Leviticus 3:11 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest burns the portions on the altar as sustenance for God's presence.
The Context of Leviticus 3:11
The burning of the lamb portions fulfills the offering as divine sustenance.
What Does Leviticus 3:11 Mean?
Calling the burning offering 'the food' of the Lord's fire expressed a remarkable theological concept: the ascending smoke was real nourishment and sustenance for the divine presence dwelling in the sanctuary. This was not primitive superstition but a sophisticated symbolic statement that God 'eats' the worship and devotion of His people.
The priest—as mediator—administered this sacred meal on behalf of the worshiper and the whole community. Fire transformed physical matter into immaterial smoke, a visible bridge between earthly and heavenly.
Leviticus 3:11 in the Original Language
lechem (לֶחֶם), 'bread, food' — here used figuratively for the food/sustenance provided by burning; the smoke itself sustains God's favor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 3:11
What does Leviticus 3:11 mean?
The priest burns the portions on the altar as sustenance for God's presence.
What is the context of Leviticus 3:11?
The burning of the lamb portions fulfills the offering as divine sustenance.