King James Version

What Does Leviticus 3:5 Mean?

Leviticus 3:5 in the King James Version says “And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.”

Leviticus 3:5 · KJV

Context

3

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, fat: or, suet

4

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away. caul: or, midriff over the liver, and over the kidneys

5

And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

6

And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.

7

If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the LORD.

Read Leviticus 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

This verse falls within the section on Peace Offerings. The peace offering (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) celebrated fellowship with God and community, with portions shared between God, priests, and worshipers.

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 access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The peace offering (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim) celebrated fellowship with God and community, with portions shared between God, priests, and worshipers. 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. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהִקְטִ֨ירוּ1 of 17

“shall burn”

H6999

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

אֹת֤וֹ2 of 17
H853

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

בְנֵֽי3 of 17

“sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַהֲרֹן֙4 of 17

“And Aaron's”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה5 of 17

“it on the altar”

H4196

an altar

עַל6 of 17
H5921

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

הָ֣עֹלָ֔ה7 of 17

“upon the burnt sacrifice”

H5930

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 17
H834

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

עַל9 of 17
H5921

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

הָֽעֵצִ֖ים10 of 17

“which is upon the wood”

H6086

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 17
H834

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

עַל12 of 17
H5921

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

הָאֵ֑שׁ13 of 17

“that is on the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

אִשֵּׁ֛ה14 of 17

“it is an offering made by fire”

H801

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

רֵ֥יחַ15 of 17

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ16 of 17

“of a sweet”

H5207

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

לַֽיהוָֽה׃17 of 17

“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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 6:121 Peter 2:5Exodus 29:13Leviticus 1:92 Chronicles 35:14Leviticus 9:9-10

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