King James Version

What Does Leviticus 8:16 Mean?

Leviticus 8:16 in the King James Version says “And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.”

Leviticus 8:16 · KJV

Context

14

And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.

15

And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

16

And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.

17

But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the LORD commanded Moses.

18

And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

Read Leviticus 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar.

This verse falls within the section on Consecration of Aaron and Sons. The ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood.

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 ordination ceremony established the Aaronic priesthood, involving washing, anointing, and sacrifice—prefiguring Christ's priesthood. Chapters 8-10 describe the priesthood's consecration and early ministry. Aaron and his sons received special anointing for their mediatorial role between God and Israel. The tragic account of Nadab and Abihu (ch. 10) demonstrates that approaching God requires reverence and obedience. 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 tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  2. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּקַּ֗ח1 of 18

“And he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶֽת2 of 18
H853

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

כָּל3 of 18
H3605

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

חֶלְבְּהֶ֑ן4 of 18

“all the fat”

H2459

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 18
H834

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

עַל6 of 18
H5921

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

הַקֶּרֶב֒7 of 18

“that was upon the inwards”

H7130

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

וְאֵת֙8 of 18
H853

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

יֹתֶ֣רֶת9 of 18

“and the caul”

H3508

the lobe or flap of the liver (as if redundant or outhanging)

הַכָּבֵ֔ד10 of 18

“above the liver”

H3516

the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)

וְאֶת11 of 18
H853

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

שְׁתֵּ֥י12 of 18

“and the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַכְּלָיֹ֖ת13 of 18

“kidneys”

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

וְאֶֽת14 of 18
H853

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

חֶלְבְּהֶ֑ן15 of 18

“all the fat”

H2459

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

וַיַּקְטֵ֥ר16 of 18

“burned”

H6999

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

מֹשֶׁ֖ה17 of 18

“and Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הַמִּזְבֵּֽחָה׃18 of 18

“it 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 8:16 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 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:13Leviticus 3:3-5Leviticus 4:8-9

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