King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:35 Mean?

Leviticus 4:35 in the King James Version says “And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerin...” — 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 of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.”

Leviticus 4:35 · KJV

PeaceForgiveness

Context

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.

34

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering 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:

35

And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, 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.
Hebrews 9-10 explains how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice supersedes the repeated Levitical offerings, providing permanent cleansing from sin.

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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. 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. 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 · 26 words
וְאֶת1 of 26
H853

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

כָּל2 of 26
H3605

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

חֵֽלֶב3 of 26

“all the fat”

H2459

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

יוּסַ֥ר4 of 26

“And he shall take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 26
H834

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

יוּסַ֥ר6 of 26

“And he shall take away”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

חֵֽלֶב7 of 26

“all the fat”

H2459

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

הַכֶּשֶׂב֮8 of 26

“of the lamb”

H3775

a young sheep

מִזֶּ֣בַח9 of 26

“from the sacrifice”

H2077

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

הַשְּׁלָמִים֒10 of 26

“of the peace offerings”

H8002

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

וְהִקְטִ֨יר11 of 26

“shall burn”

H6999

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

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן12 of 26

“and the priest”

H3548

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

אֹתָם֙13 of 26
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה14 of 26

“them upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

עַ֖ל15 of 26
H5921

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

אִשֵּׁ֣י16 of 26

“according to the offerings made by fire”

H801

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

יְהוָ֑ה17 of 26

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וְכִפֶּ֨ר18 of 26

“shall make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָלָ֧יו19 of 26
H5921

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

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן20 of 26

“and the priest”

H3548

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

עַל21 of 26
H5921

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

חַטָּאת֥וֹ22 of 26

“for his sin”

H2403

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

אֲשֶׁר23 of 26
H834

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

חָטָ֖א24 of 26

“that he hath committed”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

וְנִסְלַ֥ח25 of 26

“and it shall be forgiven”

H5545

to forgive

לֽוֹ׃26 of 26
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 4:35 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 4:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:26Leviticus 4:20Leviticus 6:7Leviticus 14:182 Corinthians 5:21Romans 5:6-11

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