What number verse is Leviticus 8:20 in the Bible?

Leviticus 8:20 is the 2,938th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Leviticus 8:20 sits at position 2,938.

8:198:19 8:218:21

Leviticus 8:20

“The Burnt Offering”· Leviticus 8:18–21Read in context

King James Version

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

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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.

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

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

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And Moses cut the ram in pieces, and burnt the head with the pieces, and the fat,

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Young's Literal Translation

and the ram he hath cut into its pieces, and Moses maketh perfume with the head, and the pieces, and the fat,

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فارسی · OPV

و قوچ‌ را قطعه‌ قطعه‌ كرد، و موسی‌ سر و قطعه‌ها وچربی‌ را سوزانید.

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Translation

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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. This chapter serves as the direct fulfillment of the divine commands given earlier in Exodus 29, 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), and the burnt offering, signifying their complete devotion to God (Leviticus 8:18-19). 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 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). 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). 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, 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 ʼayil' 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 nâthach' 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 qâṭar' 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 peder' 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). 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 Leviticus 1:6-9 Romans 12:1-2

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). 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?

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). 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). 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?

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). 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). 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). 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; 1 Peter 2:9). 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.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 8:14–30.

1662–1714 · 17 verses

Passage under commentLeviticus 8:14–30

14¶ And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.

15And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

16And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.

17But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the LORD commanded Moses.

18And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

19And he killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

20And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

21And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, and an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

22And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

23And he slew it; and Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

24And he brought Aaron's sons, and Moses put of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

25And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:

26And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that was before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put them on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:

27And he put all upon Aaron's hands, and upon his sons' hands, and waved them for a wave offering before the LORD.

28And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

29And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before the LORD: for of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.

30And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

The covenant of priesthood must be made by sacrifice, as well as other covenants, Psa 50:5. And thus Christ was consecrated by the sacrifice of himself, once for all. Sacrifices of each kind must be offered for the priests, that they might with the more tenderness and concern offer the gifts and sacrifices of the people, with compassion on the ignorant, and on those that were out of the way, not insulting over those for whom sacrifices were offered, remembering that they themselves had had sacrifices offered for them, being compassed with infirmity. 1. A bullock, the largest sacrifice, was offered for a sin-offering (Lev 8:14), that hereby atonement might be made, and they might not bring any of the guilt of the sins of their former state into the new character they were now to put on. When Isaiah was sent to be a prophet, he was told to his comfort, Thy iniquity is taken away, Isa 6:7. Ministers, that are to declare the remission of sins to others, should give diligence to get it made sure to themselves in the first place that their own sins are pardoned. Those to whom is committed the ministry of reconciliation must first be reconciled to God themselves, that they may deal for the souls of others as for their own. 2. A ram was offered for a burnt-offering, Lev 8:18-21. By this they gave to God the glory of this great honour which was now put upon them, and returned him praise for it, as Paul thanked Christ Jesus for putting him into the ministry, Ti1 1:12. They also signified the devoting of themselves and all their services to the honour of God. 3. Another ram, called the ram of consecration, was offered for a peace-offering, Lev 8:22, etc. The blood of it was part put on the priests, on their ears, thumbs, and toes, and part sprinkled upon the altar; and thus he did (as it were) marry them to the altar, upon which they must all their days give attendance. All the ceremonies about this offering, as those before, were appointed by the express command of God; and, if we compare this chapter with Ex. 29, we shall find that the performance of the solemnity exactly agrees with the precept there, and in nothing varies. Here, therefore, as in the account we had of the tabernacle and its vessels, it is again and again repeated, As the Lord commanded Moses. And thus Christ, when he sanctified himself with his own blood, had an eye to his Father's will in it. As the Father gave me commandment so I do, Joh 14:31; Joh 10:18; Joh 6:38.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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