Leviticus 9:10 - but the fat, and the kidneys, and the cover from the liver of the sin offering, he burned upon the altar; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 9:10

What does "Leviticus 9:10" mean?


This verse from Leviticus 9:10 describes a specific part of the sin offering ritual performed by Aaron on the eighth day of the priestly ordination (Leviticus 9). Let's break down the elements:

"but the fat, and the kidneys, and the cover from the liver of the sin offering": This refers to specific internal organs and their fat covering of the bull sacrificed as a sin offering. These were considered particularly choice or essential parts of the animal. In the ancient Near East, fat was often associated with richness and nourishment, and therefore considered a valuable offering to God. The kidneys and the lobe of the liver were also considered significant organs.

"he burned upon the altar": Burning something on the altar signified offering it up to God. The smoke would rise, symbolizing the offering ascending to Yahweh.

"as Yahweh commanded Moses": This is a crucial phrase that emphasizes that this specific practice was not arbitrary, but divinely ordained through God's instructions to Moses. The actions were performed in obedience to God's specific commands.

In essence, the verse describes a specific act of offering certain parts of the sin offering animal (the fat, kidneys, and the lobe of the liver) to God by burning them on the altar, in accordance with God's commands given to Moses.

The significance and symbolic meaning of the Sin Offering

The sin offering was one of the major types of sacrifices in the Old Testament. It was not so much to atone for individual, personal sins. These were atoned for by "trespass offerings". The sin offering served to purify the tabernacle or temple from ritual impurity. It also helped to repair the relationship between God and the community when that relationship had been damaged by sin. Burning these specific parts of the animal on the altar was a symbolic act of acknowledging sin and seeking atonement.

In summary, the verse describes a ritual act of offering specific parts of a sin offering to God, as prescribed by God himself through Moses. This was part of the larger system of sacrifices designed to address sin and maintain the covenant relationship between God and his people.

What categories does "Leviticus 9:10" have?