Leviticus 1:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The bird is split along the wings but kept whole, then burned as a pleasing offering.
The Context of Leviticus 1:17
The bird offering, though not fully dismembered, is entirely burned.
What Does Leviticus 1:17 Mean?
A final curious detail: the bird is split with the wings but not divided into pieces like the larger sacrifices. This preserves its form, its wholeness, even in death. Perhaps the difference respects the bird's nature—too fragile for the complete dismemberment required of cattle and flocks—but the principle remains: the entire offering ascends in flame.
The bird's burning, like all the others, rises as a 'sweet savour unto the LORD.' From the wealthiest to the poorest, from the largest bull to the smallest dove, each offering burns completely and is received with the same divine pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 1:17
What does Leviticus 1:17 mean?
The bird is split along the wings but kept whole, then burned as a pleasing offering.
What is the context of Leviticus 1:17?
The bird offering, though not fully dismembered, is entirely burned.