King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:31 Mean?

Leviticus 4:31 in the King James Version says “And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the ...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.”

Leviticus 4:31 · KJV

PeaceForgiveness

Context

29

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.

30

And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar.

31

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

32

And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish.

33

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering.

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

This verse falls within the section on Sin Offerings. The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence.

The Hebrew word kaphar (כָּפַר) means 'to cover' or 'to make atonement.' The sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, pointing forward to Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. 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 holiness demanded in Leviticus becomes possible through Christ, who both satisfies God's righteous requirements and transforms believers by His Spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) provided atonement for unintentional sins, addressing the defilement sin causes in God's holy presence. 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. In what ways does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ's atoning sacrifice and the seriousness of sin?
  2. How does Christ's superior priesthood, prefigured in this verse, assure you of access to God and effective intercession?
  3. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְאֶת1 of 21
H853

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

כָּל2 of 21
H3605

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

חֵלֶב֮3 of 21

“all the fat”

H2459

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

הוּסַ֣ר4 of 21

“And he shall take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 21
H834

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

הוּסַ֣ר6 of 21

“And he shall take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

חֵלֶב֮7 of 21

“all the fat”

H2459

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

מֵעַ֣ל8 of 21
H5921

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

זֶ֣בַח9 of 21

“from off the sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

הַשְּׁלָמִים֒10 of 21

“of peace offerings”

H8002

properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks

וְהִקְטִ֤יר11 of 21

“shall burn”

H6999

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן12 of 21

“and the priest”

H3548

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה13 of 21

“it upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

לְרֵ֥יחַ14 of 21

“savour”

H7381

odor (as if blown)

נִיחֹ֖חַ15 of 21

“for a sweet”

H5207

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה16 of 21

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וְכִפֶּ֥ר17 of 21

“shall make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָ֛יו18 of 21
H5921

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

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן19 of 21

“and the priest”

H3548

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

וְנִסְלַ֥ח20 of 21

“for him and it shall be forgiven”

H5545

to forgive

לֽוֹ׃21 of 21
H0

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 4:31 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 4:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:26Leviticus 4:35Genesis 8:21Leviticus 1:9Leviticus 1:131 John 4:9-10

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