Old Testament
Leviticus 1:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 1:13, the process of preparing a burnt offering is described.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
The person offering it must wash the internal organs and the legs with water. Then the priest will bring the whole animal and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering — an offering made by fire, producing an aroma that pleases the LORD.
But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 1:13, the process of preparing a burnt offering is described. The person making the offering must first wash the internal organs and legs of the animal with water. This act of washing symbolizes purification and readiness for sacrifice. After this, the priest takes the entire animal and places it on the altar to be burned. The burning of the offering is significant as it represents total dedication to God, and the smoke rising from the fire creates a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This ritual emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and the seriousness of approaching God with a pure heart. The burnt offering is a way for the worshiper to express devotion and seek atonement, highlighting the relationship between God and His people through acts of worship and sacrifice.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 1:13 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of approaching God with a pure heart and a sincere attitude. Just as the animal was prepared with care, we should also prepare ourselves spiritually before engaging in worship or prayer, ensuring we are clean and focused on God.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 1:13 mean?
Leviticus 1:13 describes the process of preparing a burnt offering, emphasizing the need for purification by washing the animal's internal organs and legs. This preparation symbolizes readiness and dedication to God, as the entire animal is then burned on the altar, producing a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
What is the significance of washing in Leviticus 1:13?
Washing the internal organs and legs in Leviticus 1:13 symbolizes purification and the importance of approaching God with a clean heart. It reflects the seriousness of the sacrifice and the worshiper's intent to present themselves properly before God.
What is a burnt offering according to Leviticus 1:13?
A burnt offering, as described in Leviticus 1:13, is a type of sacrifice where the entire animal is burned on the altar. This act represents total dedication to God and serves as a means for the worshiper to express devotion and seek atonement.
How does Leviticus 1:13 relate to worship?
Leviticus 1:13 highlights the ritual of sacrifice as a form of worship, emphasizing the need for purity and sincerity in approaching God. The burnt offering signifies a deep commitment to God and the importance of preparing oneself spiritually for worship.

The Book of Leviticus
Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering
The LORD calls to Moses from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering. A man who brings a burnt offering from the herd presents a male without blemish at the door of the tabernacle. He lays his hand on the head of the offering, kills it, and Aaron's sons the priests sprinkle the blood around the altar. The animal is flayed and cut into pieces, and the whole is burned on the altar as a sweet savor to the LORD.
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