Old Testament
Leviticus 1:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He must remove the crop along with its feathers and throw them on the east side of the altar, where the ashes are placed.
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And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:
What Leviticus 1:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 1:16, the instructions for offering a bird as a sacrifice are detailed. The person making the offering must remove the crop, which is a part of the bird's digestive system, along with its feathers. This is done to ensure that the sacrifice is clean and acceptable to God. The removed parts are to be thrown on the east side of the altar, where the ashes are collected. This act symbolizes the removal of impurities and the proper handling of the sacrificial offering. The east side of the altar is significant, as it is often associated with the direction of God's presence. This verse emphasizes the importance of following God's commands precisely in worship and sacrifice, reflecting the seriousness of approaching God with a pure heart and offering.
How to apply Leviticus 1:16 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of approaching God with sincerity and purity in our worship. Just as the Israelites had specific instructions for sacrifices, we too should strive to offer our lives and actions in a way that honors God, ensuring we remove any spiritual impurities.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 1:16
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At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the crop of a bird refer to in Leviticus 1:16?
The crop is a part of a bird's digestive system where food is stored before it moves to the stomach. In Leviticus 1:16, the removal of the crop is part of the sacrificial process, symbolizing the need for purity and cleanliness in offerings to God.
Why is the east side of the altar significant in this verse?
The east side of the altar is significant because it is often associated with the direction of God's presence and blessings. In biblical tradition, the east is seen as a place of light and new beginnings, making it a fitting location for the disposal of parts removed from the sacrificial bird.
What does this verse teach about the importance of obedience in worship?
Leviticus 1:16 emphasizes the importance of following God's specific instructions in worship and sacrifice. It shows that God desires His people to approach Him with reverence and care, ensuring that their offerings are made according to His commands, reflecting a heart of obedience.
How can we apply the principles of Leviticus 1:16 to our lives today?
We can apply the principles of Leviticus 1:16 by striving for purity and sincerity in our worship and daily lives. Just as the Israelites were instructed to remove impurities from their sacrifices, we should seek to eliminate spiritual impurities and approach God with a clean heart, honoring Him in all we do.
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