King James Version

What Does Leviticus 16:25 Mean?

Leviticus 16:25 in the King James Version says “And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.”

Leviticus 16:25 · KJV

Context

23

And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:

24

And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.

25

And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.

26

And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.

27

And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.

Read Leviticus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.

This verse falls within the section on Day of Atonement. The most sacred day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for all Israel's sins.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The most sacred day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for all Israel's sins. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) described in chapter 16 became Israel's most sacred day. Only on this annual day could the high priest enter the Holy of Holies, making atonement for the entire nation. This ceremony, still observed in Judaism, found ultimate fulfillment in Christ's entrance into heaven itself (Hebrews 9:11-12). Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Archaeological discoveries at sites like Ugarit reveal Canaanite religious practices Israel's laws explicitly rejected, confirming the Bible's historical reliability and the distinctiveness of Israelite worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וְאֵ֛ת1 of 5
H853

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

חֵ֥לֶב2 of 5

“And the fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

הַֽחַטָּ֖את3 of 5

“of the sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

יַקְטִ֥יר4 of 5

“shall he burn”

H6999

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

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃5 of 5

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 16:25 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 16:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:13Leviticus 4:8-10Leviticus 4:19Leviticus 16:6

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