Leviticus 9:20

KJV

And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:

KJV (with Strong's)

And they put {H7760} the fat {H2459} upon the breasts {H2373}, and he burnt {H6999} the fat {H2459} upon the altar {H4196}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They put the fat on the breasts, and he made the fat go up in smoke on the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

and placed these on the breasts. Aaron burned the fat portions on the altar,

American Standard Version

and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 9:20 describes a specific action within the inaugural priestly service of Aaron and his sons, where the fat from the sacrificial animals was placed upon the breasts and then ritually burned upon the altar. This act was a crucial step in the prescribed worship, symbolizing the dedication of the choicest part to God, affirming divine holiness, and demonstrating the priests' meticulous obedience to God's commands for acceptable sacrifice, ultimately leading to God's manifest approval of their ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 9 marks a pivotal transition from the detailed instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons") to their first official acts as priests. Having been purified and ordained, they now perform the prescribed sin offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings for themselves and for the congregation. This chapter is the culmination of the tabernacle's construction and the establishment of its worship system, setting the stage for God's glory to appear to the people, as described in [Leviticus 9:23-24](/leviticus/9-23 "Leviticus 9:23-24 - The Glory of the Lord Appears"). The precise execution of these rituals, including the handling of the fat and breasts in verse 20, underscores the absolute necessity of adherence to divine command, a principle tragically highlighted by the subsequent judgment upon Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - The Death of Nadab and Abihu") for offering unauthorized fire.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite worship, sacrifices were central to maintaining the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The Tabernacle, recently completed and consecrated, served as the dwelling place of God among His people, and the sacrificial system provided the means for atonement, communion, and thanksgiving. The burning of the fat on the altar was a common feature of various offerings, particularly the peace offering (cf. [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering")), where the internal fat was considered the "Lord's food" (cf. [Leviticus 3:11](/leviticus/3-11 "Leviticus 3:11 - The Lord's Food")). This practice was deeply rooted in the understanding that the fat (חֵלֶב, _chelev_), representing the richest and choicest part, belonged exclusively to God and was strictly forbidden for human consumption (cf. [Leviticus 7:23-25](/leviticus/7-23 "Leviticus 7:23-25 - Prohibition on Eating Fat and Blood")). The "breasts" (חָזֶה, _chazeh_) were part of the wave offering, typically designated as a portion for the priests, but even from this priestly share, the fat was separated and offered to God, emphasizing His supreme claim over all aspects of the sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, חֵלֶב _chelev_):** This term refers specifically to the rich, internal suet or fatty portions surrounding the vital organs (kidneys, intestines, liver) of the sacrificial animal, rather than mere adipose tissue or muscle fat. In the Old Testament, _chelev_ was consistently designated as the Lord's portion, symbolizing the best, the richest, and the most vital part of the offering. Its complete combustion on the altar signified the offering of the choicest and most valuable element to God, acknowledging His supreme holiness and worthiness to receive the utmost. It was strictly forbidden for human consumption, reinforcing its sacred status and exclusive reservation for divine use.
* **Burnt (Hebrew, וַיַּקְטֵר _vayyaqṭēr_ from קָטַר _qatar_):** This verb specifically describes the act of causing something to ascend in smoke, particularly in the context of an offering made to God. It is not merely "burning" for destruction, but rather an act of worship designed to produce a "pleasing aroma" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ, _reiach niḥoach_) to the Lord. The ascending smoke symbolized the offering's acceptance by God and the worshiper's communion with Him. In Leviticus 9:20, Aaron, as the chief priest, performs this act, signifying the formal presentation of God's designated portion.
* **Breasts (Hebrew, חָזֶה _chazeh_):** The breast of the sacrificial animal was a specific portion designated for the priests as part of their sustenance from the offerings, particularly from the peace offering (cf. [Leviticus 7:30-31](/leviticus/7-30 "Leviticus 7:30-31 - Priests' Share of the Peace Offering")). In the context of Leviticus 9:20, the fat was placed *upon* the breasts, indicating a precise ritual action where even the portion allocated for the priests was involved in the separation of God's exclusive share, highlighting the meticulousness required in handling sacred things and the overarching principle that God's claim superseded all others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they put the fat upon the breasts":** This clause describes the preparatory action performed by Aaron's sons ("they," referring to the priests assisting Aaron). It signifies the careful separation and placement of the internal fat, which was considered the most valuable part, onto the breasts of the animal. This act underscored the meticulous adherence to divine instructions for handling the sacrificial elements, ensuring that God's portion was distinctly identified even before it was offered. It also highlights the symbolic connection between the priests' portion (the breasts) and God's portion (the fat), demonstrating that even the priests' sustenance was derived from a system ultimately dedicated to God.
* **"and he burnt the fat upon the altar":** This clause describes the climactic act of offering, performed by Aaron ("he," referring to Aaron as the high priest). The fat, now placed on the breasts, was transferred to the altar of burnt offering and consumed by fire. This act of "burning" (causing smoke to ascend) was the formal presentation of God's choicest portion, intended to be a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord. It symbolized the complete dedication of the best to God, an act of worship that affirmed divine ownership and holiness, and was essential for the acceptance of the sacrifice and the establishment of communion between God and His people.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 9:20 is rich in **Symbolism**. The **fat** itself is a powerful symbol, representing the best, the richest, and the most vital part of the animal, thus signifying the offering of supreme value to God. Its exclusive reservation for God underscores His absolute holiness and His right to the choicest. The **altar** functions as a central symbol of divine presence, atonement, and communion, the sacred space where human offerings meet divine acceptance. The act of "burning" (וַיַּקְטֵר, _vayyaqṭēr_) is also symbolic, not merely of destruction, but of an offering ascending to God as a "pleasing aroma," signifying acceptance and the establishment of a relationship. The meticulous **Ritual Precision** described, down to the placement of the fat upon the breasts, serves as a literary device to emphasize the gravity and sanctity of the worship, highlighting that God's commands are to be followed with absolute exactness due to His holy character. This precision also foreshadows the perfect order and execution required for the ultimate sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 9:20 powerfully communicates several enduring theological truths. It underscores the absolute holiness of God, who demands and deserves the very best from His people. The dedication of the fat, the choicest portion, signifies that true worship involves offering our utmost to God, not merely our leftovers. This act also highlights the importance of meticulous obedience in worship, emphasizing that God prescribes the terms of communion, and deviation carries serious consequences. Furthermore, the concept of a "pleasing aroma" ascending to God points to the divine acceptance of the sacrifice, establishing a pattern of atonement and fellowship that would ultimately find its perfect fulfillment in Christ.

* [Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Prohibition of Eating Fat")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Leviticus 9:20 describes an ancient ritual, its underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The burning of the fat on the altar serves as a timeless reminder that our worship and devotion to God should be characterized by offering our "best," not just what is convenient or leftover. This "best" might manifest as our most valuable time, our unique talents, our financial resources, or the deepest affections of our hearts. It calls us to intentionality and wholeheartedness in our spiritual lives, recognizing that a holy God deserves our utmost reverence and dedication. Our obedience is not a means to earn favor, but an expression of love and gratitude for a God who has already given His best for us. Just as the fat was a "sweet savor" to the Lord, so our lives, offered in complete dedication and obedience, can become a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, a true act of spiritual worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "offering the fat" look like in my daily life today?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to offer God less than my "best" or my "choicest portion"?**
* **How does the precision demanded in Old Testament worship inform my approach to intentionality and reverence in my own worship and service?**
* **What does it mean for my life to be a "pleasing aroma" to God, and how can I cultivate that?**

### FAQ

**Why was the fat specifically reserved for God?**

Answer: The fat (חֵלֶב, _chelev_) was considered the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal, symbolizing its very essence and vitality. By reserving it exclusively for God and forbidding its human consumption (as seen in [Leviticus 3:17](/leviticus/3-17 "Prohibition of Eating Fat") and [Leviticus 7:23-25](/leviticus/7-23 "Prohibition on Eating Fat and Blood")), God underscored His absolute holiness, His supreme claim over all creation, and His worthiness to receive the utmost from His people. It was an act of acknowledging divine sovereignty and demonstrating complete dedication.

**What is the significance of "burning" the fat on the altar?**

Answer: The act of "burning" (וַיַּקְטֵר, _vayyaqṭēr_) here is more accurately translated as "causing to ascend in smoke" or "offering by fire." It was not a destructive act but a ritual presentation to God. As the fat ascended in smoke, it was considered a "pleasing aroma" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ, _reiach niḥoach_) to the Lord, signifying His acceptance of the offering and the establishment of communion with the worshiper. The altar itself was the designated place of encounter between God and humanity, where atonement was made and fellowship restored.

**How do the "breasts" fit into this ritual, given they were typically for the priests?**

Answer: The breasts (חָזֶה, _chazeh_) were part of the wave offering, a portion designated for the priests as their sustenance from the sacrifices (cf. [Leviticus 7:30-31](/leviticus/7-30 "Priests' Share of the Peace Offering")). In Leviticus 9:20, the fat was placed *upon* the breasts before being burnt on the altar. This specific action highlights the meticulousness of the ritual and the principle that even the portions designated for the priests were subject to God's prior claim. It demonstrated that God's portion (the fat) was to be separated and offered to Him, even if it was found on or connected to the part that would otherwise go to the priests, reinforcing the sanctity and exclusivity of God's share.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 9:20, with its emphasis on offering the choicest "fat" as a "pleasing aroma" to God, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, including the meticulous burning of the fat on the altar, were but shadows pointing to the superior reality of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. Jesus, as the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself—the "choicest" and most valuable offering imaginable—on the "altar" of the cross. His self-offering was not merely a ritualistic act but a perfect, willing, and complete surrender, a sacrifice of infinite worth that truly ascended to God as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice" (cf. [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Unlike the fat of animals, which could only temporarily cover sin, Christ's blood cleanses completely (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses")). He is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament types, the perfect High Priest and the perfect Sacrifice, whose finished work (cf. [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")) permanently secured access to God and made us acceptable in His sight, transforming our lives into living sacrifices (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")) enabled by His Spirit.

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.