Leviticus 1:17 - He shall tear it by its wings, but shall not divide it apart. The priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.
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What does "Leviticus 1:17" mean?
This verse describes the final step in the offering of a bird as a burnt offering, as outlined in Leviticus 1:14-17. Let's break down its meaning:
"He shall tear it by its wings...": This refers to the priest tearing the bird open at the wings. This was a method of preparing the bird for sacrifice. It wasn't a precise division but rather a ripping or tearing open.
"...but shall not divide it apart.": This is crucial. While the bird is torn open, it's not completely separated into pieces. It remains essentially a whole offering. This emphasis on wholeness may symbolize the complete dedication and submission of the offering to God.
"The priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire.": This is the central act of the sacrifice. The prepared bird is placed on the altar, on top of wood that is already burning. This signifies that the entire offering is being consumed by the fire, representing its complete transfer to God.
"It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.": This is the purpose and nature of the offering.
"Burnt offering": The entire offering is burned, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement.
"Offering made by fire": Fire is the means of transferring the offering to God.
"Pleasant aroma to Yahweh": This phrase indicates that the offering is pleasing to God. It doesn't necessarily imply a literal smell, but rather that the offering, given in faith and obedience, is accepted by God.
In summary, the verse describes the specific way a bird should be prepared and offered as a burnt offering. The bird is torn open, but not completely divided, and then burned completely on the altar. This act of offering is considered a pleasing sacrifice to God, representing complete dedication and atonement.
Symbolic Interpretations:
While the literal act is important, it's also useful to consider potential symbolic interpretations:
Humility and simplicity: Offering a bird, rather than a larger animal, was a less costly and more accessible form of sacrifice, perhaps available to those who were poor.
Completeness: The bird not being fully divided underscores the complete dedication required in offering a sacrifice. Even when torn open, the essence of the offering remained whole.
Atonement: Burnt offerings were often made for atonement for sins. The burning of the offering symbolized the cleansing and purification that came through sacrifice.
Context is Key:
It's essential to read this verse in the context of the entire chapter of Leviticus 1 and the broader context of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. Understanding the purpose and significance of the burnt offering within that system will give you a deeper appreciation for the meaning of this particular verse.
Leviticus 1:17 - He shall tear it by its wings, but shall not divide it apart. The priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.
What does "Leviticus 1:17" mean?
This verse describes the final step in the offering of a bird as a burnt offering, as outlined in Leviticus 1:14-17. Let's break down its meaning:
"He shall tear it by its wings...": This refers to the priest tearing the bird open at the wings. This was a method of preparing the bird for sacrifice. It wasn't a precise division but rather a ripping or tearing open.
"...but shall not divide it apart.": This is crucial. While the bird is torn open, it's not completely separated into pieces. It remains essentially a whole offering. This emphasis on wholeness may symbolize the complete dedication and submission of the offering to God.
"The priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire.": This is the central act of the sacrifice. The prepared bird is placed on the altar, on top of wood that is already burning. This signifies that the entire offering is being consumed by the fire, representing its complete transfer to God.
"It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.": This is the purpose and nature of the offering.
"Burnt offering": The entire offering is burned, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement.
"Offering made by fire": Fire is the means of transferring the offering to God.
"Pleasant aroma to Yahweh": This phrase indicates that the offering is pleasing to God. It doesn't necessarily imply a literal smell, but rather that the offering, given in faith and obedience, is accepted by God.
In summary, the verse describes the specific way a bird should be prepared and offered as a burnt offering. The bird is torn open, but not completely divided, and then burned completely on the altar. This act of offering is considered a pleasing sacrifice to God, representing complete dedication and atonement.
Symbolic Interpretations:
While the literal act is important, it's also useful to consider potential symbolic interpretations:
Humility and simplicity: Offering a bird, rather than a larger animal, was a less costly and more accessible form of sacrifice, perhaps available to those who were poor.
Completeness: The bird not being fully divided underscores the complete dedication required in offering a sacrifice. Even when torn open, the essence of the offering remained whole.
Atonement: Burnt offerings were often made for atonement for sins. The burning of the offering symbolized the cleansing and purification that came through sacrifice.
Context is Key:
It's essential to read this verse in the context of the entire chapter of Leviticus 1 and the broader context of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. Understanding the purpose and significance of the burnt offering within that system will give you a deeper appreciation for the meaning of this particular verse.