Old Testament
Leviticus 1:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He must tear it open by its wings without pulling it completely apart. Then the priest will burn it on the altar, on the wood over the fire. It is a burnt offering — an offering made by fire, producing an aroma that pleases the LORD."
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And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is upon the fire: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
What Leviticus 1:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 1:17, the instructions for a burnt offering are detailed. The person making the offering must carefully open the bird by its wings, ensuring it is not completely torn apart. This method of preparation is significant as it symbolizes the offering's completeness and the proper way to present it to God. After the bird is prepared, the priest will burn it on the altar, using wood and fire. The smoke from the burning offering is described as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, indicating that the act of sacrifice is accepted and honored by God. This ritual reflects the seriousness of approaching God and the importance of following His commands in worship. The burnt offering represents total dedication and surrender to God, as the entire animal is consumed by fire, leaving nothing for the offerer. This act serves as a reminder of the need for atonement and the desire to be in right relationship with God.
How to apply Leviticus 1:17 to your life
When we offer our lives to God, we should do so with sincerity and dedication, just as the burnt offering was completely given to Him. This teaches us the importance of giving our best to God and following His guidance in our worship and daily lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
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Keep studying Leviticus 1:17
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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 Leviticus 1:17 mean?
Leviticus 1:17 provides instructions for preparing a burnt offering, specifically how to open the bird by its wings without tearing it apart. This symbolizes the proper way to present the offering to God, emphasizing the importance of following His commands in worship.
What is the significance of the burnt offering in Leviticus 1:17?
The burnt offering in Leviticus 1:17 represents total dedication to God, as the entire animal is consumed by fire. It signifies the seriousness of approaching God and the need for atonement, reflecting a desire to be in right relationship with Him.
What does the phrase 'sweet savour' mean in Leviticus 1:17?
The phrase 'sweet savour' in Leviticus 1:17 refers to the pleasing aroma produced by the burnt offering as it is burned on the altar. It indicates that the sacrifice is accepted by God and honors the act of worship.
How should we apply Leviticus 1:17 to our lives today?
Leviticus 1:17 teaches us to offer our lives to God with sincerity and dedication, just as the burnt offering was completely given to Him. It reminds us to give our best to God and to follow His guidance in our worship and daily actions.
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