Leviticus 8:21

KJV

And 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he washed {H7364} the inwards {H7130} and the legs {H3767} in water {H4325}; and Moses {H4872} burnt {H6999} the whole ram {H352} upon the altar {H4196}: it was a burnt sacrifice {H5930} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381}, and an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the inner organs and the lower parts of the legs had been washed with water, Moshe made the entire ram go up in smoke on the altar; it was a burnt offering giving a fragrant aroma, an offering made by fire to ADONAI - as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

He washed the entrails and legs with water and burned the entire ram on the altar as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

And he washed the inwards and the legs with water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt-offering for a sweet savor: it was an offering made by fire unto Jehovah; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:21 concludes the meticulous account of the burnt offering for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, detailing the final steps of purification and complete consumption of the ram on the altar. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of ritual purity, total dedication, and precise obedience to divine commands for worship to be acceptable to the LORD. It highlights the offering's divine acceptance, signified by its ascent as "a sweet savour," thereby establishing foundational principles for the newly instituted priesthood and Israel's covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 8:21 is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of Aaron and his sons' consecration, which occupies the entirety of [Leviticus chapter 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). This chapter meticulously records Moses's execution of the divine instructions for priestly ordination first outlined in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"). The ritual sequence begins with the sin offering ([Leviticus 8:14-17](/leviticus/8-14-17 "Leviticus 8:14-17 - The Sin Offering for Aaron and His Sons")), which atoned for the priests' sin, making them ceremonially clean to approach God. Following this, the burnt offering, presented in verses [Leviticus 8:18-21](/leviticus/8-18-21 "Leviticus 8:18-21 - The Burnt Offering for Aaron and His Sons"), symbolizes complete dedication and devotion, distinct from atonement for specific sin. This progression—from cleansing to dedication—establishes the proper order for drawing near to a holy God. The verse immediately precedes the offering of the "ram of ordination" ([Leviticus 8:22-29](/leviticus/8-22-29 "Leviticus 8:22-29 - The Ram of Ordination")), which further consecrated their hands for priestly service. The recurring refrain "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout the chapter, particularly evident here, functions as a powerful literary device emphasizing the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of these sacred rites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons, detailed in Leviticus 8, marked the formal establishment of the Levitical priesthood, a foundational institution for Israel's covenant relationship with God. This event transitioned Israel from a more informal worship structure to a divinely ordained system designed to facilitate their approach to the holy God dwelling among them in the Tabernacle. While animal sacrifice was common in the ancient Near East, Israelite sacrifices, especially the burnt offering (`olah`), were uniquely defined by their theological meaning and precise requirements. The washing of the animal's internal organs and legs before burning was a specific and significant requirement for the burnt offering, symbolizing internal and external purity. This ritualistic cleansing was not merely hygienic but carried profound symbolic weight, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God. The complete burning of the ram symbolized total surrender and dedication, with nothing reserved for human consumption. This act was understood as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, indicating divine acceptance and pleasure in the offering, provided it was performed in precise obedience to His commands. This entire ceremony served to set apart Aaron and his sons as mediators between God and Israel, underscoring the gravity and sanctity of their priestly office.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 8:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that a holy God demands purity from those who approach Him, whether priests or offerings. The meticulous washing of the ram's inwards and legs underscores the need for both internal and external cleansing. Another key theme is **Obedience to Divine Command**, powerfully reinforced by the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses." This highlights that the efficacy and acceptability of worship are predicated not on human ingenuity but on strict adherence to God's revealed will. The verse also speaks to **Total Dedication and Consecration**, as the burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing unreserved surrender to God. Finally, the concept of **Divine Acceptance** is central, conveyed by the "sweet savour" (Hebrew: `reah nichoach`), indicating God's pleasure and satisfaction in the perfectly offered sacrifice. These themes are foundational to understanding Israel's covenant relationship with God and the nature of true worship, echoing principles found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Worship in the Chosen Place") regarding proper worship, and foreshadowing ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **washed (Hebrew, _râchats_):** From H7364, this verb signifies a thorough cleansing, typically with water, to remove impurity. In the context of sacrifices, it emphasizes the necessity of ritual purity for the animal itself, mirroring the internal and external purity required of the offerer and, by extension, the priests being consecrated. It highlights the meticulousness and sanctity required in approaching a holy God.
* **burnt (Hebrew, _qâṭar_):** From H6999, this primitive root means "to smoke" or "to turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)." It refers to the act of burning an offering on the altar, causing the smoke to ascend to God. This term is distinct from verbs meaning "to consume by fire" and emphasizes the act of offering itself, where the entire animal is transformed into an ascending aroma, symbolizing total dedication and communion with the divine.
* **sweet (Hebrew, _nîychôwach_):** From H5207, this word means "restful" or "pleasant," and abstractly, "delight." When combined with "savour" (H7381, _rêyach_, meaning "odor"), the phrase "sweet savour" (or "soothing aroma") is a common expression in the Pentateuch used to describe sacrifices that are acceptable and pleasing to God. It signifies divine acceptance and pleasure in the offering, indicating that the sacrifice, performed in obedience and with the proper heart, has achieved its intended purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he washed the inwards and the legs in water":** This initial action signifies the purification of the sacrificial animal, both internally and externally. The "inwards" (H7130, _qereb_), representing the core and hidden aspects, and the "legs" (H3767, _kârâʻ_), representing one's walk and outward actions, both needed to be cleansed. This symbolically conveyed the need for complete purity—of thought, motive, and deed—in the presence of God, reflecting the holiness required of the priests being consecrated.
* **"and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar":** Moses, acting as the divinely appointed mediator, performs the burning. The "whole ram" (H352, _ʼayil_) being entirely consumed by fire on the "altar" (H4196, _mizbêach_) is characteristic of the burnt offering (H5930, _ʻôlâh_), meaning "that which goes up." This symbolized complete and unreserved dedication, with nothing held back from God. It represented total surrender and devotion of the one offering it, or in this context, the priests being consecrated.
* **"it [was] a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, [and] an offering made by fire unto the LORD":** This clause defines the nature and purpose of the offering. It was a "burnt sacrifice" (`olah`), entirely consumed by fire, and it ascended to God as a "sweet savour" (H5207, _nîychôwach_ and H7381, _rêyach_). This "sweet savour" indicates God's acceptance and pleasure in the offering, signifying that the sacrifice, performed according to His command, was pleasing to Him and achieved its intended purpose of communion and dedication. The phrase "offering made by fire" (H801, _ʼishshâh_) further emphasizes its nature as a sacred offering consumed by fire for God.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This concluding phrase, a recurring motif in [Leviticus chapter 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), underscores the absolute necessity of precise obedience (H6680, _tsâvâh_) to divine revelation (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) in matters of worship and service. It highlights that the efficacy and acceptability of the offering were not based on human ingenuity or preference, but solely on strict adherence to God's explicit instructions. This obedience was foundational for the legitimacy of the newly established priesthood and Tabernacle worship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 8:21, and indeed throughout [Leviticus chapter 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"), is **Repetition**. The phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" serves as a powerful refrain, appearing multiple times within the chapter (e.g., [Leviticus 8:4](/leviticus/8-4 "Leviticus 8:4 - Moses Obeys the Command"), [Leviticus 8:9](/leviticus/8-9 "Leviticus 8:9 - Moses Dresses Aaron"), [Leviticus 8:13](/leviticus/8-13 "Leviticus 8:13 - Moses Dresses Aaron's Sons"), [Leviticus 8:17](/leviticus/8-17 "Leviticus 8:17 - Sin Offering Completed"), [Leviticus 8:29](/leviticus/8-29 "Leviticus 8:29 - Ram of Ordination Completed"), and [Leviticus 8:36](/leviticus/8-36 "Leviticus 8:36 - The Completion of the Consecration")). This insistent repetition emphasizes the divine authority behind the rituals and the paramount importance of strict obedience in all aspects of worship and priestly service. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is pervasive. The act of "washing the inwards and the legs" symbolizes the necessity of internal and external purity before God. The "burning the whole ram" symbolizes complete and unreserved dedication, a total surrender of the worshipper's life to God. Finally, the "sweet savour" symbolizes God's gracious acceptance and pleasure in the perfectly offered sacrifice, indicating that the offering has achieved its desired effect in His sight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 8:21 profoundly illustrates several enduring theological principles: the absolute necessity of holiness and purity in approaching God, the call to complete dedication, the reality of divine acceptance, and the foundational importance of obedience to God's revealed will. The meticulous preparation of the burnt offering, from washing to complete consumption, underscores that true worship is not casual but requires reverence, purity, and total surrender. The "sweet savour" signifies that God delights in offerings made according to His instructions and with a heart of devotion, demonstrating His willingness to accept those who draw near to Him on His terms. This ancient ritual, therefore, lays the groundwork for understanding the nature of acceptable worship and the character of God, who is both holy and gracious.
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Aroma")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Sweet-Smelling Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the burnt offering in Leviticus 8:21, though part of an ancient ritual no longer practiced, offer profound spiritual lessons for believers today. The emphasis on washing reminds us that our approach to God must be marked by purity, not merely external, but an internal cleansing of heart and motive, a work of the Holy Spirit in response to God's Word. The complete burning of the ram calls us to a life of total consecration, holding nothing back from God. Just as the ram was wholly consumed, we are called to offer our entire being—our time, talents, resources, and desires—as a "living sacrifice." This is not a partial surrender but a full, unreserved devotion to His will. Furthermore, the "sweet savour" reminds us that our obedience and sincere devotion are pleasing to God, not because of their inherent merit, but because they reflect a heart yielded to Him, made acceptable through Christ. Our worship and service, therefore, should always be rooted in humble obedience to His commands, recognizing that His ways are perfect and His will is good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be holding back from complete dedication to God, symbolized by the "whole ram" being burnt?**
* **How does the emphasis on "washing" challenge me to pursue greater internal and external purity in my daily walk and worship?**
* **What does it mean for my life to be a "sweet savour" to the Lord, and how can I cultivate a spirit of obedience that pleases Him?**
* **Considering "as the LORD commanded Moses," how diligently do I seek to understand and obey God's specific commands in Scripture for my life and service?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of washing the inwards and legs of the ram?**

Answer: The washing of the inwards (internal organs) and legs of the ram was a crucial part of the preparation for the burnt offering. Symbolically, the inwards represented the hidden thoughts and motives, while the legs represented one's walk and outward actions. This act of cleansing emphasized the necessity of complete purity—both internal and external—for the offering to be acceptable to a holy God. It was not merely for hygiene but carried profound ritual and spiritual significance, underscoring the meticulousness required in approaching the divine. This ritual foreshadows the spiritual cleansing required for all who approach God, made possible through Christ.

**Why was the "whole ram" burnt, unlike some other sacrifices?**

Answer: The burnt offering (`olah`, meaning "that which goes up") was unique among Israelite sacrifices because the entire animal, after its preparation, was consumed by fire on the altar. Unlike sin offerings or peace offerings, where portions might be eaten by priests or the offerer, the burnt offering signified complete and unreserved dedication to God. It symbolized total surrender, devotion, and the worshipper's desire to be wholly consecrated to the LORD, with nothing held back. This complete consumption by fire allowed the offering to ascend entirely to God, representing a total offering of self, a theme echoed in the New Testament call to present our bodies as [living sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices").

**What does "a sweet savour" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "a sweet savour" (Hebrew: `reah nichoach`) describes the offering as being pleasing and acceptable to God. It doesn't imply that God literally smells an odor, but rather that the offering, performed precisely according to His commands and with the right heart, brought Him satisfaction and delight. It signifies divine acceptance of the sacrifice and, by extension, the worshipper. This concept is seen throughout the Old Testament, indicating God's pleasure in acts of obedient worship, as seen in [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Sacrifice") after the flood, and is later applied to Christ's sacrifice in the New Testament, as in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Aroma").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 8:21, with its emphasis on the perfectly prepared and wholly consumed burnt offering as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The washing of the ram's inwards and legs foreshadows Christ's absolute purity, both in His inner being and His outward walk, making Him the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") without blemish or spot ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). Just as the whole ram was burnt, symbolizing complete dedication, Jesus offered Himself entirely on the cross, holding nothing back, a perfect and complete sacrifice of His whole being. His death was not merely an atonement for sin, but an act of perfect obedience and total surrender to the Father's will, a "burnt offering" of unparalleled devotion. This is why His sacrifice is described in the New Testament as "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet-Smelling Aroma")), the ultimate "sweet savour" that perfectly pleased the Father. Unlike the Levitical sacrifices, which had to be repeated, Christ's single offering "perfected forever those who are being sanctified" ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). He fulfilled the requirement of perfect obedience, doing "as the LORD commanded," not just for a ritual, but for the redemption of humanity, establishing a new covenant through His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His 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

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Exodus 29:18

And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Leviticus 1:17

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Genesis 8:21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Leviticus 2:9

And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn [it] upon the altar: [it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.