King James Version

What Does Leviticus 9:10 Mean?

Leviticus 9:10 in the King James Version says “But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD com... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Leviticus 9:10 · KJV


Context

8

Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.

9

And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

10

But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.

11

And the flesh and the hide he burnt with fire without the camp.

12

And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.

This verse falls within the section on Priests Begin Their Ministry. Aaron's first official sacrifices as high priest, culminating in God's glory appearing and fire consuming the offerings.

The five main offerings (burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt) addressed different aspects of relationship with God, all fulfilled in Christ's comprehensive sacrifice.
Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Aaron's first official sacrifices as high priest, culminating in God's glory appearing and fire consuming the offerings. 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 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. What does this verse teach about the costliness of true worship and dedication to God?
  3. How does understanding the purpose behind God's laws help you obey Him from the heart rather than mere duty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאֶת1 of 17
H853

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

הַחֵ֨לֶב2 of 17

But the fat

H2459

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

וְאֶת3 of 17
H853

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

הַכְּלָיֹ֜ת4 of 17

and the kidneys

H3629

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

וְאֶת5 of 17
H853

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

הַיֹּתֶ֤רֶת6 of 17

and the caul

H3508

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

מִן7 of 17

above

H4480

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

הַכָּבֵד֙8 of 17

the liver

H3516

the liver (as the heaviest of the viscera)

מִן9 of 17

above

H4480

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

הַ֣חַטָּ֔את10 of 17

of the sin offering

H2403

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

הִקְטִ֖יר11 of 17

he burnt

H6999

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חָה12 of 17

upon the altar

H4196

an altar

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר13 of 17
H834

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

צִוָּ֥ה14 of 17

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 17

as the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת16 of 17
H853

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃17 of 17

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


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 9:10 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 9:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study