Leviticus 8:20

KJV

And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he cut {H5408} the ram {H352} into pieces {H5409}; and Moses {H4872} burnt {H6999} the head {H7218}, and the pieces {H5409}, and the fat {H6309}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the ram had been cut in pieces, Moshe made the head, the pieces and the fat go up in smoke.

Berean Standard Bible

He cut the ram into pieces and burned the head, the pieces, and the fat.

American Standard Version

And he cut the ram into its pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:20 meticulously details a specific action within the elaborate ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests. Following precise divine instructions, Moses dismembers the "ram of consecration" and then burns its head, the cut pieces, and the fat upon the altar. This act is a critical and symbolic component of a multi-stage ritual, signifying the complete dedication, sanctification, and purification required for those entering into the sacred office of the priesthood, emphasizing their total surrender to God's service and the holiness demanded for ministry in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 8:20 is deeply embedded within the meticulously detailed account of the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, a narrative that spans the entirety of [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). This chapter serves as the direct fulfillment of the divine commands given earlier in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Ordination of Priests"), establishing the foundational rituals for Israel's priestly service. Prior to this verse, Moses has already performed the sin offering for Aaron and his sons, which cleansed them from impurity ([Leviticus 8:14-17](/leviticus/8-14-17 "Leviticus 8:14-17 - The Sin Offering for Priestly Consecration")), and the burnt offering, signifying their complete devotion to God ([Leviticus 8:18-19](/leviticus/8-18-19 "Leviticus 8:18-19 - The Burnt Offering for Priestly Consecration")). The ram in this verse is specifically the "ram of consecration" (also known as the ordination offering), distinct from the previous offerings. Its unique handling, including the precise cutting and burning of specific parts, highlights its particular purpose in setting apart the priests for their holy office. The subsequent verses in [Leviticus 8:21-29](/leviticus/8-21-29 "Leviticus 8:21-29 - The Ram of Consecration and Anointing") describe the anointing of Aaron and his sons with the blood of this ram, the sprinkling of oil, and the waving of specific portions, further emphasizing the comprehensive and multi-faceted nature of their sanctification and the transfer of priestly authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ordination of priests in ancient Israel was a pivotal event for the newly formed covenant community, occurring after their deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the construction of the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God's presence. This elaborate ceremony, performed by Moses as God's appointed mediator, was far more than a mere formal appointment; it was a profound ritual of purification, dedication, and divine empowerment. While sacrificial rituals were common in the ancient Near East, Israel's system, divinely revealed, stood apart in its meticulousness, its ethical demands, and its unwavering emphasis on holiness and purity. The act of burning specific portions of the sacrifice on the altar signified an offering made directly to God, often producing a "pleasing aroma" that symbolized divine acceptance and communion, as seen in the general instructions for burnt offerings ([Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Pleasing Aroma")). The "fat" was universally considered the best and most vital part of the animal, and its reservation exclusively for the Lord symbolized His absolute right to the choicest offerings and the worshiper's complete dedication ([Leviticus 3:16-17](/leviticus/3-16-17 "Leviticus 3:16-17 - The Fat for the Lord")). The entire seven-day ceremony underscored the absolute necessity of divine appointment, ritual purity, and total consecration for anyone serving in God's holy presence, establishing a clear and unbreachable distinction between the holy and the common.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God is utterly holy and demands holiness from those who approach Him, especially those who serve as mediators. The meticulous rituals of cutting and burning underscore the theme of **Total Consecration and Dedication**, signifying that the priests were to be completely set apart for God's service, holding nothing back. This act also highlights the theme of **Divine Appointment and Authority**, as Moses, acting under God's direct command, performs the ritual, establishing the legitimacy of the Aaronic priesthood. Furthermore, the precise instructions and their faithful execution reinforce the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, demonstrating that worship and service must be conducted exactly as God prescribes, not according to human preference. Finally, the burning of the offering as a "pleasing aroma" subtly touches upon the theme of **Divine Acceptance and Atonement**, foreshadowing the ultimate perfect sacrifice that would truly make humanity acceptable to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ram (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** From H352, this word refers to a male sheep, specifically one known for its strength. In the context of sacrifice, the ram was a significant animal, often used for burnt offerings and peace offerings, symbolizing strength, leadership, and a valuable offering. Here, it is the "ram of consecration," signifying its unique role in setting apart Aaron and his sons for their powerful and vital priestly office.
* **Cut (Hebrew, _nâthach'_):** From H5408, this primitive root means "to dismember," "to cut in pieces," or "to divide." In the context of sacrifice, this is not a haphazard act but a precise, methodical dissection of the animal. It signifies the thorough preparation of the offering according to divine specifications, ensuring that every designated part is ready for presentation. This deliberate act implies a complete yielding and examination of the offering, leaving nothing hidden or unoffered.
* **Burnt (Hebrew, _qâṭar'_):** From H6999, this primitive root specifically means "to smoke," or "to turn into fragrance by fire," especially as an act of worship. This term is distinct from a general burning (like _śāraph_). The use of _qâṭar_ here emphasizes that the burning is intended to produce a smoke that ascends to God as an acceptable offering, signifying divine acceptance, communion, and the pleasing aroma of devotion, rather than mere destruction or consumption.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _peder'_):** From H6309, this word refers to suet or the internal fat of an animal. Throughout Leviticus, the fat of sacrificial animals is consistently designated as belonging exclusively to the Lord and must be burned on the altar ([Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Fat is the Lord's")). This prohibition against eating the fat underscored God's claim to the very best, richest, and most vital part of the offering, symbolizing His preeminence and the worshiper's complete dedication. Its burning produced a rich smoke, contributing to the "pleasing aroma" to the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cut the ram into pieces;":** This initial clause describes Moses' precise action of dismembering the ram of consecration. This was a standard procedure for burnt offerings and specific peace offerings, ensuring that the entire animal (or designated parts) could be thoroughly consumed by fire on the altar. The act of cutting symbolizes the complete surrender of the animal, representing the total dedication of those being consecrated, leaving no part unexamined or unoffered.
* **"and Moses burnt the head,":** Following the dismemberment, Moses specifically burns the head of the ram. The head, often representing the mind, intellect, leadership, and direction, was among the first parts to be offered. Its burning signifies that the intellect, thoughts, and capacity for guidance of the priests were to be fully consecrated to God, indicating that their every decision and thought process should be submitted to divine will.
* **"and the pieces,":** This refers to the various dismembered parts of the ram (the trunk, limbs, internal organs, etc.) that had been cut up. Burning these "pieces" emphasizes the offering of the entire physical being of the ram, symbolizing the complete bodily dedication and active service of the priests to their holy office. Nothing was held back; the whole physical existence and capacity for action were presented to God.
* **"and the fat.":** As previously noted, the fat was considered the richest, choicest, and most vital part of the animal. Its inclusion in the burning signifies the offering of the very best, the essence, and the innermost vitality of the ram to God. This symbolizes that the priests were to dedicate their innermost being, their strength, their most precious abilities, and their deepest affections entirely to the Lord, holding back nothing of their core identity or potential.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Precision** and **detail** are paramount, evident in the meticulous listing of the actions ("cut," "burnt") and the specific parts to be offered ("the head, and the pieces, and the fat"). This exactitude underscores the divine origin of the commands and the absolute necessity of strict obedience in worship, leaving no room for human improvisation or partial commitment. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded throughout; the ram itself symbolizes the priests being consecrated, and its complete offering represents their total dedication. The act of "cutting into pieces" and the burning of specific parts represent the comprehensive purification, surrender, and setting apart of the priests for God's service. The "fat," in particular, serves as a powerful symbol of the best, the innermost vitality, and the choicest essence, signifying that only the most excellent and vital aspects of one's life and service are acceptable to the holy God. The **repetition** of the concept of "pieces" (first as the action of cutting, then as the parts themselves) further emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the offering, reinforcing that every aspect of the consecrated individual is to be given to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 8:20 powerfully illustrates the themes of total consecration, the absolute holiness of God, and the indispensable necessity of meticulous obedience in approaching Him. The dismemberment and burning of the ram symbolize a complete surrender and dedication, signifying that those entering God's service must hold nothing back—their intellect, their actions, and their innermost being are all to be wholly given. This act underscores God's unwavering demand for absolute holiness and purity from those who minister in His presence, demonstrating that He is not only concerned with *what* is offered but also *how* it is offered, down to the smallest detail. Moses' mediatorial role in performing this act highlights the nature of the Old Covenant, where a divinely appointed figure facilitated the people's approach to God. This ritual, while specific to the Aaronic priesthood, foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully consecrate a new priesthood and establish a new, direct way of approaching God for all believers.

* [Exodus 29:16-18](/exodus/29-16-18 "Instructions for the Burnt Offering of Consecration")
* [Leviticus 1:6-9](/leviticus/1-6-9 "Preparation and Burning of the Burnt Offering")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Living Sacrifices and Transformed Minds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual described in Leviticus 8:20, while specific to the Old Covenant priesthood, offers profound and enduring principles for believers today, especially concerning the nature of our consecration to God. It calls us to deeply consider the depth and totality of our own dedication. Just as the ram was completely given over, meticulously cut into pieces, and consumed by fire on the altar, so too are we called to present our entire lives—our minds (symbolized by the head), our actions and physical being (the pieces), and our innermost vitality and best efforts (the fat)—as a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," which is our true and proper worship ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")). This passage reminds us that serving God is not a casual or partial endeavor but requires intentional, thorough, and wholehearted dedication, leaving no part of our lives unsubmitted to His purifying and sanctifying work. It challenges us to examine any areas of our lives that we might be holding back from God's transforming fire and His sovereign purpose. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of the divine command speaks to the importance of obedience to God's revealed will, urging us not to rely on our own preferences, shortcuts, or convenience when it comes to worship, service, and living out our faith. Our dedication should reflect the holiness of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I holding back from complete consecration to God, perhaps akin to "pieces" or "fat" that have not been fully offered?**
* **How does the precision and thoroughness of Moses' actions in this ritual challenge my own approach to obedience and worship in my daily life, prompting greater intentionality?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to be a "living sacrifice" in light of the comprehensive and unreserved nature of the ram's offering in this passage, and how can I embody this more fully?**

### FAQ

**Why was the ram cut into pieces before being burnt?**

Answer: The cutting of the ram into pieces, or dismemberment, was a standard and divinely prescribed procedure for many Old Testament sacrifices, particularly burnt offerings like the one described here. This practice served several crucial purposes. First, it allowed for a thorough inspection of the animal, ensuring it was without blemish, as required by God for an acceptable offering ([Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Burnt Offering Must Be Without Blemish")). Second, it facilitated the complete consumption of the offering by fire on the altar, ensuring that the entire designated portion ascended as a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord ([Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Pleasing Aroma")). The act of dismemberment also carried deep symbolic meaning, representing the complete surrender and dedication of the offering, signifying that every part of the consecrated priests was to be given over to God's service.

**What is the significance of burning the "head" and the "fat" specifically?**

Answer: The burning of specific parts of the sacrificial animal held profound symbolic meaning within the Levitical system. The "head" (Hebrew _rôʼsh_) often represents leadership, thought, and direction. Its burning signifies that the priests' minds, intellect, and capacity for guidance were to be fully consecrated to God, indicating that their every thought and decision should be submitted to divine will. The "fat" (Hebrew _peder_) was considered the richest, choicest, and most vital part of the animal, representing its best and most essential essence. Throughout the Levitical law, the fat was exclusively reserved for the Lord and was never to be eaten by humans ([Leviticus 3:16-17](/leviticus/3-16-17 "Leviticus 3:16-17 - The Fat is the Lord's")). Burning the fat symbolized offering the very best, the innermost vitality, and the most precious aspects of the priests' lives and service entirely to God. Together, these specific parts emphasize the holistic and complete nature of the consecration, encompassing both intellect and inner being, ensuring nothing was withheld from the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 8:20, with its meticulous details of the ram's dismemberment and burning, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "ram of consecration" serves as a powerful Old Testament type foreshadowing Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, whose singular offering truly consecrates us to God. Just as the ram was "cut into pieces," Jesus' body was broken and His life poured out on the cross, a complete and total offering for sin, bearing our transgressions and making us whole ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Transgressions")). The burning of the head, pieces, and fat, signifying complete dedication and a pleasing aroma to God, points directly to Christ's perfect obedience and His unblemished sacrifice, which was utterly acceptable to the Father, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")). Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices which had to be repeated continually, Christ's single, definitive sacrifice accomplished eternal redemption and truly consecrated all who believe, granting them direct access to God's presence and making them a holy priesthood ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice and Its Perfection"); [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). He is the true Mediator, not merely performing a ritual, but embodying the perfect, once-for-all offering that makes us holy, righteous, and eternally acceptable in God's sight.

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 1:8

And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that [is] on the fire which [is] upon the altar: