Leviticus 1:9 Meaning and Explanation
“But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be 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 internal organs and legs are washed, then everything burns as a pleasing offering to God.
The Context of Leviticus 1:9
The complete sacrifice, cleansed and whole, is burned as a pleasing gift.
What Does Leviticus 1:9 Mean?
Washing the inward parts—intestines and legs—signifies cleansing before the final burning. Though we do not fully understand why, this ritual detail marks a respect for the offering and an attention to purity. Every element is prepared and perfected before ascending.
The phrase 'sweet savour unto the LORD' is striking—God receives the burned sacrifice as something beautiful and pleasing. The smoke rising from the altar becomes a fragrant gift, a sign that the worshiper's devotion and the animal's life have been accepted.
Leviticus 1:9 in the Original Language
rēaḥ nīḥōaḥ (רֵיח נִיחוֹחַ), 'sweet savour' — lit. a savour of rest or repose; divine pleasure in the offering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 1:9
What does Leviticus 1:9 mean?
The internal organs and legs are washed, then everything burns as a pleasing offering to God.
What is the context of Leviticus 1:9?
The complete sacrifice, cleansed and whole, is burned as a pleasing gift.