King James Version

What Does Leviticus 1:9 Mean?

Leviticus 1:9 in the King James Version says “But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.”

Leviticus 1:9 · KJV

Context

7

And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire:

8

And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:

9

But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

10

And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

11

And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.

Read Leviticus 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be 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.
The New Testament reveals that Christ's sacrifice accomplishes what the Levitical system could only symbolize—complete forgiveness and restoration of relationship with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

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 does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin, the cost of redemption, or the beauty of holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְקִרְבּ֥וֹ1 of 14

“But his inwards”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וּכְרָעָ֖יו2 of 14

“and his legs”

H3767

the leg (from the knee to the ankle) of men or locusts (only in the dual)

יִרְחַ֣ץ3 of 14

“shall he wash”

H7364

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

בַּמָּ֑יִם4 of 14

“in water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְהִקְטִ֨יר5 of 14

“shall burn”

H6999

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

הַכֹּהֵ֤ן6 of 14

“and the priest”

H3548

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

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

הַכֹּל֙8 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה9 of 14

“all on the altar”

H4196

an altar

עֹלָ֛ה10 of 14

“to be a burnt sacrifice”

H5930

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

אִשֵּׁ֥ה11 of 14

“an offering made by fire”

H801

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

רֵֽיחַ12 of 14

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיח֖וֹחַ13 of 14

“of a sweet”

H5207

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“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 1:9 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 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 8:21Leviticus 1:13Ephesians 5:22 Corinthians 2:15Exodus 29:18Leviticus 3:11

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Leviticus 1 with CommentaryAll Leviticus ChaptersComplete Leviticus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes