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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 3 - Verse 16

3:16
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.

Meaning

When the verse states "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," it is referring to the practice of offering sacrifices to the Lord in the Old Testament. In this verse, the priest is instructed to burn the fat of the animal offering on the altar as a sweet aroma to the Lord. The burning of the fat symbolizes the dedication and surrender of the best portion of the sacrifice to God. In ancient times, fat was considered the choicest part of the animal and by offering it to the Lord, the people were showing their reverence and gratitude towards Him. The emphasis on giving the fat to the Lord underscored the idea that everything belonged to Him and that he deserved the best of what people had to offer. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of giving our best to God and recognizing that all good things come from Him.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Leviticus 3:16, the theological interpretation revolves around the concept of sacrifice and the significance of the offerings made to the Lord. The act of burning the sacrifice upon the altar symbolizes the consecration of the offering to God, signifying the surrender of the giver to the divine will. The phrase "food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour" underscores the pleasing nature of the sacrifice to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of offering one's best to God with a pure heart. The mention of "all the fat is the LORD'S" highlights the idea of giving the best portion of one's possession to God as an act of reverence and obedience. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrificial giving and the need to honor God with the first fruits of one's labor, reflecting a spirit of gratitude and devotion towards the Almighty.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a sweet savor; all the fat is Jehovah's.
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