and reinforcing its unique purpose of atoning for specific acts of trespass and guilt, particularly those that often required accompanying restitution and compensation.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 7:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and reinforce its significance within the broader sacrificial system. **Ritual Language** is paramount, characterized by precise instructions and technical cultic terms such as "burn," "altar," "offering made by fire," and "trespass offering." This specialized vocabulary defines the sacred actions and objects within the cultic sphere, ensuring the correct and meticulous execution of divine commands, thereby emphasizing the order, holiness, and reverence required in approaching God. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, particularly in the act of "burning" the offering upon the "altar." The fire itself symbolizes divine presence, purification, and the consumption of the sacrifice, representing its complete dedication and transformation into a pleasing aroma for God. The ascending smoke further symbolizes the offering's acceptance and the vital communication between the worshiper and the divine. The very identification "it is a trespass offering" functions as both **Repetition** and **Categorization**, reinforcing the specific nature and distinct purpose of this sacrifice within the intricate sacrificial system, ensuring no ambiguity regarding its unique role in addressing guilt and requiring restitution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 7:5, while detailing an ancient ritual, articulates enduring theological truths concerning the nature of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the absolute holiness of God. The meticulous instructions for burning the trespass offering on the altar underscore the profound seriousness with which God regards sin, especially those offenses that involve guilt and demand restitution. It powerfully highlights the principle that sin creates a debt—both to God and frequently to others—that cannot be ignored but must be addressed through a divinely appointed means of atonement. The act of burning signifies God's gracious acceptance of the offering as a substitute, a sacred means by which the guilt of the offerer is transferred, dealt with, and expiated, thereby restoring fellowship. This intricate process profoundly foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully and finally deal with all sin and guilt for all time.

* [Leviticus 5:16](/leviticus/5-16 "Leviticus 5:16 - Restitution for Trespass")
* [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Suffering Servant as a Guilt Offering")
* [Matthew 5:23-24](/matthew/5-23-24 "Matthew 5:23-24 - Reconciliation Before Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical burning of animal sacrifices has been superseded and fulfilled by the coming of Christ, the profound spiritual and ethical principles embedded in Leviticus 7:5 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a potent reminder that sin, particularly when it involves wrongdoing against others or the misappropriation of what rightfully belongs to God, carries a tangible weight of guilt that demands intentional and earnest dealing. It challenges us to acknowledge the gravity of our trespasses, urging us not to trivialize them, and to recognize that genuine repentance often involves not only seeking God's forgiveness but also, where humanly possible, actively making amends and offering restitution to those we have wronged. Just as the priest mediated the offering on the altar, we are called to bring our brokenness, our guilt, and our sins before God through our perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. The "offering made by fire" symbolizes a complete surrender and dedication to God; similarly, our lives are to be living sacrifices, wholly devoted to Him in gratitude for His ultimate atonement. This passage encourages us to cultivate a conscience keenly sensitive to guilt and to actively pursue reconciliation and restitution as a tangible outflow of genuine repentance and faith in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be carrying unaddressed guilt, particularly related to wrongs committed against God or against others?**
* **How does the detailed and demanding nature of the trespass offering challenge my contemporary understanding of the seriousness and consequences of sin?**
* **What practical and concrete steps can I take to make restitution or seek reconciliation where I have wronged someone, embodying the spirit of the `asham` in a New Covenant context?**
* **How does understanding the priest's indispensable role in this verse deepen my appreciation for Jesus Christ as my ultimate and perfect High Priest?**

### FAQ
**How is the trespass offering different from the sin offering?**

Answer: While both the trespass offering (`asham`) and the sin offering (`ḥaṭṭāʾt`) addressed the issue of sin, their primary distinctions lay in the nature of the offense and the required response. The sin offering typically addressed unintentional sins that violated God's commands, often concerning ritual impurity or general moral failings, and did not necessarily involve a quantifiable loss to God or another person. Its primary purpose was to cleanse from impurity and atone for sin in a broad sense. In contrast, the trespass offering (Leviticus 7:5) specifically addressed offenses that involved a breach of trust, misappropriation of God's holy things, or defrauding a neighbor, where a measurable loss or damage had occurred (see [Leviticus 5:14-19](/leviticus/5-14 "Leviticus 5:14-19 - The Law of the Trespass Offering") and [Leviticus 6:1-7](/leviticus/6-1-7 "Leviticus 6:1-7 - The Trespass Offering for Offenses Against Others")). A key and distinctive feature of the trespass offering was the explicit requirement for restitution—returning what was taken or damaged, plus an additional 20%—in addition to the sacrifice itself, emphasizing the importance of making amends and restoring what was owed to the wronged party.

**Why was it necessary for the priest to burn the offering upon the altar?**

Answer: The priest's role in burning the offering upon the altar was absolutely critical for several profound theological and practical reasons within the Israelite sacrificial system. Firstly, the priest acted as God's divinely appointed mediator, ensuring that the sacrifice was performed precisely according to divine command, thereby maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of the ritual. Burning the offering, specifically the fat portions, on the altar signified its complete dedication and transfer to the LORD. The ascending smoke symbolized the offering's ascent to God, indicating divine acceptance and acting as a "pleasing aroma" (as seen in [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Sacrifice and God's Acceptance") after the flood). The altar itself was the consecrated, sacred place where atonement was made, a holy space where the life of the animal was given in exchange for the life of the offerer, symbolizing the taking away of guilt and the expiation of sin. This act was not merely a means of disposal but a deeply sacred act of communion, expiation, and propitiation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 7:5, with its profound focus on the priest burning the trespass offering upon the altar for atonement, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a participant in the Old Covenant sacrificial system but its very culmination, perfection, and replacement. As our Great High Priest, Jesus did not merely offer an animal; He offered Himself, "through the eternal Spirit" (as described in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), becoming simultaneously both the perfect priest and the spotless, once-for-all sacrifice. The "burning" on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, transformation, and the ascent of the offering to God, is powerfully fulfilled in Christ's willing surrender to death on the cross, which was a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (as highlighted in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Just as the trespass offering addressed specific guilt and often required restitution for wrongs, Jesus' sacrifice fully atones for all our trespasses against God's holiness and against others, making complete and perfect restitution for our spiritual debt. He "himself bore our sins in his body on the tree" (as proclaimed in [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bearing Our Sins")), paying the full penalty and reconciling us completely to God. Through His one perfect sacrifice, Jesus has forever dealt with the guilt of sin, rendering the Levitical trespass offering obsolete, yet revealing its deep typological purpose in His redemptive work.

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 2:2

And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, [to be] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:

Leviticus 2:16

And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, [part] of the beaten corn thereof, and [part] of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: [it is] 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.

1 Peter 4:1

¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

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 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.