King James Version

What Does Leviticus 1:17 Mean?

Leviticus 1:17 in the King James Version says “And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the al...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Leviticus 1:17 · KJV

Context

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 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.

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 Aaronic priesthood mediated between God and Israel, offering sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. This prefigured Christ's superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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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. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְשִׁסַּ֨ע1 of 20

“And he shall cleave”

H8156

to split or tear; figuratively, to upbraid

אֹת֣וֹ2 of 20
H853

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

בִכְנָפָיו֮3 of 20

“it with the wings”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

לֹ֣א4 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַבְדִּיל֒5 of 20

“thereof but shall not divide it asunder”

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

וְהִקְטִ֨יר6 of 20

“shall burn”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

אֹת֤וֹ7 of 20
H853

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

הַכֹּהֵן֙8 of 20

“and the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה9 of 20

“it upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

עַל10 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽעֵצִ֖ים11 of 20

“upon the wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל13 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאֵ֑שׁ14 of 20

“that is upon the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

עֹלָ֣ה15 of 20

“it is a burnt sacrifice”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

ה֗וּא16 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אִשֵּׁ֛ה17 of 20

“an offering made by fire”

H801

properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice

רֵ֥יחַ18 of 20

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ19 of 20

“of a sweet”

H5207

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

לַֽיהוָֽה׃20 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 1:17 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 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 15:10Leviticus 1:9-10John 19:30Leviticus 5:8Psalms 16:10Leviticus 1:13

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