King James Version

What Does Leviticus 1:16 Mean?

Leviticus 1:16 in the King James Version says “And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the a...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes: his feathers: or, the filth thereof”

Leviticus 1:16 · KJV

Context

14

And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.

15

And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar: wring: or, pinch off the head with the nail

16

And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes: his feathers: or, the filth thereof

17

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is upon the fire: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:

This verse falls within the section on Burnt Offerings. The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) represents complete consecration to God. Unlike other offerings, it was entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total dedication.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) represents complete consecration to God. Unlike other offerings, it was entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total dedication. Leviticus was given to Israel at Mount Sinai, shortly after the tabernacle's construction described in Exodus. The name 'Leviticus' (from Latin Leviticus, referring to the Levites) reflects its focus on priestly duties, though the Hebrew title Wayyiqra ('And He called') emphasizes God's initiative in revealing these laws. The first seven chapters detail the five main offerings, providing both worshiper instructions and priestly procedures. Ancient Near Eastern cultures had various sacrificial systems, but Israel's sacrificial worship was unique in its ethical foundation, monotheistic framework, and emphasis on atonement rather than appeasement. Unlike pagan rituals focused on manipulating deities, Israel's sacrifices acknowledged God's sovereignty and sought reconciliation based on His gracious provision. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?
  3. What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְהֵסִ֥יר1 of 12

“And he shall pluck away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת2 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֻרְאָת֖וֹ3 of 12

“his crop”

H4760

something conspicuous, i.e., the craw of a bird (from its prominence)

בְּנֹֽצָתָ֑הּ4 of 12

“with his feathers”

H5133

a pinion (or wing feather); often (collectively) plumage

וְהִשְׁלִ֨יךְ5 of 12

“and cast”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אֹתָ֜הּ6 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֵ֤צֶל7 of 12

“it beside”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙8 of 12

“the altar”

H4196

an altar

קֵ֔דְמָה9 of 12

“on the east part”

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

אֶל10 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מְק֖וֹם11 of 12

“by the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַדָּֽשֶׁן׃12 of 12

“of the ashes”

H1880

the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 1:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:11-14Luke 1:351 Peter 1:2Leviticus 4:12Leviticus 16:27Leviticus 6:10-11

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