Leviticus 4:26

Leviticus 4:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He must burn all its fat on the altar, like the fat of the peace offerings; thus the priest will make atonement for that man’s sin, and he will be forgiven.

King James Version KJV

And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

American Standard Version ASV

And all the fat thereof shall he burn upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace-offerings; and the priest shall make atonement for him as concerning his sin, and he shall be forgiven.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And all the fat of it is to be burned on the altar like the fat of the peace-offering; and the priest will take away his sin and he will have forgiveness.

Free Bible Version FBV

He shall burn all its fat on the altar like the fat of the peace offerings. In this way the priest will make the man's sin right, and he will be forgiven.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And shall burne all his fat vpon the altar, as the fat of the peace offring: so the Priest shall make an atonement for him, concerning his sinne, and it shalbe forgiuen him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and with all its fat he doth make perfume on the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of the peace-offerings; and the priest hath made atonement for him because of his sin, and it hath been forgiven him.

World English Bible WEB

All its fat he shall burn on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin, and he will be forgiven.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace-offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But the fat he shall burn upon it, as is wont to be done with the victims of peace offerings: and the priest shall pray for him, and for his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he must burn all the fat on the altar, as was done with the fat of the offering to maintain good fellowship with Yahweh. As a result of the priest’s doing that, the leader will no longer be guilty for his sin and he will be forgiven.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 4:26

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Leviticus 4:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אֶת כָּל חֶלְבּ/וֹ֙ יַקְטִ֣יר הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חָ/ה כְּ/חֵ֖לֶב זֶ֣בַח הַ/שְּׁלָמִ֑ים וְ/כִפֶּ֨ר עָלָ֧י/ו הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן מֵ/חַטָּאת֖/וֹ וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח לֽ/וֹ

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

חֶלְבּ/וֹ֙ cheleb H2459 fat N-ms | Suff

יַקְטִ֣יר qâṭar H6999 to offer V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חָ/ה mizbêach H4196 altar Art | N-ms | Suff

כְּ/חֵ֖לֶב cheleb H2459 fat Prep | N-ms

זֶ֣בַח zebach H2077 sacrifice N-ms

הַ/שְּׁלָמִ֑ים shelem H8002 peace offering Art | N-mp

וְ/כִפֶּ֨ר kâphar H3722 to atone Conj | V-Piel-3ms

עָלָ֧י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

מֵ/חַטָּאת֖/וֹ chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin Prep | N-fs | Suff

וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח çâlach H5545 to forgive Conj | V-Niphal-3ms

לֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 4:26

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

חֶלְבּ/וֹ֙ cheleb H2459 "fat" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, cheleb refers to fat, whether literal or figurative, representing the richest or best part of something. It can describe the choicest products of the land or the best of human or animal fat. This term is used to convey abundance and richness.

Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.

יַקְטִ֣יר qâṭar H6999 "to offer" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

This word refers to the act of burning incense as an act of worship, often using a special altar. It involves turning something into a fragrant smoke, and is an important part of Old Testament rituals and sacrifices.

Definition: : burn v 1) to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, make sacrifices smoke 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make sacrifices smoke 1a2) to sacrifice 1b) (Pual) to smoke a sacrifice 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make sacrifices smoke 1c2) to cause incense to smoke, offer incense 1c3) to make smoke upon 1d) (Hophal) to be made to smoke

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). See also: Exodus 29:13; 2 Kings 15:35; Isaiah 65:3.

הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חָ/ה mizbêach H4196 "altar" Art | N-ms | Suff

An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.

Definition: altar

Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.

כְּ/חֵ֖לֶב cheleb H2459 "fat" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) fat 1a) fat (of humans) 1b) fat (of beasts) 1c) choicest, best part, abundance (of products of the land)

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow. See also: Genesis 4:4; Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 17:10.

זֶ֣בַח zebach H2077 "sacrifice" N-ms

A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.

Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.

הַ/שְּׁלָמִ֑ים shelem H8002 "peace offering" Art | N-mp

A peace offering is a voluntary sacrifice to show thanks, like the ones described in Leviticus. It's a way to express gratitude and friendship with God. The Israelites gave these offerings to celebrate special occasions.

Definition: 1) peace offering, requital, sacrifice for alliance or friendship 1a) voluntary sacrifice of thanks

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: peace offering. See also: Exodus 20:24; Numbers 7:53; Proverbs 7:14.

וְ/כִפֶּ֨ר kâphar H3722 "to atone" Conj | V-Piel-3ms

To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.

Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.

עָלָ֧י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֛ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

מֵ/חַטָּאת֖/וֹ chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" Prep | N-fs | Suff

This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.

Definition: sin, sinful thing

Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.

וְ/נִסְלַ֥ח çâlach H5545 "to forgive" Conj | V-Niphal-3ms

To forgive is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's pardon and mercy towards humanity, as seen in Psalm 86:5. It involves letting go of anger or resentment towards someone who has wronged us, and is a key concept in the Bible's teachings on love and relationships.

Definition: 1) to forgive, pardon 1a) (Qal) to forgive, pardon 1b) (Niphal) to be forgiven

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: forgive, pardon, spare. See also: Exodus 34:9; 1 Kings 8:36; Psalms 25:11.

לֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Leviticus 4:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Leviticus 4:26 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 4:26
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 4:26
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 4:26
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 4:26
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 4:26
Sermons on Leviticus 4:26

Context — Laws for Sin Offerings

24He is to lay his hand on the head of the goat and slaughter it at the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered before the LORD. It is a sin offering. 25Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

26He must burn all its fat on the altar, like the fat of the peace offerings; thus the priest will make atonement for that man’s sin, and he will be forgiven.

27And if one of the common people sins unintentionally and does what is prohibited by any of the LORD’s commandments, he incurs guilt. 28When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished female goat as his offering for that sin.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 4:20	He shall offer this bull just as he did the bull for the sin offering; in this way the priest will make atonement on their behalf, and they will be forgiven.
2	Leviticus 4:31	Then he is to remove all the fat, just as it is removed from the peace offering, and the priest is to burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.
3	Leviticus 4:35	And he shall remove all the fat, just as the fat of the lamb is removed from the peace offerings, and he shall burn it on the altar along with the offerings made by fire to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.
4	Leviticus 5:10	And the priest must prepare the second bird as a burnt offering according to the ordinance. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.
5	Leviticus 3:5	Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
6	Numbers 15:28	And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the person who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven.
7	Leviticus 5:16	Regarding any holy thing he has harmed, he must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value to it and giving it to the priest, who will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.
8	Leviticus 6:7	In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for anything he may have done to incur guilt.”
9	Leviticus 4:8–10	Then he shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys— just as the fat is removed from the ox of the peace offering. Then the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering.
10	Leviticus 6:20–30	“This is the offering that Aaron and his sons must present to the LORD on the day he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening. It shall be prepared with oil on a griddle; you are to bring it well-kneaded and present it as a grain offering broken in pieces, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The priest, who is one of Aaron’s sons and will be anointed to take his place, is to prepare it. As a permanent portion for the LORD, it must be burned completely. Every grain offering for a priest shall be burned completely; it is not to be eaten.” And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons that this is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, the sin offering shall be slaughtered before the LORD; it is most holy. The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. Anything that touches its flesh will become holy, and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment, you must wash it in a holy place. The clay pot in which the sin offering is boiled must be broken; if it is boiled in a bronze pot, the pot must be scoured and rinsed with water. Any male among the priests may eat it; it is most holy. But no sin offering may be eaten if its blood has been brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place; it must be burned.

Leviticus 4:26 Summary

Leviticus 4:26 tells us that when we sin, we need to make things right with God, and this is done through the sacrifice of an animal, which is a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ would later make for us, as seen in John 1:29. The priest burns all the fat of the animal on the altar, which shows that our sin is completely removed from us, and we are forgiven, just like the man in this verse. This is a beautiful picture of God's love and mercy towards us, as seen in Psalm 103:12, where our sins are removed from us, and we are forgiven. By trusting in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice, we can experience this forgiveness and have a deep sense of peace and joy in our relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of burning all the fat on the altar in Leviticus 4:26?

Burning all the fat on the altar signifies the complete surrender and dedication of the offering to God, just as in the peace offerings, and it is a symbol of the completeness of the atonement for sin, as seen in Leviticus 4:26 and Leviticus 3:3-5.

How does the priest making atonement for the man's sin relate to the concept of forgiveness?

The priest making atonement for the man's sin, as mentioned in Leviticus 4:26, is a demonstration of God's mercy and grace, as seen in Psalm 103:12, where our sins are removed from us, and we are forgiven, just as the man in this verse is forgiven through the atonement made by the priest.

What is the role of the priest in the sin offering, and how does it point to Jesus Christ?

The priest plays a crucial role in the sin offering, as he is the one who makes atonement for the sin, as seen in Leviticus 4:26, and this points to Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:14-16, and who makes atonement for our sins through His sacrifice on the cross, as seen in Romans 3:24-25.

How does this verse relate to the concept of guilt and sin in the Bible?

This verse, Leviticus 4:26, shows that sin incurs guilt, as mentioned in Leviticus 4:27-28, and that atonement must be made to remove this guilt, which is a fundamental concept in the Bible, as seen in Psalm 51:1-9, where David confesses his sin and asks for forgiveness and cleansing.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for me to 'burn all the fat' in my own life, surrendering everything to God, and how can I apply this principle in my daily walk with Him?
How does the concept of atonement in this verse relate to my own understanding of God's forgiveness, and how can I deepen my appreciation for this gift?
In what ways can I, like the priest in this verse, be an agent of forgiveness and reconciliation in the lives of those around me, pointing them to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ?
What are some areas in my life where I need to confess sin and seek forgiveness, and how can I, like the man in this verse, experience the joy of being forgiven through the atonement made by Jesus Christ?

Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 4:26

And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, e.] Of burnt offering, that is, the priest shall do it: as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings see Leviticus 3:3 and the priest shall make an

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 4:26

When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD his God concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty; When a ruler hath sinned.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 4:26

Both ceremonially and judicially, as to all ecclesiastical censures or civil punishments; and really, upon condition of their repentance and faith in the Messias to come.

Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 4:26

Leviticus 4:26 And he shall burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him.Ver. 26. All his fat.] See Leviticus 4:19. The fat was burnt, saith one, because, among other things, it signified duricordium, hard heartedness.

Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 4:26

22–26. The Sin-Offering for the ruler, a he-goat The blood in this case is not brought into the tent of meeting but put upon the horns of the altar of Burnt-Offering, and poured out at the base of the altar. The fat and inwards are removed and burnt on the altar as in the two preceding cases. An ordinary priest officiates.

Sermons on Leviticus 4:26

	Sermon	Description
	God's Handbook on Holiness - Part 2 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the offerings that were made in the tabernacle as described in the book of Leviticus. The tabernacle was a portable place of worship where sa
	Of the Pardon of Sin. by John Gill	John Gill expounds on the doctrine of the pardon of sin, emphasizing that it is rooted in the satisfaction made by Christ. He explains that forgiveness is a revelation of the gospe
	Atonement by G.W. North	G.W. North emphasizes the distinction between redemption and atonement in his sermon, explaining that while redemption is foundational to both the Old and New Testaments, atonement
	(Pure Testimony) a Witness for God on Earth by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for God in our personal lives and within our families. He uses the example of Job, who was described as an