Leviticus 9:20
Leviticus 9:20 in Multiple Translations
and placed these on the breasts. Aaron burned the fat portions on the altar,
And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
They put the fat on the breasts, and the fat was burned on the altar.
and put them on the breasts. Aaron burned the fat portions on the altar,
So they layed the fat vpon the breasts, and he burnt the fat vpon the Altar.
and they set the fat on the breasts, and he maketh perfume with the fat on the altar;
and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar.
And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
They put upon the breasts. And after the fat was burnt upon the altar,
He put them on top of the breasts of those animals and carried them to the altar to be burned.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 9:20
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 9:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּשִׂ֥ימוּ
אֶת
הַ/חֲלָבִ֖ים
עַל
הֶ/חָז֑וֹת
וַ/יַּקְטֵ֥ר
הַ/חֲלָבִ֖ים
הַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחָ/ה
וַ/יָּשִׂ֥ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/חֲלָבִ֖ים
cheleb
H2459
fat
Art | N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הֶ/חָז֑וֹת
châzeh
H2373
breast
Art | N-mp
וַ/יַּקְטֵ֥ר
qâṭar
H6999
to offer
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/חֲלָבִ֖ים
cheleb
H2459
fat
Art | N-mp
הַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחָ/ה
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 9:20
וַ/יָּשִׂ֥ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
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.
הַ/חֲלָבִ֖ים
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
Art | N-mp
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
הֶ/חָז֑וֹת
châzeh
H2373
"breast"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for breast, often referring to the front of an animal, especially in sacrifices. It appears in descriptions of animal offerings in the Bible.
Definition: breast (of animals), breast of an animal sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: cha.di (חֲדִי "breast" H2306)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: breast. See also: Exodus 29:26; Leviticus 9:20; Numbers 18:18.
וַ/יַּקְטֵ֥ר
qâṭar
H6999
"to offer"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-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/חֲלָבִ֖ים
cheleb
H2459
"fat"
Art | N-mp
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.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחָ/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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 9:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Aaron’s First Offerings
18Then he slaughtered the ox and the ram as the people’s peace offering. His sons brought him the blood, and he splattered it on all sides of the altar.
19They also brought the fat portions from the ox and the ram—the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver—
20and placed these on the breasts. Aaron burned the fat portions on the altar,
21but he waved the breasts and the right thigh as a wave offering before the LORD, as Moses had commanded. 22Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having made the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering, he stepped down.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 3:14–17 | And from his offering he shall present an offering made by fire to the LORD: 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. Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.” |
| 2 | Leviticus 7:29–34 | “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Anyone who presents a peace offering to the LORD must bring it as his sacrifice to the LORD. With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD. The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’” |
Leviticus 9:20 Summary
In Leviticus 9:20, Aaron burns the fat portions of the animal on the altar, which symbolizes offering the best and finest to God. This act of sacrifice reminds us that our worship and offerings should be pleasing to God, just like the sweet aroma of the burning fat portions. As seen in Genesis 8:21, our sacrifices should be a pleasing aroma to God, and in Psalm 51:17, God desires a broken and contrite heart. By offering our lives as a sacrifice of praise, we can worship God in a way that is intentional, deliberate, and pleasing to Him, just like Aaron's actions in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of burning the fat portions on the altar in Leviticus 9:20?
Burning the fat portions on the altar symbolizes the offering of the best and finest to God, as instructed in Leviticus 3:16, and it is a reminder that our sacrifices should be pleasing to God, as seen in Genesis 8:21.
Why did Aaron place the fat portions on the breasts before burning them?
The placement of the fat portions on the breasts may symbolize the offering of the innermost and most precious parts of the animal, representing the innermost parts of our own hearts, as seen in Psalm 51:17, where God desires a broken and contrite heart.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sacrifice in the New Testament?
The concept of sacrifice in Leviticus 9:20 is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, as seen in Hebrews 10:12, where Jesus offers one sacrifice for all time, and in Romans 12:1, where we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God.
What can we learn from Aaron's actions in this verse about our own worship and sacrifice?
Aaron's actions in Leviticus 9:20 teach us that our worship and sacrifice should be intentional, deliberate, and pleasing to God, as seen in Colossians 3:17, where we are called to do everything in the name of Jesus, and in Romans 11:36, where we are called to offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'fat portions' of my life that I can offer to God as a sacrifice of praise?
- How can I, like Aaron, intentionally and deliberately offer my worship and sacrifice to God in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- What does it mean for me to 'place my heart' on the altar, as symbolized by the placement of the fat portions on the breasts in this verse?
- In what ways can I offer myself as a living sacrifice to God, as called to in Romans 12:1, and how does this relate to the concept of sacrifice in Leviticus 9:20?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 9:20
And they put the fat upon the breasts,.... Both of the bullock and of the ram, while they were waving: and he burnt the fat upon the altar; after having been waved.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 9:20
And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning. Meat offering ... wave offering.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 9:20
The breasts were reserved for the priest out of the peace-offerings, which were offered for the people. See ,31,34.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 9:20
(18-21) He slew also the bullock.—Better, and he slew, &c. With this peace offering, which was carried out according to the rules prescribed in Leviticus 3:1, &c, concluded the sacrificial ceremony of the installation of the priesthood and the sanctification of the people.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 9:20
18–21. The sacrifice of Peace-Offerings. The fat parts of both animals are burnt by Aaron on the altar; the breasts and the right thigh (?of both animals) are ‘waved before the Lord.’ The right thigh was burnt in the ceremony of consecration (Leviticus 8:28); now Aaron, officiating as priest, retains both breast and thigh for himself.