King James Version

What Does Leviticus 4:8 Mean?

Leviticus 4:8 in the King James Version says “And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and al...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,”

Leviticus 4:8 · KJV

Context

6

And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

7

And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

8

And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

9

And the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away,

10

As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering.

Read Leviticus 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

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 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. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

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 reveal God's character, and how should that revelation shape your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאֶת1 of 18
H853

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

כָּל2 of 18
H3605

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

הַחֵ֔לֶב3 of 18

“and all the fat”

H2459

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

פַּ֥ר4 of 18

“of the bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

הַֽחַטָּ֖את5 of 18

“for the sin offering”

H2403

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

יָרִ֣ים6 of 18

“And he shall take off”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ7 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֶת8 of 18
H853

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

הַחֵ֔לֶב9 of 18

“and all the fat”

H2459

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

הַֽמְכַסֶּ֣ה10 of 18

“that covereth”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

עַל11 of 18
H5921

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

הַקֶּֽרֶב׃12 of 18

“that is upon the inwards”

H7130

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

וְאֵת֙13 of 18
H853

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

כָּל14 of 18
H3605

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

הַחֵ֔לֶב15 of 18

“and all the fat”

H2459

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר16 of 18
H834

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

עַל17 of 18
H5921

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

הַקֶּֽרֶב׃18 of 18

“that is upon the inwards”

H7130

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

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 4:8 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 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 3:3-5Leviticus 4:26Leviticus 3:14-16Leviticus 7:3-5John 12:27Leviticus 4:19

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