Leviticus 3:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the LORD's.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The priest burns the goat's portions on the altar; all fat belongs to God.
The Context of Leviticus 3:16
The goat offering is completed by burning and the fat-law is restated.
What Does Leviticus 3:16 Mean?
The priest, standing as mediator between the human and divine realms, transformed the goat's choicest portions into ascending smoke. The phrase 'for a sweet savour' repeated the earlier promise: God finds pleasure in the sincere devotion of His people, regardless of the animal's size or cost.
The declaration 'all the fat is the LORD's' moved beyond this offering into a broader principle. It established a boundary: the fat from all animals was reserved for God's altar, never for common use or the worshiper's meal. This was the fundamental division between the holy and the ordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leviticus 3:16
What does Leviticus 3:16 mean?
The priest burns the goat's portions on the altar; all fat belongs to God.
What is the context of Leviticus 3:16?
The goat offering is completed by burning and the fat-law is restated.